Yibran Aponte
(he/him)
INSTRUCTOR
Yibran Aponte is a musician and educator dedicated to inspiring students through creativity, collaboration, and performance. He holds a Master of Music in Music Education (K-12) from the Longy School of Music of Bard College and dual degrees in Contemporary Writing & Production and Performance from Berklee College of Music.
Originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico, Yibran began his musical journey in the Antonio Paoli Music School and soon performed with Latin orchestras, sharing the stage with artists such as La Sonora Ponceña, Jerry Rivera, and Charlie Aponte. His professional career later included touring the U.S. with Cirque Musica and performing in musical theater productions like Hair, The Cher Show, and On Your Feet.
In addition to his performance career, Yibran has directed ensembles such as the Borinquen Big Band and provided private instruction. His teaching philosophy emphasizes student initiative, peer support, and cultivating a lifelong love of music. He strives to create welcoming, engaging spaces where students can take risks, grow as musicians, and discover their own artistic voice.
Birthday: March
Schools Attended: Berklee College of Music, Longy School of Music of Bard College
Instruments You Teach: Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, French Horn, Sax, Flute, Clarinet, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Voice, Percussion
Favorite Music to Perform: Classical, Theater and Latin
Favorite Music to Listen to: Gordon Godwin’s Big Phat Band, Maynard Ferguson, Sungazer, La Clave Secreta, and many others
Something most people don’t know about you: I went to Sicily to hike Mount Etna.
Other hobbies & interests: I love cooking and biking.
Where you were born & grew up: Caguas, Puerto Rico
Heroes: Allen Vizzutti, Manolo Mairena and my father
Practice Tip: If you get stuck, pause, take a breath, and work through it slowly and steadily.