Dr. Juan Restrepo

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Juan David Rubio Restrepo is an artist and scholar focusing on Latin American popular musics and global experimental practices. His ongoing book project examines Ecuadorian singer Julio Jaramillo, analyzing his vocality, discography, and Pan-American career through a transnational comparative lens. This work highlights the politics of Jaramillo's voice, exploring the racial regimes and ideologies shaped by Latin America’s historical and media context. Rubio has published on cumbia practices and various performance approaches, emphasizing the interaction between sound, geography, and difference. His research engages methodologies such as digital ethnography and collaborative performance-based inquiry. With a diverse musical background as a drummer across genres including jazz and Afro-Latin music, he has been committed to presenting music from a holistic and collaborative perspective in academia. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, a Master of Fine Arts in Music from UC Irvine, and a Ph.D. in Music from UC San Diego.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.