J. Javier Santiago

 

J. Javier Santiago is a graduate of the University of Miami with a Masters de- gree in Jazz Pedagogy. His skills and style reflect the fusion of a very diverse musical background. His musical journey began in 1982 studying percussion and music theory at the Escuela Libre de Musica, a performing arts school in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

As a young boy growing up in Puerto Rico, Javier and his brother were both serious about music. They also had the unconditional support of Manuel and Pepita Santiago, their devoted parents and biggest fans. Soon Javier began performing with church groups and friends. From 1987 to 1992 he set out on his first experiences as a touring musician, traveling across Central, South America and Spain with the Latin Continental Singers and Orchestra.

Upon graduating from high school in 1988, Javier decided to continue his mu- sical training by enrolling at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, earning a B.M. in Percussion Performance in 1993, with honors.

 

After graduation, Javier embarked on a year of performing, studio teaching and co-producing a record but his desire for excellence brought him back to school, this time at the prestigious University of Miami, where he earned a Masters of Music in Jazz Pedagogy. With a master’s degree under his belt, Ja- vier returned to Puerto Rico where he became an instructor of percussion and drum set at the Inter-American University in San German, PR.

 

In 1999 he moved to Nashville and took to the road, touring with the group TRUTH across the U.S. and Canada. Javier has also performed with: Ron Kenoly, 4HIM, Russ Taff, Wayne Watson, Nikki Leonti, LaRue, Marco Barrientos, Nestor Torres, Ronnie Freeman, Frank and Diane Marino, Edwin Cotto, OLEM and many others.

 

From the spring of 2003 to the spring of 2014 Javier played drums and percussion full time for the Annie Moses Band. Traveling and performing all over the U.S. and recording in a number of the bands studio and live projects as well as a member of the faculty for the band’s Fine Arts Summer Academy in North Carolina and Tennessee. Javier stays bust performing, conducting drum seminars and actively seeking new opportunities to learn and grow both artistically and professionally. 

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Javier is currently teaching drums and percussion at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music Preparatory School.