Employee Directory

Tareq Rantisi Visual and Performing Arts, Music Instructor
Visual and Performing Arts

Tareq Rantisi is a Grammy-nominated world percussionist, educator, and cultural leader whose artistry transcends borders. Deeply rooted in Arabic music, Tareq's dynamic soundscape weaves influences from Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Indian, West African, and Brazilian traditions. A self-taught virtuoso, his musical journey began amidst the vibrant communities of Palestinian refugee camps and centers in the West Bank and Jerusalem, where he both performed and taught music, embodying his belief in the transformative power of the arts.

He joined other educators in 2011 to found the Edward Said Conservatory in Gaza. His academic pursuits led him to Berklee College of Music, where he earned a B.A. in Performance and a Master's from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute. While at Berklee, he expanded his community engagement, performing in schools, prisons, and hospitals, affirming his commitment to accessible cultural expression.

Tareq has performed and recorded with luminaries such as Luciana Souza, Aaron Goldberg, Simon Shaheen, Danilo Perez, Jon Batiste, and Daniel Schnyder. His debut album, A’hajeez (Jafra Productions, 2024), showcases his deep study of Arab Gulf percussion traditions, reflecting his continuous exploration of folk music landscapes.

As the director of Access Culture, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering cultural belonging and environmental appreciation, Tareq spearheads the "World Music Concert Series." This initiative transforms underutilized public spaces in Greater Boston into vibrant cultural venues through free outdoor performances. Additionally, Tareq shares his expertise through master classes and workshops at prestigious institutions like Boston College, Brandeis University, the London Jazz Festival, and the Panama Jazz Festival. He currently serves as an Affiliated Artist at MIT and the Emerson-Harris Program, nurturing the next generation of global musicians.