Ismael Baiz is a touring and recording artist who resides in New York since 2009. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Ismael began his music studies at age 5. After a bitter-sweet breakup with the piano, his interest for percussion sparked while at the Prudencio Esaa music school. Soon enough he began receiving private drum lessons and different teachers imparted their knowledge. One particular teacher with whom he studied for 8 years marked his drumming, Jose Mato, who ascends a line of exceptional classical percussionists.

He began performing professionally at age 14. A short time later he toured his native Venezuela and, had the opportunity of touring internationally.

Then, came the New York experience and he found himself in The Collective School of Music as a full-time student for 2 years. Following that, he attended the CCNY Jazz Performance Program. Studying with a line-up of teachers such as: Ian Froman, Peter Retzlaff, Bob Quaranta, Kim Plainfield, Vince Cherico, Marko Djordjevic, Chris Coleman, Tim Ries, Dan Carillo, Vanderlei Pereira, Mike Hollober, amongst others who helped refine and develop his sound and vision in music.

Ismael currently performs nationally and internationally with artists such as: Yordano, Monte, Amine Hachem, Ali Bello, The Latino Experimental Project, just to name a few. Aside from this, he continues teaching and recording in his state of the art studio.

In 2009, Maelo Drums sprung from Ismael’s rigorous research and dedicated passion towards providing unique designer sounds for unique artists. To learn more about MAELO DRUMS visit:

www.maelodrums.com

With a cultural melting-pot in his brain, Ismael is constantly composing original music and arrangements with The Latino Experimental Project; a musical experiment that mixes his Venezuelan roots, Afro-Latin and Caribbean styles with a contemporary and improvisational approach.

He is also a Journalism and Communications Major, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Sound Engineering.