Juan Rivera

Originally from Santiago, Chile, Juan P. Rivera began to study classical guitar at the age of 12. At the age of 16 he picked up the electric bass inspired by jazz music and particularly by bassists Jaco Pastorius, Steve Swallow, and argentinian virtuoso Pedro Aznar.During 1992 and 1996 Juan studied electric bass with chilean musician Pablo Lecaros and classical double bass with Jose Miguel Reyes at the Catholic University Conservatory of Music in Santiago. He became a busy free-lance musician performing with numerous jazz and pop groups and touring throughout the country. He performed in several international jazz festivals sharing the stage with artists such as pianists Herbie Hancock and Bruce Barth; saxophonists Eric Alexhander and Lou Tabackin.In 1999 Juan moved to the United States to continue to study music at William Paterson University of New Jersey where he earned a bachelor's degree in jazz studies and performance, and a master's degree in composition and arranging.During those years Juan was fortunate to study with bassists Rufus Reid, Lincoln Goines and Jeff Andrews; guitarists Paul Meyers and Vic Juris, pianist Armen Donelian, vocalist Nancy Marano; and composer and arranger Richard Derosa.Juan is currently a full-time professional musician in the New York/New Jersey area. He constantly performs with different jazz, latin and pop groups. He has performed at Kavehaz, Trumpets, Bridge Club, Renaissance Cafe, NJPAC, etc.I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4