Prof. Juan Megna is an adjunct faculty at our Catholic University’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama and Art. He is an Argentinian percussionist/drummer, bandleader, and educator. His repertoire is centered on a mix of his own compositions, blended jazz, Argentinian and Afro-Latino rhythms.

Prof. Megna research project with ILAIS is divided into two parts. Part 1, “Introduction to Argentine Folklore Music: A journey through Argentinian folklore melodies” is an extension of his weekly class “Latin American Music: Regional Studies”, where he introduces Argentinian, Uruguayan, and Brazilian styles in a doctoral-level class. Centered in Argentinian music, Part 1 intends to introduce it to non-musician audiences. 

Part 2: “Mariwô Project, Compositions inspired by Afro-Latino music” is a continuation of his Doctoral thesis, concentrated in percussion atabaque performance. The research turned into a set of musical compositions inspired by melodies from the religion known as Candomblé, demonstrating the influence of African religions in the rhythms of South America. As one of the outcomes of Part 2, he recorded an album. 

In the 2024 Spring Semester, ILAIS pleasantly announced Prof. Juan Megna as the grantee of the ILAIS-Ambroggio Foundation Research Grant for Spring 2024.