Roberto Vela

Roberto (Rob) Vela, a Visiting Adjunct Instructor of Musicology, was born in the Rio Grande Valley, but a resident of Laredo, Texas for twenty years, Roberto recently completed a second Masters of Music (in Musicology) at Texas Tech University. He earned a B.A. in History from Texas A&M International University in Laredo (2001), and a Masters of Music in String Performance (Jazz Guitar Pedagogy, 2005).

Roberto was a self-taught guitarist and bassist for 12 years before entering the music program at TTU. He has written and recorded for several West and South Texas artists, and currently plays around Lubbock with several bands. During his time at Texas Tech, Roberto has performed with Jazz I, II, & III under the direction of Alan Shinn, and the TTU Guitar and Blues Guitar Ensembles under the direction of Dr. James Bogle.

His research interests include Hispanic and Native Mexican music making, electronics, and 20th century American popular music. Mr. Vela currently teaches MUHL 3310-001, History of Rock 'n 'Roll.