BiograpHy

Juan Perez is a Houston based guitarist who specializes as a performer and an educator. He has a command of a wide range of musical styles yet is most adept within the jazz idiom. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of St. Thomas and a master's and doctoral degree in Jazz Conducting from the University of Houston. During his time at the University of Houston, Juan researched the amalgamation of blues and bebop in elements in Kenny Burrell’s music, articulations in big band music, and jazz microrhythms. Juan's time at the University of Houston also allowed him to perform with musicians of international caliber, such as the saxophonist Bill Evans and the trumpeter Joe Faddis. At Juan’s studies have focused on a jazz setting, he is also adept in a classical understanding of music theory as his doctoral studies include a music theory minor, which focused on exploring the music of modern woman composers, Bach’s counterpoint style, and an analysis of 19th and 20th century Italian and German opera.

Additionally, he has an extensive career as a private instructor in which he has taught at three different institutions and has helped his students reach their musical potential. During the 2019—20 school year, Juan taught music theory/ear training courses and lead the jazz ensemble at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Likewise, Juan has taught the ear training courses and lead the jazz ensemble at the University of St. Thomas in Houston for the 2022-3 school year.

Apart from his work as an educator, Juan is also an experienced guitarist performing in a variety of musical fields while specialized in the jazz medium. He has played in four different musicals and one Pop show with the St. John High School and Middle School ensembles.