Biography
“a percussion colourist of great distinction… leans heavily on his aptitude for, and particular genius for counterpoint and most of important of all – his understanding of instrumental timbre...” –Raul Da Gama, Latin Jazz Network 2018.
Francisco “Fran” Vielma born and raised in Mérida, Venezuela, a multicultural college town where arts are part of the daily life of its citizens. Encouraged by his mother Maritza Vielma, a music lover, he started in the musical world by singing, playing Venezuelan Cuatro, and taking core music courses at The Andes University Arts Center (CUDA).
His drumming journey began as a teenager with Caribbean and orchestral percussion, which he developed in parallel at Youth Symphonic Orchestra – “El Sistema” and playing in local Salsa bands. He later became a member of “Kimbandú” – a research music ensemble that traveled around the country to study and document musical expressions of Venezuela.
Before moving to Caracas early 2000’s, created “Nuevas Almas” World Jazz Ensamble along with drummer/composer Diego Maldonado to play their original compositions and arrangements. The ensemble put out the album “Inesperado” in 2009 under the label Cacao Music along with renown artists such as Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Jose Quintana “Changuito,” and Negroni’s trio among others.
In Caracas Fran kept a busy schedule performing, recording, and touring nationally and internationally with regarded jazz, salsa, pop, electronic, and traditional Venezuelan music artists. And became faculty at the renowned “Taller de Jazz Caracas,” where also performed duties as Percussion Chairperson. Additionally, was founding member of the music collective “Movida Acustica Urbana” (MAU) that released a live album in 2009 (MAU EN VIVO).
He attended the Arts University (UNEARTE) for composition, and “Cátedra Libre de Percussion de Caracas” directed by Miguel Urbina and Jhony Rudas.
Fran Vielma was awarded by a scholarship to finish his Bachelor’s in Performance and Jazz Theory at Berklee College of Music, and a Master’s in Jazz Studies at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA.
He was awarded the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship 2022 and won the New Jazz Works commission by the prestigious Chamber Music America in 2021 – he has also been Jazz Road Tours Grantee by South Arts.
Fran has been featured artist for the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Concert of the prestigious United States Army Blues Band, having performed his compositions and arrangements.
He has toured around the continent with his start-stud Venezuelan Jazz Collective; “Tendencias,” his latest release, includes Vielma’s original works and arrangements featuring world-renown Miguel Zenón, Michael Rodríguez, and Luis Perdomo. It was included in the Best of 2018 lists by Downbeat, Latin Jazz Network, & NYC Jazz Record.
As an in-demand performer, he has shared stages around the world with John Medeski, George Garzone, Paul Winter, Simon Phillips, Antonio Sanchez, Miguel Zenón, Sean Jones, Michael Rodríguez, Mango Blue, Eguie Castrillo, Chuchito Valdés, “Los Van Van,” “Yoruba Andabo,” and Luis Enrique to name a few. He’s a current member of Cesar Orozco & Kamarata Jazz and has featured in the last two releases.
Vielma is currently a Jazz Department Faculty of Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and has been World Music faculty at Salem State University, MA, artist resident at Florida University, “Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico,” Baltimore School of Arts, and Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra among others. Additionally, directs the Hidden Treasure Music Workshop.
Fran Vielma endorses Meinl Percussion, Vater Drums Sticks, Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals and Africatedra Venezuelan Percussion.
Releases as a leader:
Fran Vielma and his Venezuelan Jazz Collective. “Tendencias,” Papelón Records, 2018
Ensamble Nuevas Almas. “Inesperado,” Cacao Music, 2009
Nuevas Almas with Movida Acustica Urbana. “MAU en Vivo,” Independent, 2009.
As a sidemen:
Taisha Estrada, “Nostalgia Ajena,” Independent, 2023
Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra, “Kemet,” Outside in Music, 2022
Cesar Orozco, “Rooted Forward,” Independent, 2020
Fernando Alvarez & Joropo Jam “Típico Ma Non Troppo,” Independent, 2018
German Marcano, “Aquí y Allá,” Independent, 2018
Cesar Orozco, “No Limits for Tumbao,” ALFI Records, 2015
Jihee Yoon, “Inflorescence,” Yeolin Music, 2012
Rafael “Pollo” Brito, “Boleros en vivo,” ANES records, 2012
German Marcano. “Rochela,” Independent, 2011
Oscar Fanega, “Bass & Percussion,” Independent, 2009
Hugo Fuguet, “Nueve dias,” Independent, 2009
Awards & Honors:
2024 - DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities - Project Grant
2024 - DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities - Fellowship
2023 - DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities - Fellowship
2022 - DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities - Fellowship
2021 - Chamber Music America - New Jazz Works
2020 - DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities - Fellowship
2019 - South Arts Foundation - Jazz Roads Tour Grant
2013-16 - New England Conservatory - Scholarship and Merit Award
2010-13 - Berklee College of Music - North American Scholarship
2012 - Berklee College of Music - Outstanding Percussionist
2012-13 - Berklee College of Music- International Student Grant