GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO)

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JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO)

Hi,
It has come to my attention that Gerardo Nunez has a new DVD out. Released through http://www.encuentro.ch/ . However, it costs about $115 (£70 or so) not including shipping!

See www.flamencon.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FC&Product_Code=880038 for details.
What I'd like to know is whether anyone has actually purchased or seen the DVD, what exactly is on it, and whether it is worth all that money. Thanks.

James

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 14:50:55

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Those of you who have read the posts regarding PDL's DVD, will note that Ricardo seems to think that Nunez' Encuentro DVD IS worth the money. Apparently the up-close visual tuition from a great guitarist is worthwhile, and the added printed book is also to be considered when paying out.
He also says that most Encuentro DVDs are similarly priced. Personally, I still think that £35 ($60) for a DVD plus another £35 ($60) for a book is a little bit expensive. But Ricardo may be right that that the benefits in the long term (ie. your improved playing) might outweigh the short term cost.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 15:13:55

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

The point is, you may pay $40-100 for a single lesson, and here you have 2 hours worth of great material. So for the cost of a few lessons, you have something you can use for the rest of your life.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 15:33:05

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

I have seen it. I liked it so much I'm going to order it. Unlike most of the other encuentro videos, he discusses in great detail several of the techniques like pulgar, tremelo, arpegio, alzapua and rasgueo's. He also covers a lot of material from his past and present material. He also has a great way of teaching and keeps your interest throughout.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 16:16:55

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to TANúñez)

The response to Nunez' DVD sounds positive, despite the price. And I have to admit that you guys are right about the lessons... you wouldn't get very many for the price of Gerardo's DVD, and perhaps not from such a good source either. So you could watch the DVD over and over and save yourself money in the long run.
Plus, if reviewers like El Zurdo are right, it seems well put together and done in a way that is easy to follow. Which is more than can be said for some other guitarists.
If the all the reviews are this positive, I may have to scrape together the cash at some point to see it for myself.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 16:49:12

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Hi JABASHRUN.

I don't think you would be disappointed with this purchase. All the Encuentro stuff is expensive. This one may be a little more because it's the only one in DVD.

Also, once you've learned these lessons, you'll have some very impressive material to play to show all the hard work and time you put into learning it.

It's also a treat just to sit and watch this guy play. He makes it look so easy.

Out of all the guitarist, PdL, Tomatito, Sanlucar, Moraito, etc,etc. Nuñez may be the best when it comes to technique. Of course this is just my opinion.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 17:20:30

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

James,

I was one of the first people in the USA to review it and I have to tell you...GET IT! I was a bit reluctant too to pay that kind of cash, but so far, it's the best investment in learning material I have made. But beware, you better have a background in flamenco before you get it or you will be lost. He assumes you have all the basics down.

One thing that's really cool, is many of his study pieces are so musical and fun to play, you could actually play them as solos. In my opinion the amount of information would be worth thousands if you had to pay for it by the hour.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 17:22:37

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Patrick)

quote:

One thing that's really cool, is many of his study pieces are so musical and fun to play, you could actually play them as solos.

That's absolutely right. I was playing one of his pulgar studies the other day and my wife made a comment on what a beautiful piece that was. I didn't tell her it was a study

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 17:38:12

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

quote:

That's absolutely right. I was playing one of his pulgar studies the other day and my wife made a comment on what a beautiful piece that was. I didn't tell her it was a study

My daughter said the same thing!

Zurdo man, I havn't forgot about that Green clip. Some day...some day.

Pat

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 17:53:26

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Patrick)

When I was in Sevilla, my teacher Tino van der Smaan left for a week to go to Nunez' class in Sanlucar. When he came back, he showed me a pulgar exercise that was cool and quite melodic. I wonder if this is the same one. Unfortunately, I forgot it.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2005 19:05:48

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Patrick)

quote:

Zurdo man, I havn't forgot about that Green clip

No prob Pat. With a new Sigurdson and Green, who has time to record clips! I'm really curious to hear these Sigurdson's. How about a clip of that too when you have some time? By the way, did you sell your TP Negra?

