Migration, identity and sound ‘how Puerto Ricans and Cubans contributed to Jazz’

Migration, identity and sound ‘how Puerto Ricans and Cubans contributed to Jazz’

Abstract

My CE project explores the rhythmic and musical contributions Puerto Ricans and Cubans made in Jazz. It is a journey that takes us from the 1920’s all the way to the 21st century. In this project we can learn about the causes of Puerto Rican and Cuban mass migration into the United States, mainly New York City. From hurricanes to economic crisis and a lack of job opportunities to arriving at a place where they faced prejudice, stereotypes, racism, and discrimination. With this information we can put into perspective how Puerto Ricans and Cubans had a very difficult path into integrating to the United States. However, even though they struggled a lot in north American society, they soon made a huge mark in the music scene, specifically in the big bands of the 1930’s, the smaller ensembles and thanks to many artists that I mention in my presentation, they broke color barriers, discrimination, and brought a huge sense of unity and community. I wrote 4 songs that combine the struggles that I mentioned above, the concepts that I learned in the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, my roots in Puerto Rican and Cuban music mixed with Jazz and other folkloric musical expressions which I deeply enjoy, and lots of improvisation. I learned many concepts in the BGJI like the use of Tetrachords, the concept of Zero Gravity, Fear Training and many examples of how music is made in different settings. With this project I hope to contribute with my own experiences and knowledge gained from this wonderful program and through this project make an impact in the world by bringing more unity between cultures, communities and to give back to my people of Puerto Rico.

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Campus

Boston Campus

Keywords

Puerto Rico; Cuba; AfroCubanJazz; Jazz

Migration, identity and sound ‘how Puerto Ricans and Cubans contributed to Jazz’

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