News
I STILL remember with immense nostalgia that baritonal greeting of my teacher Humberto Hernández Medrano’s voice: “Quétal, Avendaño?”
The Polyphonic Studies Workshop was founded by the brilliant Chihuahua-born Composer and Musician Maestro Humberto Hernández Medrano.
More than 500 passed through it and the course lasted up until his death in 2016.
I was fortunate to attend the workshop in 1977, by recommendation from my beloved piano teacher Néstor Castañeda León, another very important figure in the training of dozens of Mexican pianists, and who deserves a separate chapter.
I can say without hesitation that this moment changed my life and it was the best decision I could have made in my entire career, because it was because of that workshop that my passion for composition grew thanks to the wonderful teachings of maestro Humberto.
Basically, in his own words, the Workshop consisted of “The sum of teachings from 7 conservatories from around the world (from Europe and the US, mainly) and from the entire Western tradition of musical creation.” And it really was.
The idea was to study the different stages of the history of the development of composition. The course was divided into:
1.- Renaissance Period, with G.P. Da Palestrina as the climax
2.- Era wrongly called “Baroque” (He called it by the more accurate “Preclassic”) with Bach as its pinnacle and synthesis.
3.- Classical Period with Mozart, Haydn and culminating with Beethoven.
4.- Romantic Period, starting with Schubert and passing through other greats such as Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms and culminating with Wagner.
5.- Modern Period, beginning with Debussy and Ravel, passing through Mahler, Stravinsky, Schöenberg, Webern, Shostakovich, Hindemith, Scriabin, Bartok, etc…
Academically, it was divided into:
1)Traditional and chromatic harmony
2)Renaissance and Bachiano counterpoint
3)Twelve-tone
4)Analysis
5)Instrumentation and Orchestration
It was about learning how to compose in different styles, be it a Renaissance-style Mass or motets, then Bach-style inventions and fugues, etc.
The teacher said learning this was necessary, not only to have a solid training as composers, but also as to not repeat what others had already done in the past.
I totally agree!
The teacher said that the workshop lasted 3 years (which was practically impossible unless you took class daily) but with the amount of homework it could easily be extended to 5 years or even more if you wanted to study thoroughly.
I was fortunate to study with the teacher intermittently until I “graduated” in 1998. It was almost 20 years because, between those stages, I had to do other things in order to support my family. However, I can say I studied and completed the entire workshop, which we celebrated with a dinner in October 1998.
Today, 22 years later, I still remember the Oasis that it was like to go to class with Maestro Humberto. Every class it seemed like time stopped, giving you the opportunity to take a step into the past and listen to the great masters speak through him. With what passion and genius he explained his course, which he knew by heart, and how he celebrated each of our small achievements!
The class lasted for 40 minutes and it was strictly personal (it was the only way in whichhe could attend to the growing demand of students, because every 2 hours he had to see 3 students).
I could not be able to describe with words the love and gratitude I have for him, but my recognition goes to so many hours, not only of classes, but of extra-curricular talks where, perhaps, I learned even more about the teacher’s genius and innate pedagogic skills.
Personally, along with my studies, I was making a career in popular music (for tv as well as record labels) and he celebrated modern styles of music because he said that a modern composer had to have the ability to adapt to the real world if he wanted to live off composing.
Let me finish by underlining a phrase that he constantly told me:
Avendaño, remember:
"Worry about staying current. Not fashionable"
Today, more than ever I believe these are wise words, especially in pop music!
Cheers, dear teacher and “Quétal”, indeed!
Friends and brothers in music
THE DEFINITION OF FRIENDSHIP according to the dictionary is:
"Relationship of affection, sympathy and trust that is established between people who are not family"
But, what if life and your heart lead you to consider as part of your family those who have transcended time and a simple work relationship, someone you really love and admire?
I dedicate this small space to all those great brothers and friends, and of course, huge musicians, arrangers and composers who will surely enrich your relationship with Art as they have done with me throughout all these years.
Thanks to all of them for allowing me to share their work.
Friends and brothers in music
THE DEFINITION OF FRIENDSHIP according to the dictionary is:
"Relationship of affection, sympathy and trust that is established between people who are not family"
But, what if life and your heart lead you to consider as part of your family those who have transcended time and a simple work relationship, someone you really love and admire?
I dedicate this small space to all those great brothers and friends, and of course, huge musicians, arrangers and composers who will surely enrich your relationship with Art as they have done with me throughout all these years.
Thanks to all of them for allowing me to share their work.
In the past 15 years I had the tremendous pleasure to be creative with Jorge on a couple of tracks for Sarah Brightman and for Narcis. Jorge is such a kind, creative, talented and supportive man that it is an absolute privilege to work with him. I look forward to spend more time and with Jorge in the future and would love to create more production with this lovely human being.
His professionalism, diversity and immeasurable musicality have placed him in a category of its own. I’ve had the honor of collaborating in some of his beautiful projects throughout the years, both as a singer and musician, and it’s always been a wonderful experience. I’ve also had the pleasure of discovering many other projects, motivating me to search for who it was that made that music that captured my attention… to my surprise it was Jorge Avendaño!
Always with the particularity of presenting a professional experience. I think that all the years of experience have brought him to the level in which he is today, and it shows. Music is an industry that has been turned upside down from what we once knew, but Jorge’s work still towers above the rest because of one simple reason: the music!
To Jorge, the music is always first, which is what makes him one of the best producers in Latin America.
There’s so much I could say about Jorge Avendaño as a friend, composer, producer and human being, I’d need a space as large as the one he’s won in my heart and my professional life.
Jorge Avendaño is a unique and enormous talent!
When I first met Jorge Avendaño, many years ago, I met him in a recording studio; perhaps the best way to meet a professional such as him. That’s where I discovered his talent and his sensibility as a music professional. Later, I discovered the great human bing that he is, the kindness and generosity with which he treats other in work and in friendship. I’ve collaborated with him throughout many years in some of his productions and I’ve always been pleased and honored with the results.
I’ve been working for my friend Jorge Avendaño for over 20 years. Always learning something new. I’m very thankful for working in so many different projects together. Him as a producer and me as an arranger and musician.
In the world of music, one has many opportunities to meet incredibly