João Luís Matos Lopes
Born and raised in the city of Porto, Portugal, João Luís embarked on a journey of exploration and growth from a young age. His educational background includes a foundation in arts and architecture (2008-2010). In 2010, he made a pivotal decision to pursue a musical career. In 2016, he relocated to Finland and is currently based in Helsinki. João studied at the Global Music Department, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, where he has honed his musical talents and actively engaged in Helsinki's vibrant music scene. Collaborating with diverse musical groups within the aesthetics of improvisation, circus, folk, classical, and global has expanded his creativity and fostered the ability to work cohesively within a multicultural environment. He graduated with a Master of Music degree in December 2023. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, his commitment to music education and community outreach is further evidenced by his involvement as a percussion teacher at Orquestra Geração (el Sistema Portugal) from 2014 to 2016, TEMPO Orkesteri (el Sistema Finland) from 2016 to 2019, and as a drum set teacher at the International School of Music, Helsinki (ISM) from 2019 to 2022. He has also co-facilitated workshops/masterclasses of ‘creative music making’, collaborating with local communities in La Ligua, Petorca, Chile (supported by Greenpeace Chile) and Brazil, as integrated parts of his Global Music degree studies. João is currently a percussionist, improviser and global musician continually developing his performance, composition, and production skills. As a performer, his main instruments are multi-percussion set-up, vibraphone, and hand/frame drums. Lately, he has been developing his relationship with electro-acoustic prepared instruments and exploring using his voice as a new tool for expressing his sonic identity.
