Julio Pabon

Julio Pabon is a Lecturer in Latin & World Percussion at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, where he teaches students across age groups and performs in ensembles. His expertise stems from a degree in Music, Media, and Entertainment Industries from the University of Miami, complemented by immersive experiences in Latin and Brazilian percussion traditions.

Pabon’s work bridges classical training with Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian influences, rooted in his Puerto Rican heritage. He founded the Latin music group Sonidos Unidos and teaches Capoeira and percussion at Com Expressao. His career spans Rochester, Miami, and New York City, where he engaged with diverse musical cultures.

His research and practice focus on Latin and Brazilian percussion genres, including salsa, guanguanco, samba reggae, and maracatu. He has played with ensembles such as the University of Miami Salsa Orchestra and Manhattan Samba, and performed at venues like SOBs and Le Poisson Rouge.