Dr. John Carlos Perea

Associate Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. John Carlos Perea. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

John-Carlos Perea, a Mescalero Apache, Irish, Chicano, and German descent, is an Associate Professor in Ethnomusicology at the University of Washington's School of Music, having joined the faculty in Fall 2023. He holds a Ph.D. in Music from the University of California, Berkeley (2009), an M.A. in Music from the same institution (2005), and a B.A. in Music from San Francisco State University (2000). His academic career includes previous roles as Associate Professor and Chair in American Indian Studies at San Francisco State University (2010-2023) and Visiting Associate Professor in Music at UC Berkeley (2021-2022). Perea's research interests encompass a broad range of topics including jazz improvisation, urban American Indian cultural life, and the impact of music technology on cultural production. He is also an accomplished GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, having produced 18 albums, and is recognized for his contributions to the field, such as receiving the San Francisco Arts Commission’s American Indian Initiative award for his efforts to reclaim public space for Indigenous perspectives. He actively teaches a variety of courses in music and ethnomusicology at the University of Washington, engaging students with topics such as jazz workshop and powwow cultures.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2023-09-01 — Present

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Joined the faculty at the School of Music, specializing in Ethnomusicology.

Associate Professor Chair

2010-01-01 — 2023-01-01

San Francisco State University • San Francisco, CA

Led the American Indian Studies department, focused on contemporary issues affecting indigenous peoples.

Visiting Associate Professor

2021-01-01 — 2022-01-01

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Taught and conducted research in the Department of Music.

Visiting Researcher, Composer, Performer

2022-01-01 — 2023-01-01

Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT) • Berkeley, CA

Engaged in collaborative research and performance initiatives.

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.