Juan Miguel S. Lerma or “Junji” has been in the music industry for more than 20 years both as an educator and as a performer. He graduated with a Certificate of Music Majoring in Classical Guitar from the U.P. Diliman College of Music in 2001.
He is an active faculty member at The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab, a post which he has held for the last thirteen years. He has also done recording and session work for Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers for their Major Label Debut album under Sony Records in 2007. As well as travelled with the group for their local and international engagements.
As a music educator, he has conducted workshops for the Music Library of the ABS-CBN and the Ateneo High School’s Alternative Class Program in 2007 and 2008. He was also the guitar professor selected to handle scholars of The Nokia ACTS Music Program, a weekly workshop where they taught music to under – privileged kids. The program lasted from 2008-2009. In 2014, he was asked to head the APPMUS (Application of Music) Electric Guitar Program of the De La Salle – College of St. Benilde Music Production Department where he remains as a faculty member to this day.
As a music artist, Junji was the guitar player of the critically – acclaimed group, the Radioactive Sago Project. He was in the lineup from 2003 until their hiatus in 2015 and has headlined concerts both local and foreign with the group. Of the four full-length albums that the band released, he has recorded 2 Independent albums with them namely: “Fashionista” (2007) and “Ang Itlog at Ang Demonyo” (2014) both under local Independent Label, Terno Recordings.
He was also a part of the rock super group, HIJO composed of former Bamboo members and released their self-titled debut E.P. entitled “Slow Rock Vol. 1⁄2” under MCA Records in 2011.
He has also done some Stage and Theater Work as the guitar player for a few productions like, Jersey Boys (2015), Binondo (2018 & 2019), CCP’s Aurelio Sedisyoso (2018), and Ballet Philippines’ Manhid (2015) and the restaging of the Iconic 70’s show, Tales of The Manuvu (2019).
In 2017, Junji formed a new Instrumental Modern Jazz Quartet called Four Corners MNL with RASP Bassist, Francis De Veyra, Ex-Sinosikat Drummer, Reli De Vera, veteran Alto- Saxophonist, Jess Villaflores and Keyboard whiz, Niki Cabardo formerly of Freestyle.
