Every public gathering or national dance featured a musician strumming songs on a guitar decorated with elaborate designs and patterns. Spanish guitars were an instrument of the people. The next century brought a new sound with a fifth course of strings included by Spanish luthiers (guitar makers), and from that moment, they became known as Spanish guitars. Its most popular form had four courses of strings in pairs tuned to Gg CC EE AA, which was inspired by Arabic instruments like the Lute and the Viol. The Spanish GuitarĪround the 15th century, Europeans were already excited about the guitar. What was Spain’s primary contribution to Latin music? Bringing the idea of stringed instruments across the ocean with early versions of the Spanish guitar later developed into a whole new range of instruments and sounds. Although the origins of some of the Latinx musical influences are the results of Spanish colonization, the month also acknowledges and celebrates shared identities translated into new cultural expressions. These instruments have a rich history dating back up to 5000 years, in the case of the quenas.Latinx heritage month celebrates the impact of Hispanic culture worldwide. There are three important families of wind instruments that are a fundamental part of the Andean music diaspora: The Quenas, Sikus and Mohzeños. This group session welcomes all levels of musicianship. In this weekly session Mauricio will develop modern and traditional Andean pieces alongside new compositions through an ensemble including Andean wind instruments, charango (small 10-string nylon Andean guitar) and Andean percussion. Therefore improvisation and composition are foundational skills for every player, from absolute beginner to advanced professional.įor advanced students Mauricio also offers the possibility of a masterclass format. Mauricio’s own musical development, as well as his teaching method, are founded upon the principle that engaging with your own creativity is the most empowering, effective and enjoyable way to learn an instrument. Furthermore he uses these techniques as a starting point for what he calls “instant composition”. Mauricio teaches improvisation frameworks that can be used for different styles of music. This allows them to carve their own ideas into project-based sessions where students work towards a composition and/or a performance. Mauricio’s approach is to work with the strength of the ideas of each student. But in fact it is an integral part of all levels of musicianship that can be started at any stage of development. The art of composing is often presented as the last stage in the journey of an advanced musician. Composition & Improvisation for keyless flutes and wind instruments

The Andean wind instruments lessons with Quena, Sikus and Mohzeños can be taken as a one-on-one lesson or as group lesson. Using his experience as an innovator he can help students to adapt their playing to perform in different styles and to create original music and sounds.įor those interested in learning traditional and modern techniques Mauricio will create a tailored course for each student according to their level and musical ideas. This provides them with the techniques to play, improvise and even compose music using their instrument. Students will be guided through a personalised musical development strategy, tailored to the strengths and ideas of each individual. These can be quenas, sikus and other traditional wind instruments.

In his ‘Andean wind instruments lesson’ he teaches students interested in developing their skills on keyless flutes. He is passionate about encouraging music-lovers to develop their own unique style and original way of playing and learning. Mauricio is an award-winning educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. Andean wind instruments lessons – Quena, Sikus, Mohzeños

Small andean stringed instruments