Ivanna Cuesta is a drummer, composer, and educator from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, known for her powerful artistry and ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical traditions. With a strong foundation in jazz and contemporary music, her work bridges cultural, rhythmic, and stylistic worlds in bold and innovative ways.

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She holds degrees from the Dominican Republic Music Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, and earned a master’s degree from Rutgers University. Throughout her studies, she worked closely with world-renowned artists including Neal Smith, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Francisco Mela, among others. A compelling and versatile performer, Ivanna has appeared at major festivals and venues such as the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, DC Jazz Festival, the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center, Monheim Triennale Festival, and the Soberano Awards. She is proudly endorsed by Paiste and Vater.

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In 2019, she won first place in the Hit Like a Girl contest (18–39 category), which led to a featured performance at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. She has since collaborated with a wide range of influential artists, including Aaron Parks, Kandace Springs, Miguel Zenón, Concha Buika, Kris Davis, Aaron Goldberg, George Garzone, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Alisa Amador, Jane Bunnett, and Oscar Stagnaro, among others.

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In 2022, Ivanna was selected as a Fellow for the prestigious Next Jazz Legacy program, co-led by Terri Lyne Carrington, where she received mentorship from legendary artists Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding. As a composer, Ivanna has created original works for projects and commissions with ACLU Massachusetts, Canobie Films, Cinema First Nasty Women, Pathos Trio, and more. She is also a member of the forward-thinking Droid Mafia label, a collective of artists dedicated to experimental and socially conscious music. Deeply committed to music education, Ivanna has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions including the University of Arkansas, the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, the Dominican Republic Music Conservatory, and Walker West’s Women in Jazz Retreat in Minnesota.

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Her debut album as a bandleader, A Letter to the Earth (Orenda Records), features Kris Davis, Ben Solomon, Max Ridley, and Paulina Camou. The album received a Bronze Medal at the 2024 Global Music Awards and has been presented at venues such as Dizzy’s Club (NYC), The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Mission Hill Arts Festival, Dot Jazz Series, and the 2025 Charles River Jazz Festival.