Today, we’d like to introduce you to Juan Posso.
Hi Juan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It has been a long journey. I started playing drums when I was 15 years old. By the time I was playing in the school band, and later on, I joined various local bands. From my 17s to 21, I played in rock and metal bands that gave me my first experience of working with people. Through collaborative work, we could deliver our art and were part of an active music scene not only in my hometown, Quito, Ecuador, but also in different countries in Latin America where we performed.
After that, I wanted to experiment with different styles of music and also wanted formal music instruction. Then, I got accepted to the local conservatory, where I studied classical percussion, which included jazz and contemporary music training. Later on, as a result of winning a jazz contest, I had my first experience working with jazz musicians in the United States. After that, I won a scholarship to study at USFQ in Quito, part of the Berklee international network.
As a student, I was also part of the Quito Symphonic Metropolitan Band. Alongside, I played different music styles, like salsa with La Mala Maña and reggae with Sarazino, which was part of the Vermont-based record label Cumbancha Records. These projects allowed me to travel and perform in countries like China and the United States, respectively.
After I finished my studies at USFQ, I was awarded a scholarship to study for a master’s degree at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain. I focused on music production and performing in a recording studio. These tools gave me a solid base to develop my work as a solo artist. I also performed in projects with great music masters and professors like Víctor Mendoza on the vibraphone and Perico Sambeat on the saxophone, who suggested I compose my music and create my project.
After completing my master’s program, I returned to my country to work at the University of Arts in Guayaquil, where I teach ensembles, private lessons, arranging, and theory classes. Besides that, the university has different community programs, and I had the chance to work with female prisoners, which was a touching experience. I also taught music production at the University Espíritu Santo. It was a rewarding experience working with the students during my last eight years because I could learn a lot from them.
Working as a professor also helped me develop as an artist, and during the past five years, I have been working on my project, a jazz-based trio that plays my compositions in the contemporary jazz category. With this project, I got the chance to explore my musical skills not only as a performer but also as a composer. As a result, I have played in jazz festivals in countries like Ecuador, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic and had the opportunity to collaborate and record my music with masters of this art like Perico Sambeat and being part of musical instrument brands like Canopus Drums (Japan), Bosphorus Cymbals (Turkey), and Vater Drumsticks (US).
Working as a teacher, performer, and composer motivated me to pursue a doctoral degree in this field, so I applied to the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and got accepted. It has been a very short time since then. Coincidentally, this week marks my first six months in Miami. I’m very happy and motivated to keep developing my musical skills to contribute to my students and my musical project. These last six months since I moved with my dog, Ramon, have been a revealing experience because I got to work with people I have admired and followed their careers. It’s amazing to be surrounded by these people and absorb their knowledge and work ethic.
Right now, I’m also rehearsing my music with my peers at Frost because I’m doing my first recital on April 30th, so I take this opportunity to invite all those who can come. Also, I want to book some concerts in the Miami area to be part of the music scene as an active musician, as I used to be in the other places I lived in. I look forward to meeting more people and having a great experience in this beautiful city.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, I guess. It’s just like life by its nature—full of upsides and downs. But in the end, I’m still walking this road. I’ve encountered various situations that have taught me valuable lessons and fueled my pursuit of making music.
Economic pressures, health problems, the loss of loved ones, failed relationships, and more—I’ve faced them all. However, each challenge and struggle has imparted crucial wisdom and gratitude for life’s blessings. I live each day at a time, grateful for where I am and what I have.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a composer, performer, and music producer. My principal instrument is the drums, and I am currently working on my music project titled the Juan Posso Trio, where my compositions are being played. This project has allowed me to express myself as a human being and enhanced my abilities as a performer.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to experiment with and perform various styles of music, but my main specialized discipline is jazz performance. Additionally, I have collaborated with different artists on recordings and live performances. I believe that playing different styles of music can be likened to speaking different languages, enabling me to connect with various cultures through music.
On the production side, I have produced, mixed, and mastered my music and songs for various artists. I have been teaching as an educator at the University of Arts for the past eight years. I take pride in being a musician who comes from the middle of the world and can deliver art internationally. What sets me apart from others is my ability to play different styles of music and my proficiency in music production.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My music was inspired by and composed in Valencia, Spain, Guayaquil, Ecuador, and cities close to the sea, influencing my writing. Now that I’m here in Miami, I’m maintaining this inspirational environment, and I’ve also started composing music using this place as a source of inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juanpossodrums.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanpossodrums/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juan.posso.5?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJT2F1E4Ix9j5-d29jNSwg
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Juan_Posso
Image Credits
Amauri Martinez, Rick Briones, Mayita Largo, and Nataly Navarrete y Nicole Piong
