Alum

Albert Sanz

Instructor
Affiliated Departments
Valencia, Spain Campus
Personal Websites
Albert Sanz's website

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Albert Sanz is a unique, lyrical, and inventive voice on the piano. Born in Valencia, Spain, he combines a Spanish and South American musical background with a knowledge of African American jazz and European classical traditions.

As a composer, Sanz can make the old seem new. His sixth and latest recording as a leader, O que será, is a tribute to legendary Brazilian songwriters Chico Buarque and Ivan Lins that features Al Foster on drums and Javier Colina on bass.

After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2002, Sanz released Kalifactors. He moved to New York City and recorded Los Guys, featuring his own compositions played by Chris Cheek, Larry
 Grenadier, and Jeff Ballard.


He has toured or recorded with artists such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jorge Rossy, Guillermo Klein, Perico Sambeat, and Jorge Pardo. In addition to teaching, he tours with his own and other artist's projects.

Awards
  • Tete Montoliu Award from Sociedad General de Autores y Editores for best young pianist (2000)
  • Cartelera Turia Award for best musical contribution (2000)
  • Awarded best Spanish jazz record by Cuadernos de Jazz (1999)
In Their Own Words

“Our ears are our first and most valuable instrument. The way we hear music will have an impact on everything we do, not only in music but also in life itself. I feel very lucky to be part of Berklee’s ear training program since I strongly believe that any great music professional (in any field) needs a big pair of ears to help us sing in pitch, read music, identify and analyze rhythm and harmony, and provide us with the confidence needed for any given music job today.”

“Berklee’s ear training program is a very complete one and it requires a big compromise from both teacher and students, and I try to make the students realize what an important part of their development this class is and how it will help them build the confidence to become a strong musician.”

“Personally, I believe it’s very important to learn the theory behind the music, but I’ve been involved in many musical situations throughout my career and I know that musicians that have confidence in their ears are the happiest ones. My motto would be ‘Play what you hear!’ ”