Flamenco guitar lessons

Private instruction with experienced performer and teacher. Lessons cover flamenco song forms, rhythms, technique, repertoire, improvisation, and accompaniment for singing and dancing.

My teaching is based on years of working professionally as a flamenco guitarist in both traditional “cuadros” with flamenco singers and dancers, to contemporary instrumental groups and solo performance. This experience gave me a deep knowledge of this intricate style, knowledge that can’t be communicated to a student from books and transcriptions.

I teach:

-all styles of flamenco, from traditional to contemporary and fusion

-proper right hand techniques that are unique to flamenco

-how to master the flamenco rhythms and song forms

-accompaniment and interaction with flamenco singers and dancers and percussionists

-repertoire- I can learn any flamenco piece off of a recording and teach it to you. I have been teaching repertoire of Paco de Lucia and all the great flamenco guitarists from either pieces already in my own repertoire or from any recordings students have chosen.

-jazz theory and improvisation as it applies to contemporary flamenco (such as Paco de Lucia, Tomatito, Vicente Amigo, etc)

Teacher Bio:

I began playing flamenco guitar in 1993. After learning the rhythms, techniques, song forms, and accompaniment for singing and dancing, I became interested in the earlier roots of Andalusian music, such as Arabic-Andalusian music. This led to study of the oud, the Arabic, 11 string, fretless lute at a music school in Tetouan, Morocco. After returning to the States, I received my BA in ethnomusicology from The University of Washington. At that time I began performing professionally in flamenco groups in Seattle, Vancouver, BC and Portland.

Besides teaching, I perform most nights of the week around town either in guitar duos, my own trio, or with Shabava, a Persian/Arabic/Indian trio. Having had excellent teachers when I was learning to play, I realized the importance of an open teacher who is able to structure lessons around an individual student’s taste, pushing them forward, while keeping it fun and exciting. Learning an instrument, even if it is from another culture or tradition does not have to be intimidating. I believe the best motivation comes from the students themselves after the excitement of seeing their own quick progress, and that is the priority in my approach to teaching.

Lessons are offered on oud or flamenco guitar. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

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