... with Miguel de la Bastide
Miguel has over three decades of teaching experience with a track record of professional results and many of his students have gone on to become performers all around the world. He teaches all levels and styles, including steel string acoustic guitar, with private lessons near French River, Sudbury, Ontario area and Online.
For Flamenco:
- Beginners will learn all the basic techniques and all the basic palos (forms) that will allow them to interact with other Flamenco guitarists, as well as with guitarists from other genres.
- Intermediate students will then learn how to accompany baile (dance) and cante (song), a completely different skill set. Utilizing more advanced tools (techniques) that are then applied to the knowledge of song and dance, the true knowledge of Flamenco.
- Advanced students will learn more in-depth approaches to accompaniment using counterpointing and polyrhythms, which are essential for developing a sophisticated understanding of flamenco's rhythmic and harmonic complexity. This advanced study includes mastering flamenco-centric harmonies and scales, such as the Phrygian mode, which is fundamental to many palos like soleá, bulerías, and tangos. With this knowledge, students gain the necessary experience and technical foundation to begin creating their own compositions, often starting with the development of individual falsetas—melodic phrases that are central to flamenco guitar expression.
For Steel-String Acoustic Styles:
The approach will be a little different.
- Beginners will learn all the basic chord sets, strumming through existing songs and will begin to interact with other guitarists they encounter... campfires, open mics. e.t.c.. Fingerpicking will be introduced, along with an exploration of what constitutes a good song or composition and its structure.
- Intermediate Students will begin their improvisational journey by learning to apply major, minor, blues, and diatonic scales to common chord progressions, laying a strong foundation for creative and expressive soloing. More fingerpicking will be added, providing even greater expressive variation in their performance. Becoming a well-rounded musician.
- Advanced students will further refine their improvisational and performance skills by mastering a wider range of scales and learning to navigate complex chord progressions that include modulations. While foundational improvisation often relies on playing within a single key—such as using the major or natural minor scale, advanced players will focus on playing over the changes. Flat picking, sweeping arpeggios, and increasing speed are all integral components of advanced guitar technique.
Additionally, proficiency in both Flamenco and other Steel-String Acoustic guitar styles involves integrating chord inversions with advanced fingerpicking techniques and a deep command of scales. This foundation enables a guitarist to craft a complete solo performance, seamlessly blending harmony, melody, and rhythm into a rich, expressive musical experience. At this stage, students are well-equipped to compose their own original solo pieces, demonstrating both technical mastery and artistic creativity.
ALL students get to take with them video support for portions of the lesson, that greatly enhances their learning.
All of this can be achieved with just a basic understanding of music theory, which will be introduced step by step. However, the key to mastering the guitar lies in visualization. You'll be taught how to see the fretboard clearly and intuitively—everything you need is already right there in front of you!
To book classes or for more information, e-mail at miguel@migueldelabastide.net
Of course, not everyone lives close by. That's why for Los Flamencos there are...
Many years ago, Miguel has had the honor of studying from the following teachers: Allan Torok, David Phillips, Guillermo Rios, Jose Valle Fajardo "Chuscales", Lorenzo Uirseda Barca, Léo Avellaneda Molina, La Tati, Ciro, Cristobal Reyes, Paco Romero, Javier Cruz and Domingo Ortega.