Cuban Montunos & New Orleans Piano
In this lesson Jon Cleary delves into the origins, techniques, and influences that shape Cuban montunos and we explore the similarities between Cuban and New Orleans piano styles.
Historical & Cultural Connections
The hand position used when playing Cuban montunos is very similar to the hand positions used in New Orleans piano. This is not a coincidence as there have been very strong historical and cultural ties between Cuba and New Orleans through Spanish and French colonies.
Professor Longhair – The Spanish Tinge
We explore 2 Professor Longhair compositions which utilise the same hand positions found in Cuban piano music. The first tune that we examine is Professor Longhair’s “Doing It” and secondly we examine the role of the right hand when playing Professor Longhair’s iconic composition “Tipitina”.
Montuno Technique: Octaves & Inner Voices
Cuban montuno piano style is defined by its use of octaves to create a percussive feel with additional inner voices and chromaticism. Jon breaks down the techniques that are essential to playing montunos and shows how this differs for major harmonies and minor harmonies.
Lesson Downloads
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Cuban Montunos & New Orleans Piano File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
We explore right hand chordal techniques built from the 3rd, the 5th, and the 6th of each chord, and also how to create contrary motion.
In this lesson we explore the most common montuno patterns that you hear in Salsa and early Cuban music from the early 1940s.
In this lesson we explore some common exercises that are useful for students who have never played Cuban piano styles or montunos.
Practice Tips
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Start by practicing octave-based voicings to develop a feel for hand positions used in New Orleans piano and cuban montunos.
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Try different chord qualities and voicings to discover how they fit within the Montuno style.
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Learn the song "Tipitina" and experiment changing the feel between New Orleans style, and Cuban style, as Jon demonstrates in the lesson.
