Greek
BouzoukiDescription
This course will focus on bouzouki as played in rebetiko and Palia laika in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, examining how playing styles evolved and built on each other through this period. This is specifically for the trichordo (three-stringed) bouzouki, which is associated with a particular style of playing considered to be truer to the early rebetiko sound, as opposed to the tetrachordo (four-string) bouzouki, which was developed later. § § We will learn technique, including picking techniques and rhythms commonly played on the three-stringed bouzouki. We will also cover theory, focusing on the main modes (dromoi) used in this music. Finally, we will learn how to improvise (taksim) within the framework of a specific mode. We will put this knowledge into context by learning some well known songs: I Baglamades by Stratos Pagioumtzis, Ta Ble Parathira Sou by Markos Vamvakaris, Pente Magkes Ston Perea by Giovan Tsaous, Ta Ziliarika Sou Matia by Markos Vamvakaris, and Mi Me Kitas Sta Matia by Giannis Papaioannou. § § This course is for students who possess basic faculties on the bouzouki, able to hold and tune it, and produce simple sounds and scales. By the end of this course you will be familiar with chord positions, the basic dromoi, and be comfortable with select songs from the rebetiko canon. You will also be equipped with enough material to carry you forward in studying and practicing the bouzouki.
This course includes
- 16 Hours of Instruction
- Lifetime Access to Video Recordings
- Certificate of Completion
Student requirements
- Instrumental technique: basic
- Western theory: any level
- Modal music theory: basic
- Sight reading: any level
- Transposition: basic
- Learning by ear: basic
- Composition: any level
- Improvisation: basic
Share