The Flamenco 'Palos' with Leah Kruszewski

Photo by Antonio Andreu

About the Flamenco 'Palos' With Leah Kruszewski

When you’re learning to play flamenco guitar, you don’t usually learn pieces with a set beginning, end, and precise structure.  Instead, you learn to play within certain ‘palos’ or styles of flamenco music.  If you’ve heard a flamenco guitar recording called ‘Alegrias’, ‘Solea’, or ‘Bulerias’, for example, these are names of palos rather than titles of songs.  One guitarist’s recording of ‘Alegrias’ will be quite different from another guitarist’s, but the two pieces will have something in common that you might not be able to put your finger on.   

The palo doesn’t tell you exactly what notes to play or a set structural order, but it does give you other important information such as: 

  • The rhythm, or ’compás’
  • The key
  • The mood (melancholy, joyful, joking, tragic, festive, etc.)
  • What you’d expect from the singer and dancer, if they were present.  Flamenco guitar originated in the context of accompanying singing in dance.  Even solo guitar arrangements include elements derived from accompaniment. 

In this course we’ll explore twelve palos that are fundamental to flamenco. 

Each class will present: 

  1. The rhythm of the palo in its simplest form, easy enough for a student with basic guitar experience to play.  
  2. Variations of the rhythm using colorful flamenco techniques for more intermediate players
  3. A ‘falseta’, or short guitar solo.  I will keep this as simple as possible, though how easy it is will depend a bit on the palo.

 


How It Works

Students can connect to the online platform using a tablet or computer with reliable internet. To actively participate online students also need a webcam with microphone. This live online class is capped at 20 students. The class is covered by the Lessonface Guarantee

$179.00

Already signed up? Log In Here


When

The class will meet for 12 live online sessions on the following schedule:

Sundays at 2 pm EDT | 11 am PDT | 8 pm CEST

May 17th - Solea
May 24th - Alegrias
May 31st - Tarantos
June 7th - Tangos
June 14th - Malagueñas
June 21st - Fandangos
June 28th - Seguiriyas
July 5th - Guajira
July 12th - Granaína
July 19th - Solea por Bulerias
July 26th - Farruca
August 2nd - Bulerias

Enrolled students receive lifetime access to the video recordings of the classes.


Signed up already? Click here.


Each class will be self-contained and unique in its focus. I won’t review or build on information from previous classes during the instructional hour.  However, I will plan to extend each class a little beyond the hour to answer questions about previous material and listen to anyone who would like feedback on their playing. 

Recommendations: 

  1. You should know how to make basic chord shapes and be able to change chords relatively smoothly.  Being comfortable with (or at least tolerant of) occasional barre chords will help.  
  2. You should be comfortable using your right hand fingers to play the strings.  Basic fingerstyle experience or arpeggio knowledge is enough.  

Flamenco guitar is played on nylon strings!  If you only have a steel string guitar, you can get an idea of the rhythm and music for each palo.  However, certain right hand flamenco techniques will feel awkward and difficult.


About Leah Kruszewski

Flamenco and classical guitarist Leah Kruszewski loves introducing young beginners to their first songs, helping adult students rediscover their inner musician, and guiding classical and flamenco players in advanced, specialized study. Leah accompanies flamenco singers and dancers in Seville, Spain and travels regularly to the USA for festivals and performances.


Students Say

Leah is a terrific teacher. She brings a rare combination of knowledge and skill with a cheerful, easy-going attitude. She cares about her students making progress. She's always smiling, with a wonderful, positive demeanor at all times. I'm very pleased to have taken the Flamenco Palos and Music Theory for Everyday Guitarists classes with her. I'm also signed up as regular weekly student. Leah gets 5-stars for being an awesome teacher!

— Raaj

Leah is a very inspiring teacher, she has a friendly and warm manner which makes the learning experience most enjoyable. The Flamenco Palos course has been the start of my journey into learning Flamenco. The course material and pace was just right I thought, covering a lot of different styles in a short period. The course handouts were great and always available prior to the class.

— Alan M.

What can I say. Great class. Leah is an excellent teacher. Organized. Great command of flamenco guitar. Great communication. Material is well presented. I'm learning a lot. Thanks.

— Mike D.

Leah was able to take a broad course of study and give us an exciting lesson each week.

— Jack

Leah has a very kind and genuine demeanor and made our first lesson effortless. I'm excited to keep working together and learn a thing or two about the classical guitar!

— Jacob L., Private Student on Lessonface

Another really helpful lesson. Leah has given me useful exercises to improve left hand finger movements/control as well as helping with tempo for a piece I'm trying to play.

— Phillip C., Private Student on Lessonface

Related

Loading cart contents...
Load contents