The Puerto Rican musician shared creative tools with students as part of the “Música Abierta” program.
By Brenda Figueroa Gómez
Journalism Student
Puerto Rican percussionist and composer Henry Cole recently led a master class at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón as part of the Música Abierta program, an initiative by Pro Arte Musical in collaboration with the Ángel Ramos Foundation.
The event, held at the Emilio S. Belaval Theater, brought together university students in a hands-on learning environment focused on technical development and creative exploration.
During the session, Cole shared his perspective on music education, emphasizing the importance of nurturing each student’s artistic individuality.
“The mission of the workshop was not to teach them how I play, but to show them the possibilities they have to grow,” the musician said, describing his pedagogical approach.
A Grammy Award winner known for blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms, modern jazz, funk, and folklore, Cole highlighted the richness of Puerto Rican musical culture as a foundation for artistic exploration. According to him, this context allows students to develop their own musical identity and experiment with the rhythmic elements that define the island.
He also emphasized that these types of experiences help build students’ confidence and creativity by providing tools to discover and develop their artistic potential.
For her part, Pro Arte Musical’s Executive Director, Karen Schneck Malaret, explained that the Música Abierta program seeks to expand access to music education through formative experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Pro Arte Musical is an organization founded in 1932 with the mission of promoting musical culture in Puerto Rico and fostering connections between music lovers on the island and abroad. In keeping with that origin, the program prioritizes the participation of Puerto Rican musicians while also incorporating international artists.
Schneck Malaret added that Sagrado was selected as the venue at Cole’s initiative, as he identified the institution as an ideal space for academic and artistic exchange.
The university is committed to creating opportunities and partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, offering students direct experiences in their fields of interest. For more information about upcoming master classes and other music-related events, follow the School of Arts, Design, and Creative Industries on Facebook and Instagram, or visit Eventos @ Sagrado.