Biography
Brazilian guitarist, composer, and music educator Dr. Barcellos is an expert on musical creativity, songwriting, popular music, and arts-based research. He has released two albums of original songs, composed music for film, theatre, dance, and animation, and published and presented music education research in international and national venues. A well-known music educator, he has taught at The British School in Rio for 8 years, at Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro for 4 years, and at Atlanta International School for 4 years. In 2017, Barcellos spearheaded a captivating flash mob at Southside shopping mall in London, where he rehearsed and conducted 50 children through a groundbreaking performance of “Cidade Maravilhosa,” a classic Brazilian carnival march available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsTmMCdw6Xw
At Georgia State University, Barcellos received GRA funding for a long-standing research project involving an innovative middle school creativity program characterized by partnerships with community leaders in the entertainment industry, which culminated with his dissertation study, inspired by the work of Dr. Graham McPhail and Dr. John Kratus, who stated: “Luiz Claudio Marques Barcellos has written what may be the best research study in the world on children’s songwriting” (May 14, 2023). At Penn State, Dr. Barcellos teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses, philosophy of music education, and songwriting, among others. His ultimate goal is to provide authentic music experiences to foster students’ musical understanding, sharing his passion and knowledge to support student growth.