It’s that time of year. Long summer days are winding down. Everyone is planning last minute getaways and get togethers. As people return to the city after a summer spent in the mountains or on the coast, we return to our routines. Preparations are made to made to return to work and school.
Temperatures are lowering and the leaves are starting to change colour, signalling the beginning of Autumn. We all know that the change in weather brings with it colds and flu and right now that is a bit of a stressful scenario!
This particular September may cause anxiety for some with questions raised about how schools and offices will handle the return amidst the pandemic. At Shine Music School we are fortunate to offer our students classes both from our studios in Barcelona and online lessons.
Teaching students online offers a learning experience that is anxiety free, not only can you stay safe at home, but online lessons can be convenient, economical and intensive, students can accomplish more in a shorter space of time and have the flexibility to learn on the go from anywhere in the world.
How is Catalunya tackling Covid-19?
The Spanish Government has announced measures to minimise the transmission of Covid-19 as everyone returns to work and school. These regulations are applicable throughout Spain with the rules implemented by each autonomous region’s education authorities. Here in Catalunya, the minister of Education, Josep Bargalló has made opening schools a priority. Despite the inherent difficulties caused by the novel corona virus, the government understands the importance that schools play not only in education but also as essential services.
So how does it work?
Face masks will of course be obligatory for all over the age of 6. And smaller children will also be encouraged to wear them. A physical distance of 1.5 m should be observed with everyone outside of your household. Regular hand washing and sanitising of hands and surfaces should be observed. Temperatures will be taken in certain institutions to monitor fever rates. Where possible, outdoor activities will be encouraged.
Schools where group learning takes place will follow “Bubble” guidelines, where interactions with other groups are minimised. Covid 19 will be monitored through the use of apps and a co- ordinated effort between CAPs. Both staff and students will be responsible for maintaining these regulations and their health. If a student or teacher finds themselves unwell they will stay at home and if they show Corona symptoms, they will be subject to a PCR test.
If any tests come back positive all persons in the group or bubble will need to quarantine for 14 days at home. If more than one case is reported at a school, it will close temporarily.
Get Prepared!
Purchase a pack of masks, and small refillable hand sanitiser gel that you can keep with you at all times. Practice healthy and safe social distancing, and remember that you are protecting not only yourself but also your loved ones and colleagues.
At Estudio Shine
Our music lessons are one-on-one and each lesson takes place in separate classrooms. Each room has hand sanitizer gel and students and teachers are expected to wear masks where applicable. We expect all our staff and students to be responsible when entering the school and respectful of each other. During this time we are encouraging online learning in order to protect our teachers and students. We are also implementing measures to reduce foot traffic in our Barcelona studios.
Our teachers are fully equipped to deliver superb one-on-one online music lessons as well as group lessons. We will also start offering online master classes and courses. Shine also offers rental instruments to students who wish to study at home and can help to facilitate buying instruments as well.
Our online school concert was exceptionally successful and we will continue to maximise our online learning experience for the time being.
If you are feeling at all anxious about your music lessons at either of our studios, we encourage you to start learning online with us. Not only is music a proven method to reduce stress, but studying music exercises your brain, helping us to become adaptable, stable and smarter humans.
Don’t let worry or the Corona virus disrupt your life, but make the right changes to improve your situation so we can enjoy music together! Contact the school with any questions you may have!
The guitar is a very versatile instrument, with which you can play songs from different musical genres. Flamenco, which is very popular in Spain and throughout the world, is one of them and flamenco guitar is one of the most popular varieties of Spanish guitar.
The origin of the word “flamenco” is inexact. It is believed to come from the cultural tradition that gypsies introduced to Spain during Arab domination since before the 15th century. However, it was during the 18th century when flamenco was recognized as a musical genre and elevated its artistic expression from the cultural fusion of Muslims, Gypsies, Spaniards, Africans and Caribbean that at that time coexisted in Andalusia.
The first historically documented flamenco guitarist dates from the year 1850 known as Francisco Rodríguez “El Murciano”. However, the oldest record of flamenco music dates from 1774 in the book Las Cartas Marruecas by José Cadalso.
In general, when we talk about flamenco we refer to the result of a harmonic mix of different cultures and musical styles that has an artistic expression of deep feeling through cante (singing), dancing and toque (the way the guitarist plays the flamenco guitar). Over time, other instruments such as the flute, cajon, and violin have enriched this music, which has allowed it to renew melodies and shape the flamenco that we know today.
