Based in Vancouver, BC, Chris Couto is a versatile and experienced session musician, producer, arranger, singer and educator. With over half his lifetime dedicated to his professional career, he has toured across Canada and internationally, performing for audiences including Her Majesty the Queen and opening for renowned artists such as DJ Premier, Booker T. Jones, Ozomatli, The Wailers and Salif Keita to name a few.

Christopher Horta-Couto

Based in Vancouver, BC, Chris Couto is a versatile and experienced session musician, producer, arranger, singer and educator. With over half his lifetime dedicated to his professional career, he has toured across Canada and internationally, performing for audiences including Her Majesty the Queen and opening for renowned artists such as DJ Premier, Booker T. Jones, Ozomatli, The Wailers and Salif Keita to name a few.

Available to hire

Based in Vancouver, BC, Chris Couto is a versatile and experienced session musician, producer, arranger, singer and educator. With over half his lifetime dedicated to his professional career, he has toured across Canada and internationally, performing for audiences including Her Majesty the Queen and opening for renowned artists such as DJ Premier, Booker T. Jones, Ozomatli, The Wailers and Salif Keita to name a few.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
Portuguese
Advanced

Work Experience

Professional Musician
January 1, 2005 - Present
Professional musician active since 2005 with extensive Canada-wide and international touring; performed a command recital for Her Majesty The Queen; opened for DJ Premier, Booker T. Jones, Ozomatli, and Salif Keita; performed at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival culminating in a private command performance at Balmoral Castle for The Queen (2007).
Music Teacher at World Music Program / Britannia Community Centre
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2011
Awarded for 5 years of outstanding musicianship and mentorship as a World Music Teacher.
Instructor at Dance Vancouver Studio
January 1, 2018 - Present
Teach a salsa musicality class for 5–25 adults, fundamentals on 2/3 clave, congas and timbales to familiarize with the rhythms that make Salsa.
Instructor at Errington Hall, Parksville (World Music Youth Summer Camp)
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2019
Zimbabwean Marimba and West African Djembe classes accompanied by dancers.
Instructor at ArtStart
January 1, 2008 - Present
In schools, plays a leadership role transforming the way children and youth are engaged in and through the arts, and promoting the value of the arts in young lives.
Instructor at Lively Up Yourself Roundhouse Community Centre
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009
Zimbabwean Marimba instruction, composing, arranging and performing.
Marimba/Music Instructor at Saint James Music Academy
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Non-profit after-school program; teaching a Marimba program in DTES (and Strathcona Elementary).
Percussion and Drum Teacher at Sarah McLachlan School of Music
January 1, 2015 - Present
Outreach Program; percussion and drum instruction for beginners and intermediates.
Program Leader / Instructor at Instruments of Change (Burnaby Youth Custody Services)
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Launched and led a youth marimba band program for incarcerated youth to build self-esteem and patience through music.

Education

Diploma at Pacific Audio Visual Institute
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Diploma at Vancouver Community College
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009

Qualifications

Award for 5 years of outstanding musicianship and mentorship as a World Music Teacher
January 11, 2030 - March 19, 2026
JUNO nomination - Best World Music Album (Mazacote) for Patria
January 1, 2021 - March 19, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization