Latin Guitar: Afro-Brazilian & Afro-Cuban guitar
Explore the world of Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban guitar music at Codarts! With the Latin Guitar main subject you discover a wide range of musical traditions and prepare yourself to pursue a versatile and successful music career.
Why study Latin Guitar at Codarts?
Codarts is the only conservatoire in the Netherlands with such a comprehensive and specialised World Music department and skilled and experienced teachers. We offer a unique non-English language music curriculum that includes the opportunity to study Afro-Brazilian & Afro-Cuban guitar. Enjoy the synergy and interaction with various musical genres, such as pop and jazz, in the same building, to become a more versatile and well-rounded artist.
Latin guitar teachers Jesús Hernandez, Kees Gelderblom, Daniel Guimarães Montes and Marijn van der Linden are established artists in the Latin music scene. They use their professional expertise and performance skills to provide you with an enriching learning experience.
Our programme
The Latin Guitar main subject covers a wide range of guitar styles, including rhythms from Cuba, Brazil and other parts of South America, teaching you both solo play and accompaniment.
In additional to acquiring musical skills, you also immerse yourself in the rich culture of Latin music to gain a deep understanding of the traditions that shape the Latin repertoire, the soul of Latin music and its history. Hone your ability to communicate in different musical languages.
Choose to play a variety of instruments, such as the Cuban tres or Brazilian cavaquinho. You will also study percussion to learn more about Latin rhythms and the essence of Latin music. By practicing a variety of musical instruments and rhythms you become a more skilled guitar player and versatile musician, able to play with a range of musical ensembles and other projects in various settings.
In addition to regular classes, our curriculum also offers live sessions and project weeks that focus on a specific skill or style, such as the Cuban conga rhythm. In addition, you acquire professional and business skills, such as learning how to perform, how to become a professional musician and developing the flexibility and creativity you need to thrive in these music styles.
Our graduates perform in a range of music projects in the Netherlands and abroad. They are also frequently in demand as teachers. Some of our international students return to their home country, where they share their broad knowledge of musical styles and newly found international perspective. Famous Codarts Latin Guitar alumni include Alvaro Rovira Ruiz, Jaime Nanoha and Olmo Marin. They contribute to the recognition and reputation of our programme.
Workshops & masterclasses
At Codarts we strongly believe in the power of masterclasses, an essential part of the curriculum. In these sessions you learn from renowned guitar players such as Jorge Chicoy, Paulo Aragão, Nelson Faria, Marcelo Gonçalves, Guinga, and Itamar Erez. These encounters go beyond conventional music performances and leave you with a deeper insight, enhanced technical skills and a dose of inspiration. The opportunity to interact with successful professional musicians adds an extra dimension to your musical education, encouraging you to push your artistic boundaries and allowing you to find your own unique voice in the universe of Latin guitar music.
“Cuban and Brazilian guitar at Codarts: the complete package of grooving rhythms, beautiful harmonies and warm melodies.”
Marijn van der Linden, teacher Latin guitar