Yoel Páez

Instructor Berklee Study AbroadContemporary Performance (Production Concentration)First Year Abroad

In Their Own Words

“My goal in class is for students to dominate their instruments. I want them to be able to play the different styles we work on in class, such as such Latin jazz, Latin fusion, jazz, yoruba, oshun, osaín, Iyesa, mozambique, songo, comparsa, chachachá, pilón, son, guaracha, palo habanero, abakuá, and more. I also want them to learn how to share their playing with other musicians, whether those musicians are members of their own bands or in an orchestra.”

“Related to all working with a variety of styles, the students develop and improve different skills such as rhythm, reading, improvisation, classical effects, and other fundamental knowledge to enter the professional field with confidence.”

“It is very important for my students to be prepared not only musically but also psychologically, and to be ready to offer their best on stage. The work they do every day increases their creativity to a high degree, making them excellent professionals and, above all, great people doing something they enjoy.”

Career Highlights

  • Graduated as a teacher and musician specializing in classical and modernpercussion from the National School of Music (Escuelas Nacionales de Arte), Havana, Cuba
  • Participated in festivals, sharing stages with stars such as Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, and Michael Bolton, among others
  • Nominated among the best drummers of timba cubana, sharing the bill with Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito), Calixto Oviedo, Samuel Formell, and Giraldo Piloto (2003)
  • Member of the prestigious band Café Quijano (three­ time Grammy nominee) during eight years in Spain
  • Presented at numerous seminars and percussion festivals including La Rioja Drumming Festival; International Drumfest in Sevilla, Spain; International Jazz Seminar in Valencia
  • Played on over 100 albums as a drummer and percussionist, mastering different instruments such as drums, congas, bongos, batás, timbal, and cajon
  • Launched DVD about drums and percussion, El Arte de la Independencia 360° (2012)
  • Endorser of Meinl Percussion and Cymbals, Yamaha Drums, Pro­Mark Sticks, and Remo Heads

Teaches in:

  • Berklee Study Abroad
  • Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration)
  • First Year Abroad