Meet our Argentinian musician…
The students at Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe got to know Argentinian musician Juan Matias Pereyra Facal when he visited the Academy for two weeks in July.
Juan Matias brought his guitar and shared his knowledge of Argentinian folklore music, while the Academy students and staff showed him how to play the mbira, a traditional plucked melodic instrument known also as a thumb piano.
Juan Matias grew up in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. He started playing music at a young age, and at 22 he made a decision to go professional by enrolling with a school of music called La filial San Fernando del Conservatorio de Musica. There, he formally studied the classical guitar and Argentinean folklore music.
Matias is a travelled, seasoned musician who has taught and performed classical guitar not only in Argentina but also in Bolivia and Peru.
Asked about how he knew about the Academy he responded, “I found the Music Crossroads on the internet and I found the Academy concept and vision rather captivating. So I made certain to visit them upon arrival. The reality on the ground was more engaging than the website.”
Students at the academy really appreciated his contribution towards enhancing western classical music. What they found especially impressive was his skilful ability to fuse folklore, rock, blues and jazz playing techniques.
Rumbidzai Chipendo and Alfred Phiri, Music Crossroads Academy students, assisted Juan Matias playing mbira during their free time. Despite language barriers, the students and Juan Matias connected easily through their love for music being the unifying factor.
