Latin Piano 

The Codarts Latin Piano main subject goes far beyond developing talented musicians; we give our students the skills to become global citizens and artists with a passion for Latin music! Our World Music department is a dynamic learning environment where diversity merges with jazz, classical and pop music, so you can study a variety of different music styles. This makes our conservatoire unique.  

Why study Latin Piano at Codarts? 
We are the only conservatoire in the Netherlands with a dedicated Latin Piano main subject. The friendly and open-minded atmosphere at Codarts, our international teaching team and diverse student population create a stimulating learning environment for aspiring musicians. A dynamic multi-cultural port city, Rotterdam adds an extra dimension to the vibrant world music scene. 
 
Our programme 
Our classes stimulate your creativity and foster your ability to develop your own piano style. This comprehensive main subject provides you with the perfect setting to expand your musical horizons as you master the art of Latin piano and collaborate with other musicians in ensemble performances. In addition to honing your Latin piano skills, you also acquire the cultural awareness you need to fully convey the depth and meaning of Latin music. 
 
Grown and learn at your own pace with our one-on-one classes. Each lesson is a key component of the solid music foundation that helps you build a broad repertoire and teaches you how to play with other musicians in our ensembles. Learning how to integrate your individual piano skills into a larger group is essential to becoming a good performer and preparing you for a career in the music industry.  
 
Your education as Latin Piano student at Codarts goes far beyond learning how to play an instrument. It’s also about understanding the rhythmic complexity that makes Latin music unique. That is why you will also take percussion lessons to deepen your knowledge of the essential Latin rhythm sections. 
 
Thanks to our partnerships with Brazilian and Cuban educational institutions you also have opportunities to participate in exchange programmes to expand your cultural and music knowledge. 

 
Masterclasses 
Latin music and culture are inextricably interwoven; you cannot fully grasp one without the other. That is why our teachers share extensive experience from the countries of origin in their classrooms. 

To further enrich your learning experience, we regularly organise masterclasses with accomplished Latin pianists. A source of inspiration and motivation, these special classes provide students with a hands-on opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. Musical greats who have taught masterclasses include: Iván 'Melón' Lewis, Hilario Durán, Rodolfo Argudín 'Peruchín', Antonio Adolfo and Gilson Peranzzetta.

“I see teaching as much more than a one-dimensional transfer of knowledge. Learning and teaching are two sides of the same coin. I'm grateful that as a teacher I can be a catalyst, a source of knowledge, inspiration and trust to help students explore what is out there and bring out what is inside of them." 

Thomas Böttcher, Latin piano teacher