Many of their countries future (musical) leaders are coming here, said Alhadeff, a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The numbers bear out the school s attraction. International Latin American student enrollment tops 100, with representation from Mexico and South American countries leading the way. Domestic Latino enrollment stands at more than 300. Latin music is a huge market, and we re very active in it, said Larry Monroe, Berklee vice president of international programs.

He points out that the college has affiliate schools in Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico and Spain, where students can transfer their credits to Berklee toward a bachelor s degree. Miami and New York, not necessarily Boston, might seem like the more logical magnet for Latin musicians.But those looking to get a start in the business swear by the Hub. Boston is a town that allows for a lot of live Latin music playing and gigging, said Alhadeff.

It s also a prominent town for world music, with an informed population that has eclectic tastes. And there are a lot of immigrants in the Boston area, so there s a thriving minority community here. Berklee is doing everything it can to build on the Latin musical center it has fast become. Its eighth annual Latin Culture Celebration kicks off today.

Among the highlights: vibes man Victor Mendoza with saxophonist Oscar Feldman, tomorrow at Berklee Performance Center; and Brazilian singer Rosa Passos, Thursday night at the same location.