The flamenco guitar is similar to a classical guitar but with thinner parts and less internal reinforcements. It usually has nylon strings and is used in toque.
This instrument is often equipped with a kick plate (pickguard), commonly made of plastic, whose function is to protect the guitar body from rhythmic beats.
Flamenco guitars are normally made of cypress wood, a material that brightens the sound and adapts very well to the characteristics of this musical style. In addition, it has a narrower box so that the sound is smaller and does not overshadow the singer’s voice.
Perhaps the main difference between a classical guitar and a flamenco guitar is that in the last one, the harmonic bars are located in a different way, which generates a more percussive and brilliant sound.
Regarding posture, the flamenco guitarist often crosses his legs and supports the guitar he is highest on, while the neck keeps it almost horizontal with respect to the ground.
Since 2010, flamenco has been considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.
Some of our teachers offer recommendations for those who are interested in studying flamenco guitar:
César Munuera, graduated in flamenco guitar from the Conservatori del Liceu, assures:
“Paco de Lucía is the benchmark for any flamenco, but then there are Vicente Amigo, Gerardo Núñez, Tomatito, etc., who are from a later generation but equally great.
In my opinion, in flamenco there are no specific works that are essential … the most important thing, beyond listening to guitarists, is listening to cante and the more traditional flamenco to understand the rhythm and singularities of each palo. You have to listen to a lot and, above all, study a lot of technique in the most meticulous way possible … Since this genre develops specific guitar techniques that do not exist in any other style. “
The director of the Shine School of Music and expert in classical guitar, Milos Sajin, mentions some important works:
Our music school is located in Barcelona, a place historically recognized for being one of the first spaces where flamenco flourished in Spain between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Have fun studying music with us! The classes we offer are personalized and for all ages. Although you are a beginner or already have a more advanced level, do not worry, our music courses will always be adapted to your needs and interests.
Branislav Grbic teaches classical violin and world music violin. At the Shine School of Music in Barcelona, he teaches students of all levels, specializing in Balkan, Sephardic, Irish as well as Turkish music. He was born in Belgrade (Serbia) in 1970, to a family of musicians. In 1991 Bane arrived in Barcelona, and began a new era in his professional life. He was a notable student at the Conservatori Superior de Barcelona in J. Pamiès’s class and until 2002 he performed in 4 chamber orchestras and 3 symphony orchestras in Catalunya. He regularly plays with his band Los Moussakis. He has also collaborated with international artists such as Goran Bregovic, Rebecca Horn, Sara Montiel, Gloria Gaynor and Azúcar Moreno. We asked him some questions about his interest in music:
* What was the first thing that made you interested in music?
The fact that I was born into a family of professional musicians in the field of classical music, made me start very early learning the art of music, and later I dedicated myself to the violin for life as my work and passion.
My grandfather was a violinist, composer, choir and orchestra conductor, teacher, and theologian. Studying in Prague in the 1920s of the last century, and on his return to the homeland, he made a great reform in Serbian culture, dedicating his life to the prosperity of classical music in many fields. He has published 7 books on the violin methodology, the most famous “Zlatne Stepenice”. In 1954, the municipal music school of about 600 students in his hometown Valjevo was named after him “Zivorad Grbic”.
My father was also a violinist, concertmaster of the Belgrade National Opera Orchestra and professor at the Belgrade Higher Conservatory. My mother was an opera singer, two aunts were piano teachers and her children, my cousins, are also professionally dedicated to music.
I spent my childhood running through the corridors of the Belgrade National Opera building, from one dressing room to the other, then to the stage, orchestra pit, chicken coop, machinists, hairdressers… let’s say this building was my playground, along with endless trips with the whole company to European countries, Italy, France…
This was what made me interested in music, and stage art in general.
*Who inspired you to make music?
It was my parents who initially inspired me to make music. At home, music was heard at all hours, my mother singing opera and traditional songs, or my father playing and studying difficult passages of classical, symphonic, opera or chamber music…. We also had and listened to a very good record player, and the very extensive vinyl collection that is still preserved.
Then, at 16, I started playing as first violin, concertmaster, in a Young Symphony Orchestra of Belgrade, and the inspiration to make the music also came from the other 80 best young musicians in Serbia, who together played great musical works in concerts in the entire territory of the former Yugoslavia, including trips to other European countries.
* How would you describe the music you normally make?