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2005 4:34:41

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

quote:

When I was in Sevilla, my teacher Tino van der Smaan left for a week to go to Nunez' class in Sanlucar. When he came back, he showed me a pulgar exercise that was cool and quite melodic. I wonder if this is the same one. Unfortunately, I forgot it.

Hey Mike. It very well could be. It was a very nice piece. I'd love to go to the Núñez class one of these summers.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2005 4:36:53

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

quote:

By the way, did you sell your TP Negra?

Tom,

Miguel de Maria is the proud new owner of the Tezanos Perez negra. I am due up on DeVoe's list in a few weeks so the dough will be put to good use.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2005 6:05:33

Jon Boyes

Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JBASHORUN
And I have to admit that you guys are right about the lessons... you wouldn't get very many for the price of Gerardo's DVD, and perhaps not from such a good source either. So you could watch the DVD over and over and save yourself money in the long run.

..and not once get a single comment on how you are doing, whether you are doing it right or wrong, safely or unsafely, in compas or out of compas. And if you ask a question on something you are a little unsure of, you will be waiting a while for the answer.

Just thought I'd chip in a different perspective

By all accounts, the Nunez video sounds like the best buy in the series, in that it actually has some tuition-based material in it as opposed to watching some virtuoso shred for an hour. From what the guys have said, it will go onto my list of wants.

BUT, and big but, Patrick makes a very sensible observation - is it really going to help you where you are at the moment? Maybe in a few years when you know your bulerias from your alegrias, but I'd think twice if you are on a tight budget.

IMO the whole 'comparison with the cost of lessons' is a red herring. You've already injured yourself once, how will watching a video give you the feedback you need to avoid doing that again? A few lessons from someone who knows their stuff will get you on the right track and will form the foundation of everything you do thereafter.

Jon

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2005 8:34:05

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Jon Boyes)

Thanks a lot guys... you've made some wise comments. It seems that the Nunez DVD IS worth getting, as it will probably improve your playing in the long run. However, as Jon (and others) rightly said, it is perhaps not best suited to beginners. Therefore, I shall look into buying it in a few months time when my knowledge and playing have improved.
By the way, I contacted the publisher, Encuentro ( info@encuentro.ch ) and they told me that they do have worldwide stockists. But also that they can sell the DVD (and book) directly from themselves. It seems to work out cheaper directly, as the price they quoted me was 120 Swiss Francs plus 18 Francs shipping. 120 Swiss Francs works out as just over £50 (about $100), which is better value when compared to the $115 some stockists seem to be charging (and Encuentro's shipping rate also seems reasonable). If you're interested in buying it, best order it directly and save paying the extra bit that the other stockists add on.

James

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2005 11:19:55

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Jon Boyes)

quote:

..and not once get a single comment on how you are doing, whether you are doing it right or wrong, safely or unsafely, in compas or out of compas. And if you ask a question on something you are a little unsure of, you will be waiting a while for the answer.

Nothing beats studying with a teacher in person. He can correct your mistakes. This DVD however is better than just a book. You have the guy playing right in front of you. You can clearly see his hands, position, speed he's playing, chords he's using etc,etc. This is still a way that the guitar is taught in Spain. Do this, play this, put your fingers here, etc,etc. The material may be a little difficult if your a total beginer which this DVD is not for but it's a great teaching aid none the less.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2005 17:15:50

Ricardo

Posts: 14881
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

And even just because you have the teacher there correcting you, possibly over and over, doesn't mean you really understand the importance of certain concepts. You have to be self critical in order to advance. Recognize your own faults whether that means you are not playing like the teacher in lesson or video, or the teacher spells it out for you. YOU have to get it regardless where it is coming from.

Even still, a trip to Spain to learn will clear up a lot of problems FAST. But again, you have to be receptive. There are plenty living in Spain who don't get it, even though they want to, and worse, will never advance. Your learning curve will always be a mix of the quality of info from the source, and your own inspiration. You can learn a lot of good things from a bad teacher, if you are a good student. The opposite is not really true. The best teacher in the world can't make you learn if you are not open to it.

Ricardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2005 7:58:12

Jon Boyes

Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Ricardo)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricardo
And even just because you have the teacher there correcting you, possibly over and over, doesn't mean you really understand the importance of certain concepts. You have to be self critical in order to advance. Recognize your own faults whether that means you are not playing like the teacher in lesson or video, or the teacher spells it out for you. YOU have to get it regardless where it is coming from.

Yes, that's true, but I just think that its basically a lot more difficult for a beginner to be self critical - what is their frame of reference? For a more advanced player, they have the benefit of experience to draw upon. (This is true of learning in general, and not specifically about flamenco).

In reality the nature of teaching should change according to the needs of the learner - for the beginner it needs to be more directive (spoonfeeding), but as the student advances it can be more reflective.

A lesson with an advanced student could simply be a conversation - an exchange of ideas - its is more like coaching.

quote:

Even still, a trip to Spain to learn will clear up a lot of problems FAST. But again, you have to be receptive. ....The best teacher in the world can't make you learn if you are not open to it.

Agreed.

Jon

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2005 8:33:54

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

One of the funny things about learning, is what Ricardo said--a teacher cant' learn it for you, he can only guide you, show you. Something has to click upstairs. Wakarimasita, the Japanese say--"understanding has occurred." You never really know when it's going to click. When does the intellectual understanding of a scale become a new entity, a "block" of "chunk"? When does e f g a b c d become "e_minor_scale"? When does a position shift take? When do your fingers learn the motion until it becomes a new motion, more efficient and accessible in a blink of an eye? When does your understanding of compas become a framework that you can keep track of with one eye on your guitar, another on the dancer, and feel so solid you could almost never lose it?

It has to click upstairs and that is the mysterious, scary, and exciting part. Will it?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2005 13:31:30

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

Sometimes I think you learn most when you figure it out yourself, or visit a teacher infrequently so that you are like a sponge when you are shown stuff.
This is more or less has always been my situation.
Funnily enough, it has gone the opposite way now with access to didactic videos and material from some of the World's best players.
So much so that I think unless you were already fairly experienced, it would actually be more confusing than helpful, since these players all have different styles and techniques.
Probably better to stick with a player whose style you like for a while, rather than buy half a dozen Encuentro videos. (Although it would be mucho fun to watch!)

On learning stuff..sheesh.. I can definitely say it gets much harder as you get older.
One of my worst points is retention of falsetas or pieces.
Things that I knew, say two or three months ago, I've almost completely forgotten.
The technique still seems to improve, and I still retain the improvements, it's just the damn fingering I forget now.
I can only really remember stuff I'm currently working on.

I don't think it's Alzheimers or anything (though my Mum contracted it in old age), since my general long term and short term memory is still good.
Strangely enough, falsetas I learned in my 20's I can still remember!

Guess the hard disk in my head is getting full and needing defragmented or something!

(Sorry, I swore I'd try to refrain from making any funny comment.)

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2005 16:39:30

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Ron,
I think you should keep on making funny comments. Just because I'm not smart enough to understand them, doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trying.

They say that to prevent Alzheimer's, you should keep your brain active and doing new and different things. Crossword puzzles are good, as is anything that works on your balance such as yoga or dance (very important seemingly). Ron, it might be good for you to work on picado.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2005 17:31:13

duende

Posts: 3053
Joined: Dec. 15 2003
From: Sweden

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to JBASHORUN)

yes Ron. I got the impression that you don´t "like" picado.
you see, it might be good for you ..if not try a gunniess or 5

Henrik

_____________________________

This is hard stuff!
Don't give up...
And don't make it a race.
Enjoy the ray of sunshine that comes with every new step in knowledge.

RON

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2005 17:59:35

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: GERARDO NUNEZ DVD (ENCUENTRO) (in reply to duende)

Well,
Thanks guys, but really I like fast picado.
Whatever gave you the impression that I didn't?

I would love to be able to play fast picado.

What I find a bit sad, is to hear a guy play all sloppy and out of compás and then play a lightning picado run!

I ask myself.. "What's that all about then"?

It's not music. It's not art?
So what is it?

I dunno?

Maybe there should be Picado CD's or Contests or something for the fans and make a brand new art form...

Personally,I'm still having difficulty getting my thumb to work fast enough to my liking!

Anyway, can't think of anything funny to say, so..

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2005 20:16:12