"Rafael is an upright and electric bassist and composer from Ithaca, New York. Before attending the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, he studied extensively with Nicholas Walker, a world-renowned bassist and educator. Since attending Eastman, Rafael has studied with Larry Grenadier, Linda Oh, Danny Ziemann, Michael Formanek, Gary Versace, and Jeff Campbell. Rafael has broken though Rochester's music scene with his tactful bass playing, as well as his in depth compositions. Rafael is a member of various bands in Rochester, including Aaron Staebell's jazz quartet Beverly, the Swooners (a pop wedding band), the CJ Ziarniak quintet, Nancy (an alternative pop band), and plays frequently in jazz acts around town, specializing in odd meters and even-eighth grooves. Additionally, he is the host of various weekly jam session gigs in Rochester, and has played the highest profile venues in town. As a bandleader, Rafael leads many groups to showcase his compositions, including his quartet, Ripple, and his Large Ensemble, comprising of a string quartet and a jazz quartet combined into one unique product. As a composer, Rafael is always looking for ways to expand on his craft and generate fresh pieces. Outside of Rochester, Rafael has played and led groups in Ithaca, Syracuse, and New York City.

As a teacher, Rafael has maintained a small studio of bassists and rising improvisers for the last two years, and has developed an adaptable pedagogical technique that has proven successful in helping students reach their goal. One of his students was just accepted into the New England Conservatory, which is a major point of pride. Teaching is a point of joy for Rafael, as it pushed him as a musician to really know what he's talking about. Rafael is currently in his third year at the Eastman School of Music.

As a composer, Rafael has experience with composing for string quartet, jazz big band, and small group in many different styles from jazz to pop bands, to a more modern classical approach. There are few styles an" less...