John Santos' passion for the music and ability to articulate its role historically make him an effective and in-demand lecturer. He is also adept at conducting seminars, clinics, residencies and hands-on workshops in Afro-Latin and contemporary percussion focusing on polyrhythms from Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil. He also expertly instructs on the art, technique, demands and disciplines of dozens of percussive instruments. He has taught thousands of people in the U.S. (since 1973) and in Europe (since 1987), and has informed tens of thousands more through his writing. Mr. Santos has lectured at Yale University, UCLA, The Berklee School of Music in Boston, Stanford, Duke, University of Michigan, San Francisco State University, Humboldt State University, San Jose State University, Long Beach State University, Cal State Hayward, Santa Clara University, the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center (Bronx, NY) and the Community Music Center of San Francisco. He is currently on the faculty of the College of San Mateo (CA) and Jazz Camp West of Rhythmic Concepts Inc. Some popular subjects for his lectures include:

The Roots of Salsa

The Anatomy of Latin Jazz

The Role of the Percussionist

La Clave Misteriosa

Salsa for Social Change

Traditional and Contemporary Afro-Caribbean Music as Identity and Resistance

The African Presence in Latin American Music

La Tumbadora: Backbone of Salsa and Latin Jazz

Mr. Santos works with audiences and students of all ages and levels. His appearances can be solo or in tandem with other musicians and can include any combination of lecture and demonstration using an amazing arsenal of instruments as well as rare recordings and slides from his legendary collection.