Rebeca Mauleon-Santana

Born in Santa Monica California, Rebeca Mauleon-Santana first became interested in salsa while in the midst of a career as a professional flamenco dancer. Although she was trained in piano from the age of three and was successfully playing piano "by ear" at shows, she went on to study composition and completed both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Mills College in Oakland. She has recorded prolifically with many of the most accomplished musicians in the business, and most recently launched her own recording and production company called Rumbeca Music,. She will release her debut solo CD, "Round Trip", in November of 1997.

Rebeca Mauleon-Santana is an educator, performer, author, and mother as well as a composer. In speaking about her goals as a composer, she told us, "There are often musical moments of inspiration (or "torment") which enter my imagination and "demand" to be written down. I hear complete arrangements in my head, or some interesting harmonic adaptation to a traditional African chant, or some other sonoric combination which perhaps has yet to be performed or recorded."

As a mother , I was interested in finding out how she deals with the challenges of parenting while being a working musician. Ms. Mauleon-Santana replied, "As a composer, I had to find ways to channel my creativity 'on demand,' as I could no longer write when I felt inspired. Rather, I needed to work in my creative time around my son's naps! Once I caught up on much-needed sleep, it took a while before I could get back into the composing rhythm. But of course, motherhood brings with it an entire new focus and source of inspiration. My perspective has now been altered: I now must work with a greater sense of responsibility as a parent, as a mentor and caretaker."

We also spoke about the roles that women play in music, and in Latin music in particular. "Sadly, "Latin" music is sorely lacking in many positive or progressive female role models. There are also many women artists throughout history that have made lasting contributions to Latin music, but it is time for more to emerge (or more importantly, be recognized by the industry). As a woman in the business, I have consistently made it clear that I do not distinguish myself because I am a woman. Rather, that my music speak for itself and be devoid of gender."

"I never confine myself to the limitations of any one musical genre (aka, "salsa")", continues the inspirational Mauleon-Santana. "My compositional style has embraced a multitude of cultures and styles, merging Afro-Cuban, Jazz, Flamenco, African, African-American, Western European and other elements. My entire focus from day one as both a composer and performer has been to write/play music that makes people feel good..."

Last Updated: 2/3/06