Welson Tremura (musicologist – guitarist – singer) is a Ph.D. in musicology-ethnomusicology from Florida State University and currently serve as a Professor in the School of Music and the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Florida. Dr. Tremura’s main research focuses on music and religion as expressed on folk Catholicism traditions of folia de reis or the Three Kings celebration in Brazil. (See Research Statement) Additional research areas include the use of digital technology in performance and global technology and the inclusion of world music as a core discipline and collaborative method for composition and performance. Combining his classical guitar and his voice, Dr. Tremura’s triumphant performances include concert halls in the USA, such as the Carnegie Hall in New York City and DeBartolo Performing Arts Center in Notre Dame, Indiana. Internationally Dr. Tremura maintains an active performance and academic schedule and has performed and given lectures in Brazil, China, Mexico, Guatemala, United States, India, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Dr. Tremura has been consistently praised by music critics and audiences for his interpretation of the most acclaimed bossa nova songs and his own guitar compositions. (See Artist Brochure)

Combining performance and research, Dr. Tremura’s academic assignments includes a series of projects to expand music and performance scholarship, to create opportunities for students, faculty, and artists to collaborate nationally and internationally. An important dimension of his academic career has been devoted to building collaborative relationships between various units at the University of Florida to create new and unique programs to facilitate interdisciplinary projects, such as composing music to foster creativity and innovation over the internet. A much large collection of artistic and collaborative videos from Dr. Tremura’s can be seen on his YouTube and Vimeo channels, which combined have more than 4 million hits.

Dr. Tremura’s Brazilian Music Institute (BMI)  is a unique program in teaching and performing Brazilian music in an academic environment. Every year during the month of May the Institute attracts students, faculty, and international artists from Brazil and the USA to collaborate on a weeklong series of master classes and workshops. The Institute values artistic excellence and commitment to the music and culture of Brazil. Through group lessons in Brazilian instrumental and vocal repertoires, the Institute prepares selected participants to perform in the event’s concluding concert. At the University of Florida, Dr. Tremura teaches various courses in ethnomusicology, applied fieldwork, music and identity, Latin American music, and world music. Furthermore, he also teaches Brazilian guitar and vocal repertoires, and directs the World Music Ensembles. Dr. Tremura is the director for the instrumental ensemble Jacaré Choro  dedicated to the performance of Brazilian traditional instrumental music, and is the co-director for the University’s Brazilian music ensemble Jacaré Brazil. Most recently Dr. Tremura has expanded his professional activities by founding the Alachua Guitar Quartet, a classical guitar ensemble devoted to highest level of expression and artistic commitment to perform Latin American classical guitar repertoires.

Dr. Tremura’s additional academic training and professional experience also include legal and business consulting. He has served as business manager and business consultant for several international businesses, including planning and launching new manufacturing facilities, overseeing comprehensive plant activities, and promoting international business development in the US, Europe, and Latin America. Dr. Tremura’s engaging personality and high commitment to high standards can be seen in his consulting website.

For more information about Welson Tremura, download the following files:

C.V. • Bio • Artist Brochure • Teaching Philosophy • Research Statement • Preludio • Supporting documents • Concerts and Programs