Instructor: Julio Antonio Carmenates Núñez
Julio was born in the Eastern province of Las Tunas, but has spent his student and professional life in Santiago de Cuba. He is the 1st percussionist with the Santiago de Cuba symphony, a teacher in the Music Schools of the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo, and in Habana.
Julio is a member of various music groups in Santiago and guest percussionist for many events and festivals.
Julio is considered to be one of the foremost percussionists in Cuba.
When: Our classes begin the day after you arrive in Santiago de Cuba.
How long: You can come for a little as a week or as long as three months (six months if you are Canadian).
Where: Santiago de Cuba.
Where do I stay: We offer homestay accommodation because it is more affordable. All our accommodations are government licensed, inspected and approved. All rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, and normally a refrigerator. If you prefer a hotel we can arrange accommodation.
What about meals:
All of our homestays offer breakfast and dinner (or lunch). We include two meals per day in our package. For hotel accommodation we include breakfast. See Pre Tour Information for more about food in Cuba. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know before you arrive.
What qualifications: We cater to all levels – from beginners to professionals. PLEASE NOTE that these classes can be made available to students of other instruments or of dance.
How many people are in my class: Percussion classes are given on an individual basis as technical guidance requires one on one attention.
How much time do I have each day: We recommend 2 hours per day. If you are a practiced percussionist and would like more time we recommend that we adjust your hours when you have taken a week of classes.
Practice: We provide practice space and some access to instruments for practice six days a week (not on Sunday). You may wish to purchase smaller instruments from local suppliers.
What do Percussion Classes and accommodation cost
10 hours/week (2 hours per day) BEGINNER LEVEL
Bed, Breakfast and Dinner
Transfer from Airport or Bus Station in Santiago de Cuba
One Week:
Two people sharing a room – $550/per person
Two people, Single accommodation – $725/ per person
One person, Single accommodation $775.00
Two Weeks:
Two people sharing a room – $900/per person
Two people, Single accommodation – $1250/ per person
One person, Single accommodation – $1300
Other stays – please contact us
Accommodation discounts may be available in shoulder seasons and for long stays
ALL PRICES ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS
What is included: Tuition, Accommodation (7,14 nights) and Meals (2 meals per day), PickUp and DropOff in Santiago
When do I have to pay: We require a deposit of 50% of the fee on booking. This deposit is non-refundable to a maximum of one week of classes and one week of basic accommodation. All fees must be paid 4 weeks before the start of classes. If you are booking within 2 weeks of starting classes there is an additional administration fee of $30.00 Cdn.
Do I need a visa: Everyone arriving in Cuba must have a visa. You will receive a tourist visa from the airline flying you to Cuba or you must apply for one from your nearest Cuban Consulate or Embassy. Check with your travel agent or the airline. The cost is $25.00 CUC and is good for a month, many airlines include this in the price of the ticket. You can renew your visa while you are in Cuba with the payment of $25.00 CUC. Canadians receive a three month visa on entering Cuba; it is renewable once more for three months.
What happens if I have to cancel or I am sick during the trip: We advise you to obtain cancellation and medical coverage. They are available from your insurance agent, some financial institutions, etc. US travelers, insurance can be provided only for people travelling through Canada.
How do I get there: Cuba is accessible from Mexico (Mexico City or Cancun) to Havana, from Nassau to Havana, from Jamaica (Montego Bay or Kingston to Havana), from Toronto to Havana or Santiago de Cuba (charter) and a variety of other entry points, also from Santo Domingo direct to Santiago twice a week, and every day to Habana.
Getting to Santiago from Havana or other points. There are two flights a day during the week from Havana to Santiago, or there is excellent bus service in an overnight bus from Havana to Santiago. The same excellent service connects most major cities throughout the island. Train service is still not recommended although there have been good reports of the new tourist train.
We can arrange to have you met in Habana and transferred to your next flight or to the bus. Depending on the time of your arrival you may require an overnight stay in Habana and we can arrange all accommodation and meals.
We would be pleased to book your flight into Cuba. Our prices are extremely competitive. Please note that flights to Cuba cannot be booked from the US.
Add-ons: We have many day and half day tours in and around Santiago and other cities. Ask us if you would like to include one or more tour in your percussion package.