Alum

Leo Blanco

Professor

Affiliated Departments

Africana Studies Department

617-747-3097

For media inquiries, please contact Media Relations

Leo Blanco is a pianist, composer, musicology researcher, music consultant, producer, educator, and music social activist. He has been an advocate for the inclusion of global music and history as fundamental elements for a more integral modern music education curriculum, as well an advocate for the role of musicians as active social members in the community. As a Latin American educator and researcher at Berklee College of Music, one of his main objectives in the last decade has been to develop a curriculum rooted in the African Diaspora and its influence in the music and cultures of the Americas.

Courses Taught (7)

The Sugar Road: A Sweet and Sour History of the African Diaspora

AMAS-304

Writing in South American Styles

CW-213

Contemporary Ensemble

ENDS-550

Contemporary South American Folkloric Music

ENGB-220

Odd Meter Jazz

ENJZ-334

Advanced Rhythmic Lab for the Keyboardist

ILPN-237

Essential Keyboard for Songwriters

SW-115

Career Highlights

2021: Released an album of Latin American classical chamber music, Stories Without Words
2020: Led the Sugar Road Ensemble
2019: Received an honorable mention for his contribution to Africa in the Americas
2019: Conducted a series of workshops and a concert in South Africa

Awards

Received Artist Fellowship Grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council (2022)
Awarded by the City of Houston for his contribution of diversity and African American history through the lectures of The Sugar Road Ensemble
“Angel Award” at Scottish National Investment Bank (2014)
“Best Musical Event” at Edinburgh International Festival (2014)
First Latin American artist to receive the Boston Jazz Society Award (2001)

Education

School Name

New England Conservatory

Degree

Master of Music (MM)

Field of Study

Composition

Date Degree Received

2002
School Name

Berklee College of Music

State or Province

Massachusetts

Degree

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Field of Study

Music

Date Degree Received

1998

In Their Own Words

"I have taken it almost as a personal responsibility to ensure my students have ample world history knowledge. This is a powerful tool that will enable them to make well-informed decisions, not only about their music careers, but also as global citizens."