OUR PHILOSOPHY ON TEACHING FLAMENCO GUITAR
We do not teach guitar - we teach Flamenco. Part of Flamenco is guitar. According to Maestro "El Farru" of the Los Farruco dynasty “If you want to dance Flamenco, or play Flamenco guitar (he is also a talented guitarist) you must listen to the masters of cante; and you must know something of the history of Flamenco”. The most important thing in Flamenco is compás (rhythm) - without compás there is no Flamenco. Then comes technique - proper technique that will enable the student to be able to easily study anywhere in the world and with any instructor, and to play Flamenco guitar for many years as an educated guitarist, and safely, without injury (yes, you can injure your hands with improper technique). Underlying it all, there must be knowledge - knowledge of compás, palos (forms), and origins of the artform itself.
We are specialists. Our primary focus is teaching Flamenco foundation
(compás (rhythms), technique and improvisation.)
FOUNDATIONS OF FLAMENCO GUITAR
Arrangements are only teaching tools - or, at best, allow the student only to play in theatrical (choreographed, staged, rehearsed) presentations. The serious student of Flamenco must learn basic techniques that will allow them to understand and utilize the material they have learned to be able to actually play Flamenco guitar. Whether a student wishes to play Flamenco just for fun or personal enjoyment, or to pursue a professional path (either improvisational or theatrical), a strong foundation is absolutely critical.
We are seeing an alarming increase in the number of students of Flamenco guitar that come to us without proper foundation - actually, without any foundation at all. They have lots of notes and lots of arrangements but do not understand what compás or palo they are playing or how to use concepts they have learned in a palo or compás. This is like going to school for 2 years and coming out not knowing your ABC's. We believe this is the responsibility of the teacher - to guide the student correctly from the beginning. Education must start at the elementary school level and progress through high school - students starting in high school, skipping elementary school, will struggle at best, but often will fail to succeed.
We are seeing an alarming increase in the number of students of Flamenco guitar that come to us without proper foundation - actually, without any foundation at all. They have lots of notes and lots of arrangements but do not understand what compás or palo they are playing or how to use concepts they have learned in a palo or compás. This is like going to school for 2 years and coming out not knowing your ABC's. We believe this is the responsibility of the teacher - to guide the student correctly from the beginning. Education must start at the elementary school level and progress through high school - students starting in high school, skipping elementary school, will struggle at best, but often will fail to succeed.
Flamenco is not in the notes, it’s in the rhythms.
ARRANGEMENTS, TECHNIQUES AND COMPAS
We have created arrangements that progress from basic, easy-to-understand to more complex; to teach the student not only notes and techniques, but how they fit into the compás. We have developed a pattern of exercises specific to each technique that will allow the student to further understand the structure of these techniques and how they can be adapted for each compás.
IMPROVISATION
The goal is the ability to utilize all the information at your disposal; arrangements, techniques, and compases, in free and casual creation. The student will learn how to deconstruct their arrangements and technique patterns and easily adapt the parts to fit whatever compás they will be playing.
FLAMENCO GUITAR LESSONS
Our guitar instruction is conducted on a private lesson basis. Classes are also available through Skype. Our years of teaching experience prove to us that students advance faster and more successfully in private lessons, and private lessons allow students to more easily incorporate Flamenco into their already busy schedules.
We have students that take private lessons once a week, twice a week, twice a month, once a month and some on an only-as-time-permits basis. Some students take lessons in-person and some supplement their private lessons with Skype lessons. Some study by Skype only. The opportunity to accompany dance classes (without fee) is available to intermediate or advanced in-person guitar students.
Lessons are one hour. Students are provided study materials, (data, video, and audio) to study independently at home between lessons.
We have students that take private lessons once a week, twice a week, twice a month, once a month and some on an only-as-time-permits basis. Some students take lessons in-person and some supplement their private lessons with Skype lessons. Some study by Skype only. The opportunity to accompany dance classes (without fee) is available to intermediate or advanced in-person guitar students.
Lessons are one hour. Students are provided study materials, (data, video, and audio) to study independently at home between lessons.
FLAMENCO GUITAR LESSON SCHEDULE
Lessons may be scheduled days, evenings or on weekends, according to instructor’s performance schedule.
PAYMENT
In Person Lessons: We accept cash, check or Venmo. Payment is expected when you arrive for your class. If you wish to reserve a specific date and time on a regular basis, you will need to purchase a block of 4 lessons in advance.
Zoom Lessons: You may pre-pay for your lesson via Venmo. The payment process must be completed before a class date can be scheduled.
Zoom Lessons: You may pre-pay for your lesson via Venmo. The payment process must be completed before a class date can be scheduled.
FLAMENCO GUITAR LESSON CANCELLATION POLICY
If a student needs to cancel a scheduled lesson, they must give a 24-hour notice of cancellation or they will be charged for the lesson; if the instructor is unable to fill the lesson spot, the student will be charged for the lesson.
REQUIREMENTS
Basic knowledge of guitar
~ ability to tune guitar
~ability to play a few chords
Nylon stringed guitar
Stick drive (to record in-person lessons)
~ ability to tune guitar
~ability to play a few chords
Nylon stringed guitar
Stick drive (to record in-person lessons)
