After receiving a degree in music instruction from the Universidad de Guadalajara, he came to the States, obtaining master's in music composition from both the Peabody Conservatory and Yale University and then a Ph.D. from Princeton. He joined the faculty of SFSU in 1995. One reason for that decision is the proximity of the Bay Area to Mexico, which allows him to participate in Mexico City's lively music scene. Sanchez-Gutierrez admires in his composition students here at State. While he enjoys working with his students, he also admits that composition lessons tend to be exhausting.
Teaching brings other challenges as well.
The awarding this year of a Guggenheim Fellowship and a commission from Carnegie Hall testify to his ability to maintain his personal vision. Sanchez-Gutierrez has deferred the Guggenheim until next spring, but intends to use it to compose.