Joel Christopher Viera

Joel Viera, a musician of Puerto Rican descent raised in New York City, began his musical journey at the age of 7 when his father, a guitar hobbyist, taught him and his brother to play guitar. By age 10, Joel transitioned to electric bass, and at 12, he began studying upright bass under the guidance of Rob Duguay. He honed his craft at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, studying classical bass under Bill Ellison.

After graduating, he worked with Truth Revolution Records, where he was mentored by his cousins, Grammy-winning musicians Zaccai and Luques Curtis. Joel is currently earning his bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from The City College of New York and will continue with his master’s degree in Jazz Studies at the same institution, studying under renowned NYC bassist Neal Miner.

He has performed at iconic venues such as the Jazz Standard, David Geffen Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ornithology Jazz Club, the American Museum of Natural History, among many others. With over a decade of experience, Joel continues to shape his voice in the vibrant New York City jazz scene.