Wagner Duarte is a Brazilian music educator, composer, and researcher based in Louisiana. Originally from Maceió, Brazil, he began his musical studies on the guitar with his father before discovering the cello at age 17. By 19, he had joined the Youth Orchestra of Bahia, where he performed with the orchestra while also teaching young musicians.
Dr. Duarte holds a Ph.D. in Music Composition and a Master of Music in Music Theory from Louisiana State University, as well as a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Cello Performance from Nicholls State University. His professional experience spans higher education, public school music, private instruction, and academic library services, combining rigorous scholarship with practical music education.
As a composer and researcher, Dr. Duarte draws inspiration from the rich musical traditions of Northeastern Brazil, particularly the Armorial movement and folkloric genres such as Baião, Reisado, Caboclinho, and Coco de Roda. As a teacher, he is passionate about helping students develop strong musicianship, critical listening skills, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
