Masterclasses with Spanish tutor Alicia Garrudo Álamo held at Karosta Music School

From April 14 to 16, flute and ensemble music masterclasses took place at the Karosta Music School in Liepāja, led by teacher and conductor Alicia Garrudo Álamo from the Conservatory of Valladolid, Spain.

Over three days of intensive work, the instructor conducted both individual and group flute sessions, worked with ensembles and orchestras, and shared her experience in ensemble leadership.

Specializing in working with young people, Alicia enriched the masterclasses with creative icebreakers, physical warm-up exercises, and various techniques that helped foster an open and friendly learning environment.

The young participants particularly appreciated her boundless energy, group warm-up methods rarely used locally, and her distinctive approach to flute playing, which offered a fresh perspective on their usual routines. The conductor emphasized the importance of listening to fellow musicians, understanding the dynamics of collective performance, and being an active contributor to the musical process – not just following directions, but also knowing what you want to achieve with your sound.

Local teachers also gave positive feedback, highlighting the value of hearing familiar concepts expressed in new ways by an international expert and the opportunity for students to refine their skills in a broader context.

Alicia noted that working with a group of such diverse ages, skill levels, and interests was both dynamic and fascinating. In her view, one of the biggest benefits is meeting people from another culture – it shakes up routine thinking and offers a new layer of experience in intercultural exchange.

She regularly leads flute masterclasses in various countries, and this time brought to Liepāja teaching materials on flute playing and music scores by Spanish composers for ensembles and orchestras of different levels and compositions.

The masterclasses “Developing Collective Musicianship in Karosta” were organized by the association “Baringtons K2” in cooperation with the Karosta Music School. Students from the Liepāja Secondary School of Music, Art and Design also participated.

To strengthen the capacity of the creative industries and support the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, the foundation “Liepāja 2027” announced an open call for masterclass support last autumn. Of the 16 applications received, 11 projects were selected for funding, helping local cultural professionals foster new artistic growth.

The masterclasses were co-financed by the “Liepāja 2027” foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia.