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Stone Oak
Guitar
Student Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Student Ages: Eight to adult
Luis E. Berrios, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, received his first guitar lesson at the age of ten from his father, who was an accomplished guitarist and had studied the classical guitar. Looking forward with the endeavor of accomplishing his dream as a classical guitarist, he was determined to pursue higher studies.
He was admitted to University of Puerto Rico (U.P.R.) in the field of Humanities and Education. At the same time he was preparing for an audition at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. His passion and dedication for the guitar and music got him admitted with excellent remarks. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in Classic Guitar, from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, under the tutelage of guitar Professor Leonardo Egurbida. He was later admitted to the Department of Composition of the Conservatory of Music where he studied Music Composition and Orchestration under Professor Alfonso Fuentes.
As a maestro of the classical guitar, Mr. Berrios teaches his students, which start at the early age of eight to adult. The students will learn how to hold the guitar, posture, the parts of the guitar and the music knowledge needed to develop a sound musical foundation. The methodology and pedagogy that is to be applied is determined by age and the factor of knowledge and skill the student brings with him. The technical development and music analysis for elementary students are modeled in what he refers to as “didactic miniatures studies”, for the intermediate advanced students: D.Aguado, F.Sor, M.Giuliani, M.Carcassi, and for the advanced student who is determined to reach a higher degree of excellence, Mr.Berrios has prepared a repertoire that will lead to the excellence in performance and interpretation of the great masters such as: J.S.Bach, M.Ponce, H.Villalobos, E.Granados, J.Malats, A.Carlevaro, F.Tarrega, J.Turina, D.Scarlatti, I.Albeniz, J.Rodrigo, G.Frescobaldi, L.Milan, F.M.Torroba, A.Lauro, C.Debussy, Morel Campos and many more, that although not mentioned here, are well known to have contributed greatly to the repertoire of the guitar.
In the classical genre, Mr. Berrios has played as soloist in places such as: Casa Blanca, TV and Radio shows, The Institute of Culture, The Governor’s House (for the governor and special guests), Film Music, Concerts at the Conservatory of Music, Fine Arts Concert Hall, Convention Centers, the best hotels in town, the Inauguration of Café del Puerto in old San Juan, sharing the stage with the distinguished international pianist Jesus Maria Sanroma.
Mr. Berrios has also achieved what many musicians have failed to do, which has been blending the three elements: classical, pop, and jazz into one unique personal style. He has played with: orchestras, ensembles, trios, vocal accompanist, and has performed with the best fold musical groups in Puerto Rico, partaking in the endeavor of preserving the musical heritage and cultural entity of Puerto Rican music. As a composer he has written music for instruments such as: the guitar, piano, woodwinds, string orchestra, brass, band and full orchestra.
Mr. Berrios is honored to be a part of Musical Arts Center of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA), one of the best musical institutions in the state of Texas, which is under the direction of Kenneth Thompson.
Mr. Berrios’ motto is: “Music is poetry for the heart and soul”.
Some performances by Mr. Berrios: