Cuatro 102: Elevate Your Cuatro Puertorriqueño Playing to New Heights
Master Advanced Techniques, Dive into Rich Musical Traditions, and Unleash Your Musical Potential
Are you ready to transform your cuatro puertorriqueño playing from intermediate to extraordinary? "Cuatro 102" is your gateway to unlocking advanced techniques, exploring the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, and becoming the cuatro player you've always dreamed of being.
Why Choose Cuatro 102?
- Level Up Your Skills: Go beyond the basics and master intricate techniques like hybrid picking, slurs, ligados, and more. Elevate your playing with complex melodies and expressive phrasing.
- Dive Deep into Tradition: Explore the heart and soul of Puerto Rican music. Learn to play authentic aguinaldos,danzas, and seises, and develop a profound understanding of the scales and chords that make this music unique.
- Performance Ready: Gain the confidence and stage presence to captivate audiences. Learn performance tips and tricks from seasoned professionals, and discover the secrets of delivering unforgettable shows.
- Learn from the Masters: Study the techniques and musicality of legendary cuatro players. Gain insights into their creative processes, and let their brilliance inspire your own musical journey.
- Structured for Success: Our easy-to-follow lessons, video tutorials, and practice exercises are designed to guide you step-by-step through your musical evolution. Whether you're a self-taught player or have prior experience, you'll find the perfect path to mastery.
Course Highlights:
- Advanced Techniques Module: Master hybrid picking, slurs, ligados, and other techniques that will set your playing apart.
- Puerto Rican Music Deep Dive: Explore the cultural and historical context of aguinaldos, danzas, seises, and other traditional forms.
- Performance Masterclass: Learn how to prepare for performances, manage stage fright, and connect with your audience.
- Masters of the Cuatro: Study the work of influential cuatro players, analyze their songs, and discover the secrets of their success.
- Community & Support: Join a vibrant community of fellow cuatro enthusiasts, share your progress, get feedback,and ask questions.
Who Should Enroll?
- Intermediate to Advanced Cuatro Players: Take your skills to the next level and unlock your full potential.
- Puerto Rican Culture Enthusiasts: Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of Puerto Rico and express yourself through its vibrant traditions.
- Passionate Musicians: Expand your musical horizons, challenge yourself, and experience the joy of mastering a new instrument.
Ready to become a true maestro of the Puerto Rican cuatro? Enroll in "Cuatro 102" today and embark on a transformative musical journey.
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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StartModule Overview: Here's What We'll Cover
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StartPart 1: The Importance of Warming Up – Priming Your Body and Mind for Peak Performance
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StartPart 2: Finger Independence Exercises – Unleashing the Agility of Your Fingers
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StartWarm-up—Chromatic Exercise
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StartUp and Down Chromatic Excercise
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StartChromatic Scale —Two Octaves
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StartSeis Arrecostao in G Major
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StartAguinaldo Lamento in A Minor (3:29)
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StartConclusion: Building Blocks for Guitar Mastery
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StartShare Your Progress and Get Inspired!
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StartSelf-Reflection: Your Musical Compass
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StartTwo New Picking Technique—Hybrid Picking and Strummed Octaves (1:12)
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StartSweep Picking: Arpeggios Study in A Minor
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StartC Minor Scale in Different Positions
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StartAguinaldo Costanero in C Minor
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StartUnderstanding Your Role During a Performance (3:57)
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Start10 Public Performance Tips
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StartShare Your Progress and Get Inspired!
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StartSelf-Reflection: Your Musical Compass