I have had different stages in my life of exercising music. As a classical professional violinist, 18-33 years old, I have worked in numerous philharmonic, symphonic or chamber orchestras … Therefore it was an experience of making music already written, looking for textures and ensemble color, playing in the halls and auditoriums where the public is sitting and listening.
From 33-48 years old, I ventured into traditional-popular music from the Balkans, with Los Moussakis. This type of music is something very personal and different from what I did before. It requires another type of energy, presence and personal dedication in a group of only 6 people. Many times, there were no scores either, and therefore more freedom in expression, especially in solos, the atmosphere was very festive and danceable and the audience actively participated with the band.
At the moment, I’m very interested in “techno” electronic music, combined with real sounds and musicians, also in “mystical” and microtonal music… .. At home I am playing classical, balkan, klezmer, tango,… ..also, as I have many scores, sometimes I open any book and read it, I play… to discover that it is in the sea of notes. The excitement of translating written notes into live notes is very nice, which you see and hear the first time!
* What is your creative process ?
I’m really passionate about “turning” the songs. I use the traditional-folk songs of the Balkans and changed their speed, harmony and rhythm, giving them a new life in the different form of vertical musical arrangement. Let’s say I like to keep the old melody, with new elements “inside” in the structure. Many times, or almost always, in this creative process other musicians intervene with their knowledge and personal intuition.
* If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be?
I have had the opportunity to play with many musicians of international stature, such as Goran Bregovic. Collaborating with any musicians of this stature always carries a special magic and learning in different aspects. I would have liked to play with Stevie Wonder, without a doubt! I love the way violins treat their songs. Especially “My Cherie Amour” or “For Once in My Life”. I would also like to play with the Jamiroquai, the string arrangements are very danceable. Bill Withers, Quincy Jones … … there are many teachers. I would also be just as excited playing with a band of gypsies from Serbia or Macedonia in a few days long pantagruélica party, in the countryside! And the Berlin Philharmonic, I can’t even mention, it would be the best!
* If you could choose to open any musician’s show, whose would it be?
Maybe “Gogol Bordello”, “Kultur Shock” or Emir Kusturica & “No Smoking Orkestra”. Besides hoping that they invited me to play the gig with them, we would have a good party after the concert all together.
*Do you sing in the shower?
Yes, I sing in the shower, although before morning coffee it doesn’t sound very lively. Also, I always change songs… lately I’m with “Brother to Brother” by Gino Vannelli!
* Of your concerts, which one have you most enjoyed and why?
Ugh, it is impossible to highlight a specific concert. All the performances are a journey and experience of a set of things, absolutely unrepeatable. It is always enjoyed when there are good conditions to act, especially good sound and good vibration among the musicians. Each concert has a magical moment, and it is good to remember it. I think in music there is a fact that whenever you try to play a song in the same way, it never comes out the same, and it will sound different. It is the mystery of the unknown … is this version the best?
* Where would you like to do a concert?
I have had the opportunity to play with different formations on the most prestigious and beautiful stages, theatres and auditoriums in Spain and in other European countries.
Theatres, auditoriums, outdoor stages….But what would really be science fiction, and who wouldn’t enjoy it? To play in orbit, of course! When I started with the group Los Moussakis in 2002, one of my dreams was to play the New Year’s Eve 2024/25 on one of these space tourist flights. Surely the honor will be given to Brian Eno.
* What famous musicians do you admire?
Ugh, another question where I can’t give a concrete answer. I admire all musicians, good and bad, famous or not, boring and innovative, slow, fast… .All musicians are sometimes famous. I don’t know, to say one… ..Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, is he famous?
* What has been the best advice you have been given?
There have been many tips received and well taken and digested, I’m still open to hear the odd tip that can lead one to practical wisdom.
* How do you think the internet has impacted the music industry?
I think that above all it has impacted the methods of selling music. Basically, now music is not sold in any physical medium. In the past, the musician also earned a continual bonus in the sale of CDs. K7s or vinyl were also objects that in themselves were art and reflected the style of music you found inside and added to the whole package. Downloading-buying a CD from some sales platform seems to me as if it had less weight …. I don’t know, I’m a romantic for these things …. hehe.
* If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
From the point of view of a spectator and a musician, I think that in general, cities have too few small-medium spaces( with capacity for 50-150 people) for live music. The public and private sectors should come together to create subsidies for opening new spaces or expanding on local permits, this could provide sustainable work for an entire army of musicians and the various sector companies that work alongside live music in the area.
* Regarding the violin. Do you think it is a popular instrument today and why?
Yes, I think it is still a very popular instrument. There are public figures that still make it more popular, such as Ara Malikian. Also Anne-Sophie Mutter or Stephane Grappelli. My favorite violinist is David Oistrakh. Also the crazy violins of the Romanian fanfare bands, such as the Tarafs of Haidouks, have made the violin popular as an instrument. Violin has magic …. you have to work hard at it, but then it has a nice reward.
* Virtual teaching. Yes or no?
Of course a big yes! As long as it is combined with the face-to-face classes. Virtual classes take advantage of the student’s tranquility in their environment, they are less distracted or tired. Personally, with my students, I take advantage of these classes to work on “boring” things like scales, arpeggios or studies … At the moment, the double notes on violin, by the ZOOM, sound pretty bad. Another thing about virtual classes is that it is very important to have good electronic devices, or a quality external microphone and sound card.
Each year the Shine School of Music in Barcelona hosts a concert. It’s a unique opportunity for students to perform for a live audience, and get a taste or experience of performing for a crowd and certainly a chance to show off what they have accomplished with their teachers.
Our concerts have grown, from one small concert once a year to now a series of concerts during the year, and each one just gets better and better! As we get ready for our first online music concert, we want to take a look back at some of our student’s and teacher’s performances over the years.
We hope that you tune in with us for the concert this year. It will be a first for us, in that it will be streamed online. We really look forward to what our talented students and teachers have put together.
You may not think you are good at singing, but everyone can sing! Even if you sing on your own, in your room with headphones on and no-one around! There are some surprising health benefits to singing out loud! And just the same as anything, with a little help and training you can improve your singing. So if you ever wanted to enjoy singing even more, we can encourage you to take a singing lesson! If the following reasons don’t make you want to give it a go, at least keep on singing in the shower!
Singing strengthens the immune system
Research conducted at the University of Frankfurt, confirmed that singing boosts the immune system. The study included testing a profesional choir during a rehearsal singing Mozart’s “Requiem”. The researchers observed that the amount of Immunoglobulin A (a protein in the immune system that work as antibodies), were much higher right after the rehearsal. The same increases were not seen in the choir members who passively listened to the music.
Sounds are believed to improve specific aspects of your health and there are at least 5 different sounds you can sing to improve your bodies overall function:
Singing the short “a” sound (as in ahh) for 2-3 minutes will help you to stop feeling sad. It forces oxygen into the blood & brain, which in turn triggers a release of endorphins.
The short “e” sound (as in ‘echo’) makes the thyroid gland produce hormones that help to improve digestion & metabolism.
The long “e” sound (as in ‘see’) stimulates the pineal gland, boosting your alertness & learning. Try this before studying!
The long “o” sound (as in ‘open’) helps the pancreas and can regulate blood sugar after a meal.
The double “o” sound (as in ‘cool’) makes the spleen/immune system to boost infection-fighting white blood cells.
Let’s get singing to help our bodies fight off Corona Virus! We certainly need all the help we can get!
Singing is a workout
Have you ever found yourself tired after a good Karaoke session? Singing can be an excellent form of exercise, especially for those who are unable to like the older generation or those who are physically disabled. If you’re healthy, your lungs will still get a serious workout if you use the correct singing techniques. And you may be working muscles that you don’t generally use in other forms of exercise. Singing stimulates your overall circulation. And we all know that more oxygen benefits your whole body! Singing may even help to increase your aerobic capacity and stamina.
Singing improves your posture
The more you sing, the stronger your lungs become. As you work your chest muscles, your chest cavity expands, your shoulders and back align, and eventually it all works together, lifting and straightening your posture. Standing up straight is part of correct technique for singing. Your singing teacher will agree. And a good posture relieves back and neck strain!
Singing helps with sleep
Do you snore? Does your partner? Who can sleep with all this snoring going on? Well singing may be the answer to sweet dreams! According to a health article in Daily Mail Online, experts believe singing can help strengthen throat and palate muscles, which helps stop snoring and sleep apnea.
Singing combats Anxiety & Depression
As you sing, your brain triggers a release of endorphins. These help to alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress. Studies have even shown that singing can decrease our cortisol levels, which are responsible for stress. Singers often experienced improved mood and increased relaxation.
The guitar is a very versatile instrument, with which you can play songs from different musical genres. Flamenco, which is very popular in Spain and throughout the world, is one of them and flamenco guitar is one of the most popular varieties of Spanish guitar.
