Dr. Juan Álamo is an internationally known performer, composer, and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees with Jazz as related field from the University of North Texas.
Originally from Cidra, Puerto Rico, Dr. Álamo has presented solo recitals at universities and percussion and jazz festivals throughout the United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. He has been featured as a soloist and with Jazz ensembles in television and radio shows in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and the United States. Currently Juan is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Percussion Ensemble at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
As a Marimba soloist and percussionist, Alamo has presented recitals in different areas of United States, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Spain, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Dr. Alamo has been featured in TV and Radio shows in Venezuela, Puerto Rico and United States. Also he has performed and shared the stage with renowned artist such as Keiko Abe, William Cahn, Ney Rosauro, Orlando Cotto, Steve Shick, Tito Puente, Arturo Sandoval, John Wooton, Dave Samuels, Tom Toyama, Dan Moore, Michael Spiro, Ted Piltzecker and famous conductors such as Sergiu Comissiona and Krzyszt Penderecki.
His début solo marimba recording “Remembrance” was released in 2007 and featured standard marimba literature and original compositions. In 2014, Dr. Alamo released his second CD, entitled “Marimjazzia”, featuring original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards such as Afro Blues and Waltz for Debby. Also as a composer, Dr. Alamo has several pieces published by major publishing companies such as; Innovative Percussion, Drop 6 Media and Mallet Work Inc. He has also collaborated with Arthur Lipner in the creation of the jazz vibes book “Milt Jackson - Transcribed Solos of the Master”. In 2011, Dr. Alamo released his marimba method entitled; "Music for Four Mallet" A collection of original etudes for beginners and intermediate marimba players. In 2014 Encore Mallets released his Signature Marimba Mallets which can be purchased at Steve Weiss Music. Dr. Alamo is a performing artist and clinician for Yamaha , Meinl Percussion and Encore Mallets Inc. For more details