J. Andres Ballesteros

Andrés Ballesteros is a musician, composer, and educator based in Boston. He mainly writes classical music, but sometimes also includes Latin music, electronics, and other styles.

Andrés’ educational work connects music to a community context and centers student voices, experiences, and cultures in music creation. He has made music with youth on the topics of immigration, the climate crisis, and the Latine experience. He has worked with young people through many organizations including White Snake Projects, Eureka Ensemble, La Colaborativa, and the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, as well as with students at schools in Boston and beyond. Previously, he taught as a faculty member in the music department at Boston Arts Academy for 7 years.

Andrés plays numerous instruments, with a focus on clarinet, piano, and composition. He has performed with the Horizon Ensemble, the Boston Orchestra Book Club, and the Jameson Singers, Harvard University Wind Ensemble, as well as at private events. His private students have ranged from new learners to PhD students.

A graduate of Harvard University, Andrés has been actively working towards greater equity and representation in music. His work has been recognized in Ana Francisca Vega’s book Corazón de Mexicanos Como Yo; by El Mundo Boston, who named him a Latino 30 Under 30; and by the League of American Orchestras, who twice invited him to speak at their national conference.

Andrés currently serves as Community Director for White Snake Projects, an activist opera company. When not doing music, he can be found cooking or exploring Massachusetts.

Clases disponibles en inglés o en español.