Education
Robert "Berto" Boyd, is Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties own premiere Flamenco guitarist/composer. He is one of the rare and few Americans who has dedicated his musical dreams and professional career to the art of Flamenco and is recognized as one of the top composers of Flamenco music in the United States. Born into a family of artists, which includes famed lead singer Brandon Boyd of the multi-platinum band Incubus, Robert began his musical training at age five and has been studying guitar for over 20 years. A rigorous musician and careful researcher, he has studied in Spain with some of the world’s finest virtuosos such as: Gerardo Nuñez, José Luis Rodriguez (former musical director for the Ballet of Cristina Hoyos), Guillermo Rios (former guitarist for the infamous Flamenco company of Jose Greco), and Jesus Montoya. In the United States, Robert has attended and participated in master classes with Pepe Romero, Manuel Barrueco, Juan Manuel Cañizares (guitarist from Paco de Lucia Sextet and Trio), Paco Jarana (musical director for Eva La Yerbabuena), Gaspar Rodriguez (musical director for the National Ballet of Spain), and Rafael Montilla (guitarist with the company of Paco Peña). Additionally, he has studied extensively with the acclaimed Flamenco/Classical guitarist Adam Del Monte. He has also studied Music Theory and Analysis with Dr. Burns Taft, Composition with Miguel de Aguila and Robert Lawson, Classical guitar with Matthew Grief (Los Angeles Guitar Quartet), Brazilian Jazz with Chris Judge (Gille Apap & the Transylvanian Mountain Boys), Jazz guitar with John Payne, Classical Guitar with Dmitri Diatchenko, James Edwards, and Carlos Gonzales.
Professional Experience
Berto has appeared in numerous concert venues throughout the U.S. as a soloist, accompanist, and guest artist. Bertoflamenco Music & Dance Ensemble was invited as the featured artist of 2007 in the annual concert series "An Evening of Guitar" at the Alan Hancock College in Santa Maria CA. In August 2006, he was invited to share in residency for Miami's annual Flamenco festival “Flamenco in the Sun” with Bailes Ferrer. Flamenco in the Sun featured Israel and Pastora Galvan and company with the amazing Pedro Sierra (guitarist). Berto shared the stage and musical direction for the production “Calle Flamenca” with Spanish maestro Jose Luis Rodriguez and Vicente Redondo "El Pecas" (both from from Sevilla/Huelva, Spain) with "Bailes Ferrer" at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Later in October 06, he was hired by UCSB to be the musical director/guitarist/accompanist for dancer Carmen de Torres direct from Sevilla for two concert presentations by UCSB MultiCultural Center and at the S.B. Festival of Art. In early 2006, Berto premiered the productions “Flamenco en Concierto”, and Tarde Flamenca” at both the Unitarian Society in Santa Barbara and the infamous “Fountain Theater” in Hollywood. In 2004, he premiered the two productions “Alma Flamenca” and “Berto y Flamenco Vivo” at the Center Stage Theater and the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. He was a guitarist/musical director for Linda Vega’s company “Danzas de España” for several years while playing alongside fellow Flamenco guitarist Terri Tony, as well as Flamenco singers Felix de Lola, Marysol Fuentes, and Pilar Moreno. Berto has worked extensively with dancers Timo Nunez and Pamela Lourant for many concerts and presentations throughout Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. In 2003, he was invited as the featured soloist of the 7th annual world concert series in Mendocino, Ca. His performances have received rave reviews.
Current Projects & Music Business
Currently, Berto has joined up with Maestro Carlos Gonzales to create a repertory for a Classical/Flamenco guitar concert program. The duo premiered in concert for the Santa Clarita Symphony in 2008 and are now planning concerts for the 09' season. His music brokering business BMS & Bertoflamenco Productions employs some of the finest Classical and Flamenco musicians, and dancers in Southern California for Private and Corporate high-end events. Specializing in Spanish Guitar Maestros, Elite Flamenco Dance Ensembles, and Spanish Themed Events of all sizes for a discerning clientel, BMS has contracted with large corporations like MGM Grand Las Vegas, World Savings, Deckers, AOL, and many celebrities such as Diane Lane, Katie Holmes, Matt Leblanc, Barbara Streisand, Ted Danson, Peter Gallagher, Marisa Tomei, and Kate Beckingsdale to name just a few.
In 2009, Berto will finally launch the much awaited international Flamenco Guitar Class.com. Featuring compositions of Jose Luis Rodriguez from Huelvaas well as many other great artists from Spain.
His second Flamenco and first Classical CD is currently being recorded in Hollywood with Kai Narezo and should be completed sometime in 09'.
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