Teacher Spotlight: Nayo Ulloa

Nayo Ulloa has been a dedicated performer of Peruvian and South American music since age 14. Based in the U.S. since 1981, he performed and toured actively throughout Europe and the Americas during the 1990’s. Over the last decade Nayo has focused on composing, teaching, and studying, releasing his CD, Loma Prieta, in 2004. In 2007 he performed in the White House for Peruvian Independence Day, performed the World Premiere of the Machu Picchu Concerto for Quena and Symphonic Orchestra in Arequipa, Peru, and in 2009 completed a Master’s degree in Music at San Jose State University. Nayo joined Lessonace in 2014 and has taught classes in Quena, but also teaches Sikus (Andean panpipes), guitar, charango and voice. We caught up with this month's Teacher Spotlight via email from his home in Indiana.

1. What was the first instrument you played?

 Guitar: Age 9. I started with the quena at age 13

2. Who are some of your musical influences?

The music of the Andes of Peru, especially from northern Peru that my mother would sing all the time. For the quena (Andean flute) Freddy Flores, Uña Ramos, Alejandro Vivanco and Raymond Thevenot. For guitar: Dr. Garcia Zarate, Eduardo Falu, Paco de Lucia. For voice: Carlos Gardel; Javier Solis, Placido Domingo

3. Any advice for someone trying to learn Quena online?  

Practice daily for 15-20 minutes. Focus on one aspect at a time: learning notes, increasing lung capacity, technique (lips, fingers, tonguing), theory (scales, arpeggios, chord progressions), repertoire.

4. What is your favorite medium for performance? Live, audio or video? Why?

Live performance because the interaction with the public is very rewarding. Also, it allows for more creativity and improvisation.

5. What makes a good Quena player?

Clear and in-tune tone, foremost...it's easy to be out of tune when playing quena. Second, expressivity and phrase shaping. Finally, speed with clarity of notes.

6. Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

My favorite part is the interaction with others and the fact the music (especially instrumental music) speaks directly to your heart. My least favorite part is that in order to make a living as a musician, many times you have to sacrifice or compromise your musical preferences. 

7. What’s next for you? 

Publishing my compositions and writing a comprehensive manual/reference book for the Quena... I even have the name (The Quena Universe) and many materials that have to be organized.
 

Reviews:

Quena Flute
"Outstanding!" -Dafinka

Quena Flute
"Nayo is amazing and has lots of experience on the Quena. He has a lot of time for teaching and for his students. I would highly recommend!" -Adeel

Quena Flute
"I recommend him to anyone interested in learning South American music. Whether you are interested in wind instruments, string instruments or voice lessons you will be pleased with his instruction." -Ed

To learn more about Nayo or take one on one lessons with him, check out his Lessonface profile.