Welcome to the Advanced Week Long Workshop
Our ADVANCED Week Long Granada Workshops are for students wanting to refine their technique, compás and fluidity, while immersing themselves in the amazing city of Granada. In addition to class, we’ll experience lots of live flamenco, eat lots of tapas, and generally experience this amazing city of guitar players and makers.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’ll assume you’re an experienced player with solid technique and compás, and we’ll explore soniquete (feel or groove), structure, and truly understanding and owning everything you play. We’ll discuss improvisation and look at understanding flamenco beyond simply playing set solo pieces.
We’ll spend the first half of each day working on technique and compás, and we’ll spend the rest of the time exploring material that reinforces that work. We’ll also determine what big questions players have, and address questions that are common to the group.
We’ll have at least one guest guitarist for a masterclass, and depending on the group we’ll bring in either a dancer or singer to experience accompaniment in a live setting.
*** Even if you’re a fantastic guitarist, there’s a chance we’ll recommend you take our standard week long workshop before the advanced week long workshop. In the advanced workshop we will assume a pretty high level of comfort with compás and knowledge of flamenco. This is why an interview is required to sign up for the advanced workshop.
WHAT WILL WE COVER
We’ll focus mainly on Soleá, Soleá Por Bulerias and Bulerias, and look at patterns and material that help you master the compás of these Palos as well as your material. We may also look at other Palos or cante/baile accompaniment depending on the interests of the group.
WHAT LEVELS / PREREQUISITES
In order to ensure the best experience for the group, we will require an interview with each player. Contact us and we’ll set up a meeting.
We will require that all participants have a solid grasp of technique and compás, and be familiar with Soleá, Solea Por Bulerías, Bulerías, Tangos, and preferably a few more Palos. If you have any doubts just write us and we’ll figure it out.
CLASSES
We will meet for five days – Monday – Friday.
Classes will be held from 10AM until 2PM each day at Peña La Plateria, the oldest flamenco peña in Spain, in the Albaicín neighborhood of Granada.
Most days, the first two hours will focus on technique and compás, and the second two hours will focus on applying this to material. We will take a short break between the two sessions.
MEALS
Meals are not included in the price of the workshop. There is a bar/restaurant at the Platería, where classes are held, which has great tapas and a good menu as well. We suspect we will be eating many after-class meals there. Check out the Pro-Tips tab for more info on tapas and eating in Granada.
ALSO INCLUDED
Also included in the workshop price is a trip to a flamenco show in the caves of Sacromonte. For workshops that take place during the Granada Guitar Festival other concerts may also be included.
WHAT ELSE WE DO
Granada is a magical city. In addition to the Alhambra, Sacromonte, the Albaicín and other historic sites, it’s a great guitar city. We’ll see as much flamenco as possible, including a show in one of the caves of Sacromonte. Depending on the time of year there may be one of many festivals going on.
There are also tons of great guitar makers in Granada, so if you’re in the market for a guitar we’ll be happy to introduce you to the builders (you shouldn’t expect them to have guitars on hand for sale unless you’ve arranged this in advance, though you never know…). You can also take your guitar to get a fantastic setup from the people who really know!
But the main thing will be to experience flamenco where it lives, and to get to know and play with others who share your passion for this amazing art form.
