Dr. Julia Banzi is an Ethnomusicologist and award winning musician/composer. One of a very few female flamenco guitarists worldwide, Julia is co-artistic director of the international performance ensemble Al-Andalus. Her work reflects her international touring and over twenty years of living, studying and performing in Spain and North Africa.
Julia Banzi is a devoted teacher, composer and performer who truly enjoys working with students of all levels. Whether in ethnomusicology (world music) or guitar (flamenco, folk and classical), Julia provides students with a clear and solid foundation while guiding students toward creating original thoughts and music they can call their own. Many of her students have gone on to become professional musicians (Elliott Smith was one of Julia students!). Fluent in Castellano, Julia instructs in both English & Spanish.
She frequently gives talks worldwide on the subject of guitar, flamenco and women and music and continues to tour worldwide with regularity with the Al-Andalus Ensemble (www.Andalus.com).
Winner of the “Peoples Grammy Award” for “Best World Music Song” nominated for the “Best Contemporary Classical Album”
Academic Credentials
Ph.D. Ethnomusicology, University of California, Santa Barbara. 2007
Master of Music. University of California, Santa Barbara, California 2002.
Bachelors in Music. Lewis & Clark College, Portland Oregon. 1996
Certificate in Mediterranean Studies. La Institución Milà y Fontanals (CSIC) Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. 2012.
Certificate in “Teaching and Learning with Digital Media for Adult Learners” University of
California at Santa Barbara, California 2009.
