JP Mourão is a versatile guitarist, arranger, producer, music director, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, JP’s dynamic career spans performing, recording, and producing across a wide array of genres and settings.
Since relocating to the United States, JP has collaborated and recorded with renowned artists such as Selena Gomez, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Carlos Vives, Keiko Matsui, David Benoit, Lincoln Brewster, Aloe Blacc, Amanda Brecker, among many others, and for major brands including Disney, Coca-Cola, FIFA, NBA, and Roland. He has worked alongside Grammy-winning and multiplatinum producers like Rock Mafia (Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber), Mario Caldato (Beastie Boys, Jack Johnson), Bruce Sugar (Ozzy Osbourne, Ringo Starr), and Ross Hogarth (Van Halen, Roger Waters), as well as elite session musicians including Vinnie Colaiuta, Abraham Laboriel, Eric Marienthal, Randy Brecker, Brandon Fields, Jimmy Johnson, Otmaro Ruiz, Scott Tibbs, Jimmy Branly, and more.
These collaborations have enriched JP’s expertise across diverse musical styles and industry settings—experience he brings directly into his teaching and mentorship at Cal State LA.
JP’s recording portfolio includes contributions to Grammy-winning and nominated albums, such as Carlos Vives’s Mas Corazon Profundo (Best Tropical Latin Album) and Oskar Cartaya’s Bajo Mundo (Best Jazz Album nominee). His guitar work is also featured in series and films on platforms including Apple TV+ (The Mosquito Coast), Netflix (The Devil Next Door), and NatGeo (Blood on the Wall), as well as in major media campaigns like Coca-Cola’s 2014 World Cup theme.
Beyond the studio, JP is active as a touring musician with celebrated artists worldwide and is a founding member of the band Farofa. He currently tours as guitarist for acclaimed pianist Keiko Matsui.
JP began his professional career in Brazil at age 16, quickly establishing himself as a sought-after sideman and session musician. He earned a Bachelor of Music from Campinas State University (Unicamp), Brazil, and a Master’s in Commercial Music from California State University, Los Angeles.
As Associate Professor and Commercial Music Area Coordinator at Cal State LA, JP teaches a variety of courses in commercial music—including guitar, harmony, music technology, and the history of popular music—helping students prepare for successful and diverse careers in today’s music industry.