Mr. José Luis Cuéllar

José Luis Cuéllar is a double bassist and educator whose career spans both classical and jazz traditions. He currently performs with the University of Southern Mississippi Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and he remains active in jazz and chamber ensembles throughout the Gulf South region. His versatile artistry has led to performances with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, and numerous jazz groups in New Orleans and Mississippi.

Mr. Cuéllar is currently ABD (All but Dissertation) toward the Doctor of Musical Arts in Double Bass Performance at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he studies under Dr. Marcos Machado. He earned his Master of Music in Double Bass Performance and Music Education from the University of Mississippi, where he studied with Dr. Christine Renée Kralik and served as a Graduate Assistant, teaching string sectionals and private bass lessons. He also holds a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi under Dr. Marcos Machado, where he completed a Minor in Jazz Studies with Lawrence Panella. His foundational studies took place at the Valladolid Music Conservatory in Spain under Tadeusz Walinsky.

He has participated in masterclasses with renowned bassists Edgar Meyer, François Rabbath, Xavier Foley, and Sidney King, and his orchestral and chamber experiences include performances at the Apple Hill Music Festival (New Hampshire) and the Salamanca Music Festival (Spain).

As a composer and recording artist, Cuéllar has released original works including Coming Back to New Orleans (solo and trio versions, featuring Alicia Marie) and Winter Rose, a Sonatina for Double Bass and Piano. His recordings are available on YouTube and YouTube.