As a student at The Institute Superior of the Arts in Havana, Rafael Zaldivar was steeped in a rich repertoire of classical Cuban percussion and piano music. He went on to study interpretation jazz at the Université de Montréal and will soon begin a master's degree at McGill University. When not in the classroom, the award-winning jazz pianist is on the stage, having already performed with music greats Oliver Jones and Vic Vogel. The Rafael Zaldivar Quintet also includes drummer Kevin Warren and bassist Adrian Vedady. In 2010, the pianist released his first album, Life Directions.