- rebetikocarnival@gmail.com
The Bouzouki as Folk Instrument
Sunday 15th June 2025 @ DB Music London
In this particular workshop, we will attempt to approach the bouzouki as a solo instrument and beyond…
Being deeply connected to the Greek folk tradition (rebetiko and laiko songs), we will flirt with the idea of treating the bouzouki as an instrument capable of exploring other musical genres, always guided by its journey so far.
At the same time, we will work with the dromoi (folk modes) and rhythms of Greek music (starting with an analysis of the scales and then studying them through songs from the rebetiko and laiko repertoire) as well as those of the broader Eastern Mediterranean. We will focus not only on melodic analysis and presentation but also on their harmonization.
(This includes exercises on fingering, pick technique, their combination, and generally a way of thinking around these topics.)
This is how we will enter the magical world of improvisation (taximi), both in free form (without musical accompaniment) and within the context of a musical piece.
Fotis Vergopoulos was born in 1988 in Melbourne, Australia, but before he even turned one, his family relocated to his spiritual home in Koroni Messinias, Greece. His first steps in music came at the young age of 6 encouraged by his father Nikos who was an inaugural member of the Melbourne-based Apodimi Kompania in the early 80’s.
Upon completing his schooling, he returned to his birthplace and to undertake a Civil Engineering degree. During this time Fotis really blossomed into his musical journey, and found himself playing live at various venues and quite a few festivals (including Brunswick Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival).
As of late 2012 he has returned to Athens and has taken part in various festivals around Greece and around the world. He has collaborated with artists such as Babis Goles, Agathon Iakovidis, Manolis Pappos, Dimitra Galani, Martha Frintzila and Anatoli Margiola.
Workshop Details
Arrival time: 13:45
Start: 14:00
Finish: 17:00
Learning level: open to all levels
Please note, the price at the door is £25. Only card payments are accepted.
