Fabiola Méndez: Musical Journey
Born in the mountains of Puerto Rico, Fabiola blends folk, jazz and Afro-Caribbean traditions
Fabiola, from Caguas, PR, started playing the Puerto Rican cuatro at six. She trained at the Antonio Paoli School of Music and earned her Bachelor’s from Berklee College of Music, where she was the first to graduate with the cuatro as her principal instrument in 2018.
Fabiola’s mission is to celebrate the cuatro and folk music. She has collaborated with prestigious organizations like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Fred Rogers Productions. She has also worked with numerous artists, including the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and Totó La Momposina.
Her recordings include Al Otro Lado del Charco (2019), Afrorriqueña (2021), and Flora Campesina (2024). In 2022, she produced the documentary “Negrura” about Afro-Latinx experiences. Fabiola’s accolades include the Quincy Jones Award, Brother Thomas Fellowship, and the ASCAP Foundation Lucille and Jack Yellen Award. Her music is featured in Disney+, PBS Kids, and HBO Max productions.
Currently, Fabiola performs with her quartet nationally and internationally and teaches at the Longy School of Music of Bard College.
“Es el reflejo de una artista que trascendió de la música jíbara para afianzarse con un estilo que abraza el folclor puertorriqueño desde una perspectiva joven, actualizada, representativa de lo que es llevar la patria consigo siendo parte de la diáspora en Estados Unidos.”
Rosalina Marrero
Primera Hora, Puerto Rico
“Her continued artistry represents an embrace of her Afro-Latinx roots — and an invitation for Greater Boston's substantial Afro-Latinx diaspora to join her.”
Tiziana Dearing and Khari Thompson
WBUR, Boston
“Fabiola Méndez, pequeña diosa trigueña con las manos paridas de luz, es un destello de innovación en la música tradicional de Borinquen.”
Vianco Martínez
Acento, Dominican Republic
“A virtuoso of the cuatro”
The Boston Globe
Boston MA
“Méndez, who also sings, is considered a master at playing the cuatro, a traditional 10-string, guitar-like instrument.”
Press Herald
Portland ME
Historical Graduation Achievement
Fabiola made history as the first graduate from Berklee College of Music to play the Puerto Rican cuatro as her principal instrument.
Collaborations with Prestigious Organizations
Fabiola has worked with renowned organizations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Fred Rogers Productions
Notable Recordings and Productions
Al Otro Lado del Charco (2019), Afrorriqueña (2021) and Flora Campesina (2024). In 2022, she produced her first documentary, “Negrura,” highlighting Afro-Latinx stories.
Recognition and Awards
Fabiola has received numerous accolades, including the Quincy Jones Award, the ASCAP Foundation Lucille and Jack Yellen Award, and the title of “Latin Artist of the Year 2023” by the Boston Music Awards and a 2023 Children's and Family EMMY nomination for Outstanding Interactive Media
Educational and Compositional Roles
Fabiola is a faculty member at the Longy School of Music of Bard College and a featured composer for Fred Rogers Productions and Pipeline Studios.
The Journey Continues:
Major Milestones and Achievements
Explore Fabiola's journey through her major milestones and achievements in her career.
