Since its invention the guitar has been a vital part of Spanish-speaking cultures. Today’s Spanish-speaking guitar students have a world of music to explore, and it’s up to you to draw up the map. Here are six ideas to bring Spain into your guitar class.
1. Get back to where guitar once belonged
“Classical” and “Spanish” guitar are, for some people, synonymous. Bring in the oldest guitar you can find – bonus points for a Renaissance guitar! You may need to travel offsite to a museum or other destination in lieu of the real thing.
2. Get masterful
How would class have gone had your students been born in Spain during the great reign of Segovia? Transport them through the “Interwebs.” They’ll probably get a kick out the students’ 60’s style and black and white “ancient” footage:
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3. Get up to speed
Rodrigo y Gabriela. You know them, don’t you? But do your students? This incredible guitar duo hails from a Mexican metal background. They’ve since taken the world by storm by rocking out to some of the classics and breathing new life into more recent hits. Find them in concert, if you can. Short of that, get their playlist into your classroom:
4. Turn the tables
Whether or not you’re a bilingual teacher, asking students to take turns heading the class in their mother tongue is an excellent opportunity for all. Provide brief demo instructions for your students and ask them to deliver the demos en Español. Sometimes students speak with greater confidence in their first language and make connections to material that they hadn’t previously.
5. Welcome to Flamenco class?!
That’s right. Teach your students some basic Flamenco chords:
Invite Flamenco dancers to the class (or ask a dance instructor to teach your students a few steps!) and put the two together. Spanish guitar can’t be fully appreciated without at least an intro to dance music. Have fun with this video!!!
6. Just listen to a little music