
Gustavo Alonso L.

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One can expect to start by developing a full technical routine aimed at developing stamina, strength, precision, and speed. All fundamental techniques will be introduced, including arpeggios, rasgueados, pulgar, alzapúa, picado, tremelo, ligado, and golpe. Rhythm plays a critical role in flamenco and will be emphasized throughout. Harmony studies will be introduced where appropriate. Repertoire will be given according to each student's capabilities and tastes, including resources for accompanying dance and singing.
My own teachers have included master guitarists Pedro Sierra, Pedro Barragán, and Paco Cortés. I'm also influenced by the music of Paco de Lucía, Pepe Habichuela, Manolo Sanlúcar, Tomatito, Moraíto Chico, and Miguel Ángel Cortés.
About Gustavo Alonso L.
PERSONAL BIO
I am a North American flamenco guitarist currently living in Austin, Texas. My music is grounded in traditional flamenco and incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and world music. My fascination with music and the guitar began early, and I picked up the instrument in earnest at the age of 19. Starting on electric guitar, my focus switched to flamenco after a few years. My initial curiosity towards flamenco quickly became a full-fledged obsession, as I was enamored with the strength, depth, and complexity of the art form.
Initially self-taught, I later refined my playing with several of North America’s top flamenco guitarists. In spring of 2014, I independently recorded Punto Lejano, my first full-length studio album, at Empty Sea Studios in Seattle, WA. This original flamenco-jazz album draws on a variety of musical sources.
In 2017, I was awarded a Fulbright performing arts fellowship to pursue intensive flamenco studies in Sevilla, Spain, at the Fundacion Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco. Here I deepened my knowledge of flamenco under the tutelage of master guitarists Pedro Sierra, Pedro Barragán, and Paco Cortés. I then spent another year with maestro Eduardo Rebollar of Artes Escenicas Rebollar before returning to the States.
I'm also influenced by the music of Paco de Lucía, Pepe Habichuela, Manolo Sanlúcar, Tomatito, Moraíto Chico, and Miguel Ángel Cortés.
TEACHING APPROACH
My approach towards teaching prioritizes the student's self-described goals. If students want to be challenged and pushed hard, I push them hard. If simply enjoying the instrument is most important, that's perfectly okay too. I believe it's impossible to separate technique from other aspects of one's musicality, such as expression. Therefore, all students will start with the fundamentals of technique and will build on this as they move into the study of rhythm, harmony, accompaniment resources, and more. The responses to the Student Questionnaire, along with a short, introductory discussion, will allow us to create a plan tailored to each student.
I believe all healthy learning relationships start with respect, and not just from student-to-teacher, but also from teacher-to-student. I've always felt the best teachers are those capable of uncovering and giving life to the strongest qualities already present within a student. Therefore, I encourage all students to be proactive and engage in their own learning plan. My primary role is to be the guide.
To paraphrase the great flamenco singer Enrique Morente: "In flamenco there are no teachers, only disciples."
Reviews
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I've been studying guitar for about 15 years, primarily jazz before I met Gustavo. I've never had an instructor that even comes close. He makes a difficult and seemingly inaccessible style of guitar accessible and fun! He's incredibly well educated, not only on the music itself but also on the history and culture of Flamenco; you're getting much more than just a guitar lesson. On top of that, he's also just a wonderful person.

I have been gearing up for some extensive travel in Spain combined with some immersive flamenco guitar studies. Prior to studying with him, I had played various forms of guitar for several years but only had minimal exposure to true Flamenco styles. Gustavo has been extremely helpful in getting me ready for the experience with techniques, fundamentals, in-depth palos knowledge, rhythm and timing, interactions with Dancers and Singers, etc.. He is extremely knowledgeable and talented in all areas of Flamenco and he is very good at explaining it all to a non-native (extranjero) like myself! His depth of musical theory combined with in-depth experience studying in Spain make him a uniquely qualified Flamenco Guitar Instructor. This was my first experience with online instruction and within the first lesson, I felt like I had known him for months. I highly recommend studying with Gustavo no matter how much experience you have when you start this path!!

I have been taking flamenco guitar lessons from Gustavo for over 2 years and have only good things to say about him. His passion for flamenco, his eclectic knowledge of the style, his considerate teaching style are second to none. Gustavo is very inspirational and his teaching style adapts easily to any student’s level. He is easy going and his choice of material is exceptional. I would highly recommend Gustavo to anyone willing to explore the depths and subtaltiies of the flamenco guitar.
Photos & Videos
12 Photos & VideosExperience
Musician
May 2010 - PresentIndependent
Over eight years experience as a working flamenco guitarist, participating in numerous collaborations, leading performance groups, and producing concerts and recordings. Have worked with flamenco dancers, singers, other guitarists, and also jazz and classical musicians. Independently recorded and produced an original flamenco-jazz album in 2014, entitled "Punto Lejano" (A Distant Point).
Predoctoral Graduate Researcher
Sep 2017 - Jun 2018Independent and with Fulbright US Student Program
Location: Sevilla, Spain. During the 2017/18 academic year I carried out a study/research project for the Fulbright program, in collaboration with the Fundación Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco. This focused on the flamenco guitar, including advanced instrument training, artist interviews, and development of new original music. Created and launched the website "Palabras Flamencas" (Flamenco Words) as part of this work. During the 2018/19 academic year I continued this work independently, in collaboration with Artes Escenicas Rebollar.
Architect
May 2003 - Aug 2017LMN Architects, Miller Hayashi Architects, ZGF Architects, Blakely Johnson & Ghusn, Inc.
Over ten years of professional experience in awarding-winning architecture firms.
Education
Musical Instrument Study and Predoctoral Graduate Research
Oct 2018 - Jun 2019Artes Escenicas Rebollar
Predoctoral Graduate Research
Sep 2017 - Jun 2018Fulbright US Student Program
Master of Architecture
Sep 2004 - May 2007Washington University in St. Louis
Bachelor of Science - BS, Architecture
Sep 2000 - May 2004University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Spanish
Professional Proficiency
Certifications
Registered Architect
Jan 2016Washington State Department of Licensing
Awards
Fulbright Performing Arts Fellowship
Sep 2017United States Department of State
Affiliations
American Institute of Architects
Jan 2016BMI
Aug 2014Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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