Teaching Methods for 4-string bouzouki

The teaching books for bouzouki as well as the sheets with songs and instrumentals, have always been a field of major interest for most bouzouki teachers and students. They have been important for those that seek bouzouki knowledge in an integrated and complete way that requires of course certain knowledge on reading notes. Empirical  knowledge is not adequate in this case. The need of a full technique that bouzouki requires and that will form its curriculum is obvious for many years now. Books that will facilitate the technical requirements of bouzouki specifically, are crucial. They should not refer  to or remind the technique of the guitar or other instruments. It is a valuable tool for a student or even a teacher to have an available method with the right teaching pace that gives the answers to every question arisen through teaching process in a simple and understandable way.

Vangelis Trigas is an acknowledged soloist and bouzouki tutor. He has done a deep and long research in order for bouzouki to gain a documented technique and integrated study. He has published numerous books that belong in two categories. The first category is related to the Bouzouki Method and the second category is related to collections of music sheets of songs and instrumentals for bouzouki. The five books (three main issues and two companions with  related songs as part of the study)  that consist the Method for the four-string bouzouki “Vangelis Trigas- Method for the four-string bouzouki” lead to an integrated study method.

Apart from the classic music theory included in this Method, a very important section is the practice. This is consisted by: Picking exercises-Fingering exercises- glissando exercises-arpeggios-ornaments-skill exercises- chords-rythms-taximis (improvisations)-basic improvisation rules-modes- basic fingering rules-exercises on independence of the fingers- detailed texts on technical manipulations-images for the right hand positions and 59 songs that are addressed to each relevant chapter of the Method and consist an integral part.