Classical Music for the Cuatro Puertorriqueño
Once you complete the course, Bach and Mozart won’t be just random words in a dictionary; they’ll be your new best friends!
Elevate your artistry and redefine the boundaries of the Cuatro Puertorriqueño
The cuatro puertorriqueño is an instrument of profound soul, traditionally rooted in the vibrant folk rhythms of the jíbaro. But its double-string brilliance and unique tuning also make it a world-class vehicle for the timeless elegance of the Masters.
If you have ever wanted to play the works of Bach, Mozart, or Sor but didn't know how to adapt them to the cuatro puertorriqueño, this course was designed specifically for you.
The Challenge of Classical Cuatro
Most classical resources are written for the guitar or violin. For the cuatrista, this often means struggling with awkward fingerings, difficult transcriptions, and a lack of clear guidance on how to maintain the instrument's unique "flavor" while honoring the classical tradition.
Master a Timeless Repertoire
In Classical Music for the Cuatro Puertorriqueño, you won't just practice exercises—you will build a professional repertoire. You’ll learn to perform "Classical Classics" and Baroque gems specifically arranged for the 5-course layout, including:
- Für Elise (Beethoven) – Master this iconic melody with smooth position shifts.
- Romance – Develop expressive phrasing and lyrical control.
- The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) – Capture the energy and precision of the Baroque era.
- Minuet No. 1 (Handel) – Perfect your plectrum technique with elegant, dance-like rhythms.
- Rigaudon – Explore the bright, rhythmic drive of Baroque court music.
What You’ll Master
We bridge the gap between tradition and technique. This comprehensive course provides the roadmap to:
- Refined Technique: Develop the precision, finger independence, and plectrum control required for intricate classical passages.
- Curated Repertoire: Access a library of masterpieces specifically arranged and fingered for the Cuatro.
- Reading and Interpretation: Learn how to read standard notation and tablature through the lens of classical phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.
- Adaptability: Gain the skills to take any classical melody and translate it to the Cuatro’s unique 10-string setup.
Why Join 4jibaro.com?
By enrolling in this course, you aren’t just getting a series of interactive sheet m; you are joining a dedicated community of musicians at 4jibaro.com who are committed to preserving and evolving the legacy of our national instrument.
Whether you are a seasoned performer looking to expand your repertoire or an intermediate player ready for a new technical challenge, these lessons will give you the tools to play with grace, authority, and professional polish.
Enroll Today
Don't let your playing stay stuck in one genre. Unlock the full potential of your instrument and bring the elegance of the concert hall to your fingertips.
Your Instructor
Hey there! I'm Samuel Ramos, and I've got a bit of a story to tell.
I've always had two big passions in life: education and music. I started my journey by getting my Bachelor's in Music Education from Antillean Adventist University, and then I thought, "Why stop there?" So I went on to Full Sail University for my Master's in Educational Media Design and Technology. It's been an amazing ride combining these two fields!
Over the years, I've worn quite a few hats. I've had the joy of teaching music and even served as an assistant professor of guitar at Inter-American University back in Puerto Rico. But you know me, I love to keep things interesting! I've also had some pretty cool gigs in the tech world. Would you believe I worked as a multimedia designer for Disney? Talk about a dream come true!
My adventures didn't stop there. I've been a digital learning designer at the University of St. Augustine in California, and I even got to be a senior instructional technologist at the University of San Diego. Oh, and I can't forget my time as an LMS Administrator and Instructional Designer for Taylor Guitars. It's been quite the journey!
One thing I'm really proud of is the books I've written. I've put together instructional guides for playing all sorts of instruments - the Puerto Rican cuatro, guitar, mandolin, you name it. It's my way of sharing my love for music with others.
But you know what really gets me excited? My website, 4jibaro.com. It's an online community I created to promote awareness of Puerto Rican folk music and heritage. It's my passion project, my way of keeping our beautiful culture alive and kicking.
At the end of the day, my big dream is to spread hope and joy through music. I truly believe we can change the world, one note at a time. It might sound cheesy, but hey, that's me! I'm just a guy who loves what he does and wants to make a difference. So, what do you think? Want to join me on this musical journey?
Course Curriculum
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StartRenaissance Era: The Evolution of Modern Music
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StartDanzas de las Hachas (Gaspar Sanz)—Cuatro Puertorriqueño
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StartAllemande (Tylman Susato)—Cuatro Puertorriqueño
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StartRondo (Tylman Susato)—Cuatro Puertorriqueño
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StartLa Roque (Tylman Susato)—Cuatro Puertorriqueño
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StartWhat If A Day (John Dowland)—Cuatro Puertorriqueño
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StartFortune (John Dowland)—Cuatro Puertorriqueño