Composer, Performer, Educator
Luke Cuerel is a musician and educator based in Meanjin/Brisbane, Australia. He is a versatile performer, improviser, composer and producer known for combining a background in jazz and electronic music production with a love for melody and texture. His projects include The Luke Cuerel Orchestra, The Luke Cuerel Quintet and Voltfruit, and he has played with some of the country's biggest touring acts including Boy and Bear and The Kite String Tangle.
His compositions range from contemporary jazz for small and large ensembles to ambient and downtempo electronic music. His releases have been recognised at the Queensland Music Awards (Luke Cuerel Orchestra - Highly Commended in 2019, "Far From The Tree" - Finalist in 2021), both receiving considerable airplay locally and nationally. He was commissioned to write for Soundstream's Emerging Composer Forum, with his work Generations II premiering in 2023 as part of Adelaide Fringe.
As an arranger, Luke has created string arrangements for RnB artist Poji and big band arrangements for the Brisbane Jazz Orchestra, and has also been an assistant producer for jazz recordings. He also has over a decade of experience producing and performing electronic music with Pigeon, Scholar, Polymer and Expo 88, with airplay on Australian commercial and community radio.
Luke shares his passion for music education and community music-making through his work as an educator and facilitator. He has been involved as a mentor with Creative Fusions (QPAC), Talkin' Jazz and Dots+Loops' Fellowship program, and has over a decade of experience as a music teacher in primary, secondary and tertiary education.
His compositions range from contemporary jazz for small and large ensembles to ambient and downtempo electronic music. His releases have been recognised at the Queensland Music Awards (Luke Cuerel Orchestra - Highly Commended in 2019, "Far From The Tree" - Finalist in 2021), both receiving considerable airplay locally and nationally. He was commissioned to write for Soundstream's Emerging Composer Forum, with his work Generations II premiering in 2023 as part of Adelaide Fringe.
As an arranger, Luke has created string arrangements for RnB artist Poji and big band arrangements for the Brisbane Jazz Orchestra, and has also been an assistant producer for jazz recordings. He also has over a decade of experience producing and performing electronic music with Pigeon, Scholar, Polymer and Expo 88, with airplay on Australian commercial and community radio.
Luke shares his passion for music education and community music-making through his work as an educator and facilitator. He has been involved as a mentor with Creative Fusions (QPAC), Talkin' Jazz and Dots+Loops' Fellowship program, and has over a decade of experience as a music teacher in primary, secondary and tertiary education.