A versatile artist who blends academic rigor with the distinct expressions of Jazz, Brazilian Music, and global styles.
B.A. Music - Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (Brazil)
M.A. Jazz Studies - University of Iowa (U.S.A)
M.M. Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration) - Berklee College of Music (ESP)
LATEST projects
Featured Masterclass:
Presented at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), this masterclass introduces a practical model for structuring musical parameters -rhythm, melody, harmony, and form - from diverse cultures as creative compositional tools.
The Approach: Studying how different cultures structure musical elements, and turning those concepts into “toolkits” of creative techniques.
The Methodology: Using the "toolkits" developed through transcultural research to ito separate, study, and mix musical elements
The Outcome: Providing musicians with tools to broaden their creative skills and perspective in a globalised world
Global Perspectives in Music Creation: A Systematic Approach
"Temps al Vent" is the first track from my new EP, VALENCIANAS 3. This EP is the final chapter in a series of duets inspired by the amazing musicians I met in Spain.
I wrote this song especially for Claire Adams, an amazing singer and a dear friend.
VALENCIANAS 3
SIX STRINGS STANDARDS
On this ongoing project, I arrange and perform some of my favorite jazz standards for solo guitar. My goal is to make each piece unique by playing with textures, structures, unexpected reharmonizations, and—almost always—improvised sections.
It’s a deep dive into the timeless beauty of these songs.
POrtfolio
VALENCIANAS 2
The second in a series of three EPs, Valencianas 2 features four pieces I wrote for wonderful musicians and friends I met while studying at Berklee Valencia in Spain.
Each track represents a unique journey of collaboration, learning, and connection.
On this volume, I recorded with amazing artists from Ukraine, Palestine, Italy, and England. Hope you enjoy!
MARITACA EP
I wrote and recorded this 3-track EP while living in the U.S., with a 7-to-8 piece band of incredibly talented musicians.
It's a blend of jazz and Brazilian sounds, mixed with elements of other music I love. Check it out!
VALENCIANAS 1
"Valencianas 1" is an EP featuring 4 original pieces written for some of the wonderful musicians (and friends!) I met in Valencia, Spain, during my master’s at Berklee College of Music.
Each track represents a unique journey of collaboration, learning, and connection.
On this volume I recorded with amazing musicians from U.S., El Salvador, Paraguay and Turkey.
This EP is the first of a 3-part "Valencianas" collection, with the remaining two on their way. Enjoy!
THINGS YOU COULD HAVE BEEN
Composed by tearing apart—respectfully, of course—the standard All the Things You Are, and putting the scraps back together into three "movements":
1. “Ya Sell the Guitar, Hon" – for solo guitar (with a guitar & bass solo section)
2. “Uh, Yet, Hell” a Riot Sang – for quintet (some Charles Mingus vibes here)
3. “Hear the Soul Lying at 797” – for quintet (hints of Bach on this one)
A fun challenge of musical assemblage! I poured a lot into this, enjoy!
* (The title of each movement is an anagram of "All the Things You Are")SIX STRINGS STANDARDS
On this ongoing project, I arrange and perform some of my favorite jazz standards for solo guitar. My goal is to make each piece unique by playing with textures, structures, unexpected reharmonizations, and—almost always—improvised sections.
It’s a deep dive into the timeless beauty of these songs.
From the playlist:
EDUCATOR
JAZZ GUITAR LEGACY TRANSCRIBED
Another ongoing project of mine, here I transcribe and perform iconic jazz guitar solos, spanning from the music's pioneers to contemporary artists.
Unique voices, motivic developments, thematic variations, advanced harmonic, melodic, and structural concepts… there is a lot of beautiful stuff here!
From the Playlist:
Featured Masterclass:
Presented at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), this masterclass introduces a practical model for structuring musical parameters -rhythm, melody, harmony, and form - from diverse cultures as creative compositional tools.
The Approach: Studying how different cultures structure musical elements, and turning those concepts into “toolkits” of creative techniques.
The Methodology:Using the "toolkits" developed through transcultural research to ito separate, study, and mix musical elements
The Outcome:Providing musicians with tools to broaden their creative skills and perspective in a globalised world
Global Perspectives in Music Creation: A Systematic Approach
Composition for movies and theatre, advertisement and games, children’s books and multimedia projects.
Recorded the album “Maritaca”, of original instrumental compositions, with North American and Brazilian musicians while living in the U.S.
Composed music for projects awarded in Brazil and abroad.
Has performed in several cities in Brazil, as well as in Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark.
MULTIMEDIA PROJECTS
about
Giordano Pagotto
A Brazilian-Italian guitarist / composer / arranger / educator based in Valencia, Spain, I approach music by blending cultural flavors, with a focus on Jazz and Brazilian traditions enriched by global artistic concepts.
My musical journey started with a B.A. in Brazil (Minas Gerais), followed by two Master's degrees: first, an M.A. in Jazz Studies in the U.S. (Iowa), and later, an M.Mus. at Berklee College of Music (Valencia).
I've been fortunate to perform and record globally. While in the U.S., I wrote and recorded my original jazz septet EP, Maritaca. More recently, I completed my Valencianas EP series (1, 2, and 3), collaborating with amazing international musicians I met while living in Spain.
My passion for composition also extends to media, including short films and advertising. One especially cherished example is the 3-part chamber orchestra soundtrack for the Zoic multimedia project, which I had the opportunity to tour across Brazil, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland.
I also dedicate time to research and performance projects like Jazz Guitar Legacy Transcribed and my solo arrangements in Six String Standards. Currently, I’m working on new material focused on improvisation and advanced jazz arranging techniques.
I'm glad you stopped by!
