Alfredo Velasquez was born in Colorado Springs. At age 4 he moved to Mexico City where he started music lessons with Cesar Tort, a renowned teacher in Mexico. He studied music at the National School of Music where he took piano lessons from 7 to 15 years old, at which point he started learning drums. He quickly fell in love with drums and decided to pursue it professionally. Throughout the years he’s continued to study piano, orchestral percussion and professional recording techniques. In 1990, Alfredo graduated from the Drummers Collective in New York City, a world-class learning center for drum set players and percussionists.

Alfredo has toured with two major rock bands from Mexico City, was signed with BMG and Sony Music, and has opened for acts such as INXS and Sting. During the 90s, he worked as a session drummer for both major and independent labels, and was sponsored by the Yamaha, Acoustic and Remo brands. He has also worked as a composer for over 40 TV shows and soap operas produced by Televisa, the largest hispanic TV network in the world. He previously owned 2 recording studios in Mexico City and was CEO at Durazno 64 Audio, a company that specializes in audio for TV commercials, having reached a vast audience with his music.

Alfredo has been a drum instructor for over 40 years, including 15 years at the Yamaha Music Academy in Mexico City and 10 years at Guitar Center, in addition to his private instruction. He settled in San Antonio 11 years ago and has since been teaching drums and producing bands and solo acts in his studio. He is currently recording drums for various TV series produced by Netflix.

In his free time, Alfredo enjoys playing different instruments and building his own drums. He collects vintage instruments and sells some of his own drums and guitars. He loves good food, movies, reading, biking, and target shooting. Alfredo speaks Spanish, English, a little French, and a little Italian. Last March, he celebrated his 24th anniversary with his wife Alejandra. They have two children, Alvaro and Aldara.

Organizations

Sindicato Unico de Trabajadores de la Música, México D.F.

Sociedad de Autores y Compositores, México

Education

1984-1988 Escuela Nacional de Música. UNAM. México D.F. Percussion Major. Teacher, Julio Vigueras

1984-1989 Universidad Iberoamericana. México D.F. Computer Science and Business Major.

1990 – Drummers Collective, NY. Several teachers. Bob Wiener, Frank Malabe, Marvin Smith, Frank Katz, Zach Danziger, Michael Lauren, Mike Clark and Duduka da Fonseca.

Awards

Best Rock Band in Spanish, Mexico, 1991

15 Year Teachers Award, Yamaha School, Mexico City