Carmelo Siciliano | Greek Music and More
www.carmelosiciliano.com
info@carmelosiciliano.com
Learn to play the Greek lavta through Greek folk and rebetiko music. My online lavta course includes step-by-step lessons, repertoire study, modal theory, and improvisation techniques—designed for all levels.
🎶 Discover the Greek Lavta
The lavta or laouto politiko—urban lute of Constantinople—is an elegant and refined instrument that bridges Greek and Ottoman musical worlds. With its delicate tone and ornate playing style, it’s used in classical Ottoman music, early urban Greek genres, and contemporary modal explorations. In this course, you’ll discover its technique, repertoire, and role in ensemble settings. Emphasis is placed on expressive ornamentation, makams, and rhythmic subtleties. Ideal for those seeking a lyrical and sophisticated approach to Eastern Mediterranean music, the lavta offers a rich palette of expressive possibilities.
📚 What You’ll Learn
- Tuning, posture, and basic exercises for the right and left hand
- Ornamentation and articulation
- Rhythms and phrasing
- Modal theory (Greek modes, makams, dromi, and scales), and analysis and practice of modes such as Chitzaz, Chitzazkiar, Chouseini, Nikriz, Ousak, Rast, Segkiach
- Creative approaches to modal improvisation (taximi)
- Step-by-step lessons on selected pieces from the Greek and Asia Minor repertoire, carefully chosen for their relevance to the instrument
🎯 Who This Course Is For
My online course is designed for anyone passionate about Greek and Eastern Mediterranean music—whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills. It’s perfect for:
- 🎶 Beginners with no prior experience, curious about traditional instruments and their cultural context
- 🎸 Musicians from other backgrounds looking to explore modal playing and new styles
- 🎻 Intermediate and advanced players who want to refine their technique, expand their repertoire, and master improvisation
- 📚 Music teachers, ethnomusicologists, and enthusiasts interested in the theory and practice of Greek folk and rebetiko music
🛠️ How It Works
- 🎁 Your first session is completely free and without obligation. It’s a chance to get to know each other, choose your preferred platform, and even have a friendly chat about Greece!
- ⏱️ Each lesson lasts about 45 minutes, but I don’t watch the clock—there’s always time to finish the piece we’re working on or answer any questions you may have.
- 🗓️ Lesson times are scheduled in advance, but I offer plenty of flexibility to fit your personal rhythm. The pace and frequency of the sessions are tailored to your needs.
- 📥 After each lesson, you’ll receive the full recording, along with all related materials: audio tracks, videos, and printable PDFs—everything you need to keep learning between sessions.
- 🌍 I offer online lessons in English, Italian, Spanish, and Greek, ensuring a personalized experience for students worldwide.
📦 What’s Included
- 🎥 Video recordings of the lessons (available for download)
- 🎼 Printable sheet music and tabs (PDF)
- 🎧 Audio examples for ear training, including slow-tempo versions
- 📚 Theoretical notes, modal charts, and cultural-historical insights
- 📩 Direct support
🎁 Start with a Free Session
📅 Book a free trial session — no obligation! We’ll get to know each other, assess your level, and tailor your path together.
👨🏫 About Me
I am a specialist in Greek modal music, with decades of experience teaching traditional instruments and conducting research on Greek and Eastern Mediterranean musical traditions. As the author of The Theory of Rebetiko: From the Makams of Asia Minor to the Dromi of Piraeus, Greek Folk Music: An Anthology of Tunes, and other publications, I am passionate about sharing the richness of Greek music with students around the world.
