Rhythm and Rubato - Improving Your Interpretation Of Latin Dances

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and rhythmic world of Latin American dances with our two-week intensive course, “Rhythm and Rubato”. This course is a deep exploration into the rich musical heritage of Latin America, focusing on authentic interpretation and rhythmic structure of emblematic pieces like Heitor Villa-Lobos’s Choro 1, Antonio Lauro’s Carora, and Cardoso’s Milonga.

Core Concepts:

• Rhythm and Rubato: Delve into the essential techniques of employing rhythm and rubato, learning where to take time and where to maintain a straightforward tempo.
• Understanding Rhythmic Structure: Gain insights into the intrinsic rhythmic structures that define Latin American dances, enabling you to render performances that resonate with authenticity and vitality.
• Addressing Technical Challenges: Overcome typical technical hurdles such as mastering arpeggios with ami and thumb, negotiating chord changes, and more.

Hands-on Learning:

Participants are encouraged to bring their own repertoire to the course, allowing for a collaborative learning environment where individual pieces are analyzed for their rhythm and interpretability. The course will guide participants through the process of identifying where to take time in their pieces, ensuring a broader applicability of the skills acquired.

Who Should Attend:

This course is tailored for classical guitarists who are eager to refine their interpretative skills, enhance their understanding of rhythm, and delve deeper into the beauty of Latin American music. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic beginner, this intensive course will enhance your musicality and broaden your interpretive horizons.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will have a nuanced understanding of rhythm and rubato, allowing them to bring out the authentic essence of Latin American dances in their performances. They will also have honed their technical skills to navigate through typical challenges encountered in playing such pieces.

Join Us:

Embark on this musical journey and immerse yourself in the rhythms and expressions of Latin American dances. This course promises a transformative learning experience, offering a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, all aimed at unlocking the true potential of every classical guitarist.

Timeline:

• Sign-Up: October 13th - 15th
• Course Period: October 16th - 27th
• Optional check-In via Zoom: tba

Assignments

PART 2 ''Milonga'' by Jorge Cardoso

Practice assignment:

1. Try the rhythm with open strings concentration on the beat from the metronome.

2. Play the first couple of bars (first three or four chords is enough).

Part 3: Carora (vals Venezolano) by Antonio Lauro

Assignment:

1. Try to play the cuatro's rhythm very slowly, by strumming in a down and up motion six 8th-notes damping 8th-note number 3 and 6 (1 2 X 4 5 X). Don't forget it is a vals and has a 3/4 measure.

2. If you play this piece or any other Venezuelan vals you can post it, if not, you can try the first couple of bars.

Have fun!

Part 4: Choro No.1 by Heitor Villa-Lobos

Assignment:

Try to play the basic rhythm as explained in the video and if you can, add some percussion from this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYWXrkYTLOE

Have fun!