The ability to improvise is not a natural skill that we are born with. It is an understandable chain of tools that can be learned and practiced into performance. Improvisation is something that requires discipline as much as freedom, and in fact, it stems from the understanding of sounds, the music's natural grammar. Violin is mostly seen as a melodic instrument but it can be otherwise. Outside of the classical world, rhythm reigns and the violin can be a leading rhythmical instrument too, providing solid grooves and accompaniments or challenging your fellow musicians with percussive sounds. Furthermore, to be proficient in specific styles, it is not enough to just play scales and patterns but it is necessary to learn the colors of the proper harmonical framework which is part of an idiom. In 10 years of teaching, I developed an approach that rethinks the function of fingerboard visualization allowing you to transpose in any key with great facility and to understand the logic behind the shapes of any chord on the fingerboard. In these lessons, I will help you to rethink the violin out of the box, as a powerful rhythmical and harmonical instrument while deepening your melodic ability (soloing) related to the styles you want to play: Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Pop, Rock, Brazilian, World Music. [According to the style we will also be working with loops and effects] This class is designed for musicians who already know the basics of violin techniques but addresses both beginner and advanced players in relation to the field of improvised music. The lessons will be custom made for each student. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player I will work to adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance and materials. Don't hesitate to contact me for more details!
Employing the voice in a rhythmical sense is not a granted or obvious approach for singers and is sometimes overlooked by instrumentalists. However, a rhythmical foundation developed through the voice is a core element of strong musicianship for everyone in the music sector. In these lessons, we will practice rhythm through the understanding and utilization of Konnakol (South Indian Carnatic rhythmical solfege) alongside other techniques and approach different ways to conceive of rhythm and integrate it into performance. We will work on rhythmical freedom, phrasing, grouping and moving patterns, cross-rhythms, odd measures and different 'feels'. You will acquire new ideas, improve your timing, gain independence in your lines and obtain a set of tools to practice self-sufficiently. "Rhythm through Voice" is designed for both singers and instrumentalists who want to enlarge their spectrum of techniques, and improve their rhythmical awareness. [For instrumentalists: I will support you to translate and apply these techniques into your instrument] The lessons will be custom made for each student. I will work to adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance. Don't hesitate to contact me for more details!
What is music theory? Is it just one theory? What do we do with it? How come so many of the greatest musicians didn't know even the name of the notes? Let's dispel the myth. They may, in fact, have lacked the names, but "knowing" in music means something else than a dusty stockpile of information and labels. Their ears, their voice, and their hands "knew" very well... Music theory is the way we get some order into the endless realm of possibility that music allows us. Naming and conceptualizing these possibilities is very useful in many ways. It provides us with an overarching and abstract understanding of what we have done (reflective element), and it can even open up to yet unheard sound combinations (generative element). But one point remains crucial: music theories come from music practice and come back to music practice. Theories are the most useful and loyal servants for music-making, but only empty speculations without it. In these lessons, I will help you to understand how to navigate music theories and what to do with them. I will show you a plurality of approaches to systematizing sound relations that will serve at best the music you love to play or want to compose. The lessons will be custom made for each student. Whether you are a beginner who simply wants a little help to get the basics right or you are a cultivated musician fond of music theory who wants to explore advanced and complex concepts out of the box, I will provide you with ideas, materials, and exercises. I will work to adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance Don't hesitate to contact me for more details!
Big music from small instruments. Mandolin and Ukulele have been quite a hype in the past 10 years. Nevertheless, these two small ones are not often used up to their full potential. Have you ever thought you could be a virtuoso in one of these instruments? That you could actually play in any style and be a great soloist as much as a violinist or a guitarist? Aside from learning the basics, I will show alternative tunings that will provide you with a better sound, a bigger range to play in, more versatility and comfort for the hand, awesome voicings and a clear visual map of chords, modes, and harmonic movements. I will help you to rethink the mandolin and the ukulele as truly complete and professional instruments and show you how to play on them in a broad variety of styles such as folk, blues, pop, rock, and jazz. [According to the style we will also be working with loops and effects.] This class is meant to guide you from the very first steps on your instrument up to a professional level. From beginners to advanced musicians who want to challenge themselves and enlarge their perspective on the instrument. The lessons will be custom made for each student. I will work to adapt to your learning rhythm while keeping you challenged at the same time. You will receive regular feedback, advice, and guidance and materials Don't hesitate to contact me for more details!

Reviews (2)

My first ever mandolin lesson was with Cristiano and it was great. He gave detailed and clear instruction and was friendly and adapted to my needs.
A great start!

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