Group classes
Yeshe did not grow up in Spain or come from a Flamenco family. As a Flamenco teacher this is an advantage because he knows what is needed to learn this art from the beginning as an adult. Through formal training in Classical, Jazz and Flamenco and years of experience teaching, Yeshe articulates the essential aspects of Flamenco that remain mysterious with many Spanish teachers.
Singing: Soleares
(All Levels)
March 31 - June 9
Tuesdays 7:30pm - 8:30pm PST (In-person and Zoom)
One of the richest styles of flamenco, this is a serious and beautiful style that is named after the feeling it evokes, “Soledad" or “Solitude". It is a 12 count style that is in Phrygian (the Flamenco scale). In this class we will learn a salida, a few classic styles from Alcalá, Triana and Cádiz, and a classic ending. This is a challenging style of flamenco to sing, and as such we will learn to sing soleares as a cante solo (without dance), as it is less complex and a good precursor to the very different task of singing soleares for dance.
Guitar: Bulerías (Intermediate)
March 31 - June 9
Tuesdays 6:15pm - 7:15pm PST (In-person and Zoom)
In this class we will hone the nuances of playing this vast, versatile and vibrant flamenco style. Having just studied bulerías por arriba (In the E position) in the winter, we will switch to por medio (the A position). Bulerías is the go to style for fiesta settings, and we will learn to accompany a wide range of Bulerías de Jerez cante. From how to start and carry a fiesta as a guitarist, fiesta communication and improv, falsetas, to how and when to end. You will leave this class with more confidence in the improvisation and accompaniment of this exciting and rhythmic style.
Beginning flamenco guitar II
March 30 - June 8
Mondays 6:00pm - 7:00pm PST (In-person and Zoom)
A continuation of the Winter Beginning Flamenco Guitar Class, in this class we continue developing our flamenco left and right hand techniques of ligados, arpeggios, rest stroke picado, and rasgueados. We will learn a 4-part sevillanas guitar solo, add to our tangos repertoire, as well as continuing work with Soleá material that will culminate in a solo guitar piece that students will have the opportunity to perform at the student showcase on June 6th.
Nylon string guitar required, loaner guitars available at the studio.
flamenco palmas
(all Levels)
March 31 - June 9
Tuesdays 5:00pm - 6:00pm PST (In-person and Zoom)
Palmas or rhythmic hand clapping is the percussion instrument that is essential to any student of flamenco. We will start with the basic technique of finding our palmas tone in the three main sounds and playing palmas with your foot. Then based on what styles (palos) students are studying, we will choose 2-3 different palos, practice the basic compás patterns of each, and the important variations needed to accompany the sections of each palo. Finally we will practice playing contras (counter-time). If you are studying dance, singing or guitar, this class will help deepen your command of rhythm in any of those disciplines.