Carlos Duran

Biography

Carlos Duran is a versatile drummer and percussionist experienced in jazz, rock, Latin, Middle Eastern, and West African traditions, Carlos earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from The Florida State University in 2006. He has accompanied modern and African dance programs at The Ohio State University, The Florida State University, Denison University, Kenyon College, BalletMet, and Belmont University.

For more than a decade, Carlos has provided drum set and percussion instruction to students of all ages and levels, teaching from his home studio, online, and at community music academies. He is currently based in central Tennessee, where he serves as a teaching artist at the Global Education Center in Nashville, facilitating community outreach programs.

Carlos has studied with master drummer Bolokada Condé and with the late, great Mamady Keïta, two of the most influential figures in the West African djembe tradition. He also directs the West African Ensemble at the University School of Nashville.

Through his performing and teaching, he is dedicated to sharing the richness of rhythm as a cultural and artistic bridge.