Hola Cubop,
Spiro has taught many places in the SF bay area (oakland jazz school, berkeley, etc.) but I think he doing most lessons from his house in San Bruno these days (at least thats where my lessons are).
As far as taking beginner students, I believe that he will. Actually, I am quite a novice on congas (playing less than a year), but on the other hand my musical background is fairly extensive (many years of kit drumming, big time drum corps, bachelors in music theory & masters in music composition). I don't know if that had any bearing on taking me or not and perhaps your background is extensive as well. In any case, my guess is that he'll take you, if he has the time in his schedule.
Lessons aren't cheap. I don't want to give you a quote because that's his business, but I'd be prepared to pay something in $100 range (could be more, could be less). The good thing is that you can take lessons at your own pace : once a week, twice a month, once a month...whatever. Basically, you call him when you are ready for another lesson (it's best to call him at least a week in advance).
I think he's great teacher. If what I've told you seems reasonable then I would suggest contacting Spiro.
mspirobata@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/mspirobata/
Otherwise, there's a new member to this board that is teaching in Berkeley. I don't know anything about him, but he's got a web site as well so that give some info.
qualitydag@earthlink.net
http://afrocubanchops.com/
best of luck...
chris
Edited By CongaCaja on May 23 2003 at 05:30
Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2001 12:53 am
