Freddy Morales (b. 2002) is a Hispanic and Native American percussionist and educator from El Paso, Texas. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Percussion Performance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the UTK Band program. He works with the Pride of the Southland Band and Drumline, concert ensembles, and percussion programs, emphasizing inclusive pedagogy, positive learning environments, and cultural representation. Freddy also performs as a conga player with the Knoxville based salsa band Rica Chicha, which informs his culturally responsive teaching.

Freddy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at El Paso, studying under Dr. Andy Smith. At UTEP, he served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the Marching Miners and performed in wind and percussion ensembles, including appearances at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention.

At UTK, Freddy has performed at CBDNA, PASIC, and The Midwest Clinic, and has coached Afro-diasporic music courses and percussion ensembles. He has performed and taught drum corps and indoor percussion for nearly six years with Sun City Independent, Genesis, and Arsenal. Some of his most recent and notable performances include: Drumming by Steve Reich performed with SŌ Percussion, and a Masters lecture recital exploring The language of Sacred Lucumí Drumming. Outside of music, Freddy enjoys connecting with nature by outdoor bouldering and hiking.