Learning an Instrument in Spain
Simple Spanish phrases for starting music lessons and talking about your progress.
In Spain most towns have an escuela de música where adults can take group or private lessons, and the Spanish guitar is a popular first choice. Traditional schools teach solfeo, reading music, but many teachers skip it for beginners. Since most people live in flats, practising quietly is a real concern. The cards follow a beginner from deciding to learn the guitar to their first nervous performance for friends.
- 1
Tengo muchas ganas de aprender a tocar un instrumento.
I really want to learn an instrument.
- 2
¿Cuál es el más fácil para empezar?
Which one is the easiest to start with?
- 3
Me gustaría aprender a tocar la guitarra.
I'd like to learn the guitar.
- 4
Nunca he tocado nada.
I've never played anything.
- 5
¿Das clases particulares?
Do you give private lessons?
- 6
¿Cuánto cuesta la hora?
How much is it per hour?
- 7
¿Hace falta saber solfeo?
Do you need to read music?
- 8
Al principio no hace falta.
Not at the beginning.
- 9
Tienes que practicar todos los días.
You have to practise every day.
- 10
Aunque sea un ratito.
Even if it's just for a little while.
- 11
Me duelen los dedos.
My fingers hurt.
- 12
Este acorde me cuesta mucho.
I'm finding this chord really hard.
- 13
No tengo oído.
I don't have an ear for music.
- 14
¿Lo puedes tocar más despacio?
Can you play it more slowly?
- 15
Seguro que los vecinos me odian.
I bet my neighbours hate me.
- 16
Practico con cascos en el teclado.
I practise on the keyboard with headphones.
- 17
Poco a poco voy mejorando.
Little by little, I'm getting better.
- 18
¡Tócanos algo!
Play us something!
- 19
Me da corte, otro día.
I'm too shy, another day.
- 20
Nunca es tarde para aprender.
It's never too late to learn.