Music Career
Biography
In 2008, I returned to Lima, where I actively engaged in various music projects as both a leader and collaborator. Additionally, I furthered my role as a music educator, teaching privately and at different institutions, nurturing my passion for sharing musical knowledge and fostering growth in aspiring musicians.In 2010, a new chapter commenced as I joined the Music Faculty of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. For nearly 13 years, I served as a professor, profoundly influencing the musical journeys of numerous music students. In 2018, I embraced a leadership role and served as the Head of the Guitar Department for four years, guiding and shaping the Department's direction.Concurrently, in 2018, I began my Master's Degree in Higher Education with a specialised focus on music. The culmination at the end of 2020 not only expanded my pedagogical insights but also delved me into the realm of research, driven by the exploration of my thesis.In 2021, I relocated to Croatia, where a dedicated commitment to teaching younger students at the music high school Rock Akademija in Zagreb became a central focus. At the same time, I initiated a personal project, delving into the creation of a comprehensive series of music courses and the authorship of their corresponding books, envisioning the delivery of a complete educational package through an online platform.Currently based in Australia, my musical journey continues with thriving new music projects, the pursuit of a second Master's Degree, and the opportunity to mentor young aspiring musicians through the Youth Music Venture programs. Meanwhile, the creation of books and music courses nurtures the vision of a comprehensive online music education platform, bringing it closer to fruition.Born in the city of Lima, Peru, my musical journey began at the age of 8. Inspired by a friend of my parents playing the guitar during a camping trip, I found my calling in the strings of this versatile musical instrument; a miniature orchestra at my fingertips.High school and the subsequent years were characterised by a committed pursuit of musical knowledge. I immersed myself in classical and jazz guitar, music theory, functional harmony, among other disciplines. Simultaneously, I collaborated with various bands and refined my skills through dedicated practice, laying the groundwork for upcoming formal studies.A defining moment unfolded upon when I obtained a scholarship for my undergraduate studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Graduating with Magna Cum Laude distinction with a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Music, this chapter marked a significant milestone in my unwavering commitment to musical excellence.Following this achievement, I embarked on a new chapter by venturing to Los Angeles, where I immersed myself in the dynamic music scene for a year. Playing with various bands and teaching in music academies added depth to my musical experience.
Educational Background
Master's Degree | Higher Education with specialised focus on Music Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) – Lima, Peru (2018 – 2020)
Postgraduate Diploma | Pedagogical Studies for Higher Education Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) – Lima, Peru (2018)
Certificate | Jazz Improvisation Berklee College of Music – Online (2014)
Bachelor’s Degree | Music Berklee College of Music – Boston, USA (2002 – 2006)
Major in Professional Music with focus on performance and compositionHonour: Magna Cum LaudeDistinctions: Scholarships recipient
Work Experience
Volunteer Mentor | Youth Music Venture New South Wales and Queensland, Australia (2024 - present)
Music teacher Peru, USA, Croatia, Australia (2000 – present)
Music Professor | Rock Akademija - Primary and Secondary School for Popular and Jazz Music Zagreb, Croatia (2022 – 2023)
Head of the Guitar Department of the Music Faculty | Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) Lima, Peru (2018 – 2022)
University Professor of the Music Faculty | Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) Lima, Peru (2010 – 2022)
University Professor of the Music Faculty | Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC) Lima, Peru (2012)
Bands & Projects
Embarking on diverse musical ventures across Peru, the USA, Croatia, and Australia, I have conducted master classes and workshops on various aspects of music, including guitar performance, improvisation, and composition. I have also contributed my skills to a range of bands and projects, each with its own unique essence. Throughout this extensive musical exploration, I have performed, composed, arranged, and recorded for various bands in different styles. The bands and projects outlined below offer a glimpse into my contributions, reflecting the diverse array of experiences and collaborations across varied genres and ensembles:Actitud Modulada (2014 – 2021) I played a pivotal role as the guitarist, co-composer, and co-arranger of this septet, merging experimental progressive rock with Peruvian music elements. Our collaboration resulted in a notable discography, including "Actitud Modulada (Live)" (2017), "AM" (2018), and "AM II" (2019).
Reunion (2017 – 2021) Contributing as a guitarist to this contemporary jazz septet, I had the opportunity to perform at esteemed events such as the VIII International Percussion Meeting (2017) and the VIII International Vibraphone and Marimba Festival (2018).
Jose Palacios Band (2015 – 2017) Fronting this jazz ensemble, I explored adaptable jazz formats, ranging from a trio to a septet, showcasing my skills as a leader, guitarist, composer, and arranger.
Jose Palacios Quartet (2014 – 2016) Heading this jazz quartet that blended the sounds of guitar, vibraphone, double bass, and drums, I took on the roles of leader, guitarist, and arranger.
702 (2011 – 2015) As the leader of this jazz trio, I played the guitar, composed, and arranged. A notable achievement was our performance at the XXIII Jazz Festival in Lima (2013).
Stretch it to The Limit (2009 – 2015) As the co-founder, co-composer, and guitarist of this power trio, we fused various music genres, such as rock, experimental jazz, funk, progressive rock, latin rhythms, metal and experimental rock, resulting in a distinctive discography that includes "Demo" (2010) and "Zombie 'Extraterrestre' Ryan" (2013).
Gun Jazz (2009 – 2010) In this jazz quartet under the direction of renowned guitarist Andrés Prado, I assumed a central position as the guitarist. Throughout this musical venture, we delved into advanced jazz concepts and techniques, skillfully arranging and performing a challenging repertoire.
El Arca (2008 – 2009) Contributed as a guitarist and co-composer for this contemporary jazz-fusion band, we explored modern musical languages with elements of funk, rock, jazz, drum & bass, Afro-Peruvian, and Latin.
Shimdikiundipzun (2008) I played the electric guitar and various effects in this ensemble under the direction of composer Carlos Andrés ‘Teté’ Leguía. Our music delved into novel and unusual musical concepts in an experimental context focused on textures and dynamics.
Jazz Jaus Big Band (2007 – 2009) As the guitarist in this big band, we performed at the XIX Jazz Festival in Lima (2009) and contributed to the discography with the release of the album "Jazz Jaus" (2008).
West Side Story (2006) In Arlington, MA, USA, I served as the orchestra guitarist for the musical West Side Story, produced by the Arlington Friends of The Drama, under the musical direction of David L. Rose.
El Astrocombo (2001 – 2002) I played a significant role as the guitarist, co-composer, and co-arranger of this band, blending jazz, Latin, funk, progressive, Afro-Peruvian, and rock influences.
Classical guitarist (1996 – 2001) In the early stages of my music career, I started as a classical guitar performer, showcasing my skills in solo, duo, trio, quartet, and small orchestra settings, performing at various recitals and contests.