The first bouzouki school in Australia has widened its reach to welcome students from anywhere in the country, allowing people of all ages to be able to come and learn how to play what Greeks consider to be the most iconic musical instrument of past generations.
“We have been inundated with so many enquiries from people all over the country that want to be part of our musical community, therefore, we decided we had to find a way to offer lessons Australia-wide going forward,” says musician and bouzouki maestro Con Dalagiorgos who set up Con Dalagiorgos School of Music in Adelaide two years ago.
“The school is now open and we welcome anyone who has a real passion and willingness to dedicate their time in learning not only how to play a musical instrument but to immerse themselves into the history of Greek music and the life and work of some of the most iconic representatives of Greek music, who left us an indisputably valuable cultural and musical heritage in the past few decades,” says the talented musician. Dalagiorgos explains that he is already in the process of setting up collaborations with musicians in other states as well as booking tutoring classes through Skype, and live seminars for students that live interstate and wish to learn how to play the bouzouki.
To date, the school has 25 students enrolled studying music theory, history of Greek music and practical bouzouki playing.
“Our youngest student is an eight-year-old boy and the eldest member of our team is a 61-year-old man, but I must admit I really enjoy teaching the younger generation and one of my most rewarding moments as a teacher is when I have the children’s parents come to me and say that my students are now choosing to practice the bouzouki over playing on their PlayStations and electronics at home,” says the son of Greek immigrants whose family originates from Kozani and the island of Kalymnos.
According to the 54-year-old artist, his love for this particular music instrument started at the age of five’ He has dedicated his life to playing with his band and keeping the musical heritage alive.
“I still enjoy performing but, when I come across young children who have a passion to learn and ask to watch YouTube videos of old rebetes playing the bouzouki, I feel so blessed and hopeful, that I can finally introduce the instrument and share my very own love for Greek music with my students,” says Dalagiorgos, who, with music teacher and fellow performer Tsambika De George, are working tirelessly towards one common goal: to keep Greek music alive.
“At our school, students are introduced to the prominent Greek musicians of the past, they learn the history of Greek music and above all, they learn how to perform like Greeks and how to engage and develop rapport with the crowd so that they can all enjoy and have a good time.
“I strongly believe that Greek music is so powerful that it will never fade away, but we also must encourage our children and grandchildren to stay connected with their heritage and perform their own miracles.”