Biography

Rolando J. Gómez (b. 2001) is a dedicated music educator, composer, and musician originally from Miami, Florida. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Composition at Syracuse University, where he serves as a Teaching Assistant in the Music Theory Department. In this role, he has assisted in courses such as Theory and Musicianship III & IV and Diatonic Harmony I & II, leading tutoring sessions and delivering lectures on topics including sonata form and post-tonal harmony.

Gómez’s passion for teaching extends beyond traditional theory instruction. At Oberlin College and Conservatory, he developed and taught a Survey of Cuban Musical Genres through the Experimental College (ExCo), where he introduced students to the rich traditions of Salsa, Timba, and Latin Jazz. His commitment to making this knowledge accessible led him to create cubanmusicalgenres.com, an online resource that continues to serve students and the broader public.

In addition to his academic teaching, Gómez maintains a private composition studio, offering personalized instruction in composition, orchestration, and music theory. His approach to teaching blends technical rigor with creative exploration, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voices while mastering foundational skills. He has also worked in community music programs, including serving as a Group Leader at the Community Music Center of Boston, where he guided young musicians in music-related activities and music production.

As an educator, Gómez is committed to bridging classical and popular traditions, making music education accessible, and fostering interdisciplinary connections between music, visual arts, and cultural studies. Whether teaching in the classroom, private lessons, or online platforms, he strives to empower students with the tools to engage meaningfully with music—both as performers and as scholars.

Teaching Experience

Classes

Survey Of Cuban Musical Genres

I have taught this class during my time at Oberlin, where we explored the rich diversity of Cuban music and its diaspora in the United States. The course offers an overview of multiple Cuban genres, examining their fundamental characteristics and their evolution into modern styles like Salsa, Timba, and Latin Jazz. Through assignments, students will make connections between these genres by identifying shared musical traits and their development. By the end of the course, students will gain a deep understanding of how Cuban music functions and its global impact, particularly in the U.S. diaspora.

The Intersection of 20th-Century and 21st-Century Music and Visual Art

This course, which I have not yet taught but hope to one day, explores the intersection of 20th- and 21st-century composers and visual artists, examining how shared aesthetic concerns shape modern artistic expression. By pairing a composer with a visual artist in each unit, students will delve into themes like minimalism, surrealism, and the sublime, analyzing how sound and image inform and inspire one another. Through readings, listening assignments, and visual analysis, students will gain insight into the innovative techniques that challenge traditional boundaries in both music and art.