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Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. B.A. in Music Performance -Trumpet, 2009
Conservatory Amadeo Roldan, Havana, Cuba, Bachelors in Performance & Education, 1992
Music Conservatory Paulita Concepcion, Havana, Cuba, High School Level Music Diploma, 1988
Three Grammy Awards as well as a recording and touring career with the Buena Vista Social Club
Berklee College of Music- awarded “Maynard Ferguson Award”
Artist Master Classes at different universities such as University of California Berkley, CA, University of Santa Barbara, CA, Howard University, DC, University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, Winnipeg University, CA, University of London, UK and University of Cambridge, UK among others.
I was born in Havana, Cuba. After many years of study on trumpet and flugelhorn, I became a regular member of the Tropicana Orchestra. During this time, I also toured with the Timba and Latin Jazz band, Klimax. This launched me in an international performance career as lead trumpet with Latin superstars such as the Afro Cuban All Stars and Cubanismo. I have been a recording artist on both the trumpet and flugelhorn inside and outside of Cuba since 1994. My performing accolades include three Grammy Awards as well as a recording and touring career with the Buena Vista Social Club. I moved to Boston in 2007 where I attended Berklee College of Music earning a Bachelor Degree in Music Performance. Currently I am an active member of the Boston music scene as a lead trumpet for several Jazz Big Bands and Latin music Orchestras.
My professional experience as an educator includes positions such as brass and ensemble director at, Harvard University, Beaver Country Day School, Medfield High School, Berklee City Music outreach program, Dover High School and Catholic Memorial High School. As well as visiting Artist Master Classes at different universities such as University of California Berkley, CA, University of Santa Barbara, CA, Howard University, DC, University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, Winnipeg University, CA, University of London, UK and University of Cambridge, UK among others. There is nothing more rewarding than passing the knowledge I’ve acquired through years of experience playing the instrument and the music that I love to new generations; and by doing that, help ensure that music stays alive for many years to come.
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I usually introduce them to Arban Method, James Stamps Warm-Up studies, Clark Studies and Daily Drills and Technical Studies for Tumpet by Max Schlossberg. Last but not least, my teaching style is based on my student's needs and what are they interested in, therefore I direct my instructions accordingly, keeping the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level.
My mission as a music educator is to empower students to reach their full potential by tapping into and educating and developing their musicianship. I strive to instill a profound love and respect for trumpet and music in general, while providing them with essential tools, historical context and rehearsal skills to succeed as individual instrumentalists and ensemble players. I thrive to watch my students develop their passion and love for their craft. Positive reinforcement is an excellent tool to help students fuel their desire to improve and inspires them to learn and achieve their goals. By trying to find out what inspires them, I can successfully carve my instruction to their specific needs.