Music
Popular Artists
David Bisbal
has achieved phenomenal success after competing on Operación Triumfo, the Spanish reality program similar to Pop Idol. As runner up he was awarded with a recording contract with renowned producer, Kike Santander. His two albums have achieved diamond discs with over 1 million copies sold in Spain alone, David also won Best New Artist honours at the Latin Grammys in Miami establishing him as Spain's newest pop star.
Maná
Despite Mexican rock band Maná singing solely in Spanish, they have conquered a worldwide fan base with their seemingly magnetic sound. Surprisingly they are little known in the UK, if you've never heard of Maná and you enjoy rock music with a latin feel and reggae twist you will thoroughly enjoy the unique sound of Maná
Alejandro Sanz
has collaborated with high profile bands such as Destiny's Child and the Corrs; his brilliant duet La Tortura with Shakira was a massive hit. With more than 20 million of his albums sold worldwide, 200 platinum discs and a Latin Grammy award, Alejandro Sanz has become recognised as one of Spain's most successful solo artists.
Local Conservatories And Music Schools
are subsidised by the government. The children have almost three hours a week of class and learn musical theory, dictation and have instrument lessons. These lessons are institutionalised in nature, but nonetheless many children find them valuable. The Marbella Conservatory has 2 branches: San Pedro and Old Town Marbella and offers piano, guitar, flute and dance. There are conservatories in Fuengirola and Málaga. Many smaller towns have local municipal music schools that are authorised by the conservatories: Alhaurín el Grande, Alhaurín de la Torre, Álora, Benalmadena, Manilva, la Linea, Torremolinos. Tuition is very reasonable and some of the schools begin accepting pupils at the age of four and others have no age limit. Ask in your local town hall which is the closest to your home.
For private classes there are many options. You can go to your local musical instrument shop and put up a sign or ask the employees. Another option is to post a sign in your local conservatory or music school. There are quite a few music schools in the area.
La Música
Music Shop in Marbella
A very friendly shop - they can help source anything you need from classes to used instruments.
Avda. Severo Ochoa 47
Tel: 952 828 316
The Music Factory
An international academy for adults & children interested in music, dance & drama. Has a fully equipped recording studio and a dance studio which help to aid performance skills.
Tel: 952 582 077
www.themusicfactory.biz
Stagecoach
Britain's largest part-time performing arts school offers professionally taught classes in drama, dance and singing to children from 4-16 with schools located in Marbella and Fuengirola.
For a prospectus and more information of Stagecoach training in Fuengirola, Gibraltar and Marbella please contact Warren Webley on Tel: 952 900 453
Flying Frogs Sound Studio
Is the only remaining professional recording studio along the Coast.
Tel: 952 808 630
the costa del sol youth orchestra (CYO)
Formed in January 2006 by Ian Green and unites children from along the coast to experience playing together as a formal orchestra. It currently accommodates around 25 children between the ages of 7-17.
The goal is to make the orchestra experience enjoyable with a perky repertoire which to date has included "The Pink Panther", the "James Bond" theme, "Batman", the Beatles and Strauss waltzes. The CYO performs 3 or 4 public concerts a year, to which all are welcome. Concert details are announced in most local newspapers & magazines or can be obtained by contacting CYO's Administration Office.
Rehearsals are held from 10.00 - 14.00 every Saturday during term time. Membership to the CYO is open to all children and is absolutely free to all participants who have reached Grade 1 level or higher. To join the orchestra, just come to rehearsals with your instrument! Drum kit & keyboards are available in situ.
Together with Espíritu Joven de la Música music school, the orchestra is based at Swans School which is conveniently situated in a peaceful and semi-rural location next to the beautiful Nagüeles Park, but only a few minutes drive from the centre of Marbella. Parking is no problem!
Espíritu Joven de la Música is a music school that operates from Málaga to Sotogrande. Classes offered are: Drums, Percussion, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Keyboards, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, all Saxophones, Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Flute etc.
Marbella Big Band was founded by professional musician Ian Green to give a much needed boost to the live music scene on the Costa del Sol. Featuring top-class players and singers, Marbella Big Band has now established a solid and professional reputation for first-class entertainment at the top end of the market and is in regular demand for weddings, parties and corporate events.
For more information about the Marbella Big Band, the Espíritu Joven Music School or to participate or sponsor the Youth Orchestra contact:
Claire King 626 941 005 / Ian Green 679 275 745
HINT: If you want to hear some good live music, along the Costa del Sol you will primarily hear the best musicians playing in the 5 star hotel lounges.