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i am getting to that stage in life where you have to choose a career path ect. and my dad suggested that i go to a university and study classical guitar and this is not what i want to do(i've never played classical).
So i was wondering if any of you could tell me if there is any courses in universities for flamenco.(i've heard granados and paco peña have one) and if i went to one of these what would happen once i finished, where would i end up.
Heres my story:
I've played flamenco since i was 13/14 and practise for 4-5 hours a day and about 7 on weekends. I dont have a T.V(yes i know its odd, all i do is practise ). I think realistically(i know im not going to be the next Paco de Lucia). I would be happy accompanying singers/dancers in tabloas. I've got plenty of family in spain to live with(going to spain is no problem)
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to miguel)
The Paco Pena one is good, I hear. You can write my friend and maybe he can hook you up. He is a student there.
jan AT frielings.de
There is also a program in Alberquerque NM, the only university in the USA that offers a degree for flamenco (or so I hear).
There is also a place in Sevilla called Fundacion Cristina Heeren, which has a 3 or 4 year flamenco course. I took an intensive summer course there last year and had a good time. I believe they offer scholarships for some contest winners, you might want to check up on that. Do a web search
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to miguel)
Miguel- Its true there is a flemenco curriculum in Albuquerque. Look up David Briggs on directory information there as he is a student there and can fill you in on the particulars. When I was in Jerez de La Frontera last March I first met Simon heading to the cafe pena and met some British, Australian, and Scottish people attending a structured flemenco guitar school in Jerez. Seems to be well established and has some credibility. There are also flemenco schools in Granada, Spain. Manual Diaz, who is a well known flamenco guitar and flamenco dance instructor and guitar luthier lives there and could give you some information on that one. Granada is a special fun place to be and I crossed paths with several flemenco guitar students there as well last March.Hope that helps. Donn Dale
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to miguel)
Miguel, I think the Paco Peña school certifies you as a "competent" teacher of Flamenco guitar, ie not just self taught. By the end of the course you are expected to be able to accompany both singers and dancers reliably. Making a living is then the next big problem, but if you have Spanish heritage and speak Spanish fluently and have family in Spain then I think you should be able to find work. But I wouldn't plan on buying a sports car or even getting a Bank loan for anything!
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to Ron.M)
Thanks Ron
That sounds good. And believe me, my dad has told me all about the financial dificulties. ie living on bean stew for weeks when work isn't good,he(my dad)was/is an artist and has been through that.
And money isnt everything............................well.................maybe........... And anyway a sports car didn't do farruquito any good did it.
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to miguel)
What do you want in your life? Work and live comfortbly. Play on the side.Or do what you love? i´d say go for it! if flamenco is what you want. I could go to cristina heeren in spain or a university of music here in sweden. I went for the university in sweden cuz a diploma from a flamenco school no matter good the school is isn´t worth a damn in sweden. No i have a Masters degree in music (rock/pop/latin and Jazz). I have an education and i have the right to teach at any level. and the flamenco schools are still there...waiting. So when i feel like it i can go. If i were in your possition i would go to flamenco school and worrie later. (did i just tell you a lot of nonsens? don´t know.) Henrik
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to duende)
I think Henrik has an excellent perspective on things Miguel..... It's a lot easier to get a Degree in something while you're young, although the 3 or 4 years might seem like a long time passing. Trying to get a Degree as a mature student, say in your late 20's is a lot more difficult for many reasons. Getting something like a teaching qualification will allow you to drop in and out of work as you choose, unlike say, a corporate type job where that would probably be viewed with concern on your CV. As Henrik says, the Flamenco schools will always be there.
Posts: 6447
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to miguel)
quote:
And anyway a sports car didn't do farruquito any good did it.
Depends if you consider a BMW a sports car, I don't
Go for it, you only live once, this is no dress rehearsal and you can always get into something else later to pay the bills. At least you'll be a ****-hot flamenco guitarist for the rest of your life!
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to miguel)
Thanks
quote:
i´d say go for it! if flamenco is what you want.
I agree with that. I am very serious about this and know there is more to it than a romantic runaway with gitanos.(preferably gitanas )
Basically,i dont enjoy anything else and i dont want to end up in some crappy job i hate for the next 40-50 years of my life and retire and have nothing to show for it(except a house ).
On the other hand if im a guitarist i never have to retire(look at sabicas in his 90's). And i'll be happy(but probably poor ). And im willing to live badly for that(happyness that is).
RE: Flamenco in universities........... (in reply to miguel)
quote:
Go for it, you only live once, this is no dress rehearsal and you can always get into something else later to pay the bills. At least you'll be a ****-hot flamenco guitarist for the rest of your life!
Simon my friend, your one hell of an administrator
Miguel
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<<No hay música más rica ni más viva en todo europa>> ---Manuel de Falla---
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). And im willing to live badly for that(happyness that is). 
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