Nico Velazquez

With a career spanning over many years, I have dedicated my life to the bandoneon — an instrument that has taken me across the world and onto some of the most prestigious stages in international music.

I have performed in renowned venues such as the legendary Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, the Teatro de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, CCK (Centro Cultural Kirchner), Usina del Arte, and the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston. These stages have witnessed my deep connection to the bandoneon, through both solo performances and collaborations with outstanding musicians and ensembles.

One of the highlights of my career was performing as a soloist with the Satu Mare Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, showcasing the bandoneon in a symphonic context and bringing its unique voice to the classical concert stage.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with great artists such as Pipi Piazzolla (grandson of Astor Piazzolla), Jairo, Raúl Lavié, and many other acclaimed figures in the world of tango, folklore, and popular music. These collaborations have enriched my artistic path and allowed me to explore the many dimensions of the bandoneon — from its traditional roots to its place in contemporary and orchestral music.

My work as a performer has brought me to multiple countries, where I have represented the unique voice of the bandoneon in concerts, festivals, and cultural events. Every journey has been an opportunity to share the emotional depth of this instrument with diverse audiences and to build bridges between cultures through music.

Passionate about the expressive power of the bandoneon, I continue to explore its possibilities — both as a soloist and in collaboration — bringing its sound to new generations and new stages around the world.

Learn Bandoneon: Explore a World of Music Through a Unique Instrument

The bandoneon is a deeply expressive and powerful instrument, best known as the soul of Argentine tango. But its musical possibilities go far beyond this iconic style. In these classes, students will discover the full range of what the bandoneon can offer — from traditional to contemporary music.

Whether you're a complete beginner or already have experience, you will learn how to approach the bandoneon through technique, musicality, and repertoire.

Musical Styles We Explore:

• Tango & Argentine Folklore:
  Learn the rich language of tango, from the deep melancholy of Pugliese to the rhythmic energy of Troilo or the innovation of Piazzolla. We’ll also explore Argentine folk genres like zamba, chacarera, and milonga campera, where the bandoneon plays a central role.

• Classical Music:
  The bandoneon has a unique voice that fits beautifully into classical music. You will discover works adapted from Bach to modern composers, and learn how to approach phrasing and interpretation in this context.

• Contemporary & Experimental Music:
  From avant-garde to improvisation, the bandoneon’s wide dynamic range and color make it a perfect instrument for exploring new sounds. We can work on extended techniques, graphic scores, or your own compositions.

• World Music & Fusion:
  The bandoneon adapts surprisingly well to other genres — jazz, European folk, world fusion — offering a unique texture and personality. These classes are open to creative exploration and crossing musical borders.

What You’ll Learn:

• Proper bandoneon posture and hand coordination

• Reading music and bandoneon-specific notation (or playing by ear)

• Rhythmic precision and phrasing

• Repertoire and improvisation

• Interpretation and musical expression

• How to develop your own personal style

These lessons are tailored to each student’s goals and musical background. The bandoneon is more than just an instrument — it’s a way to express emotion, identity, and culture. Let's explore its potential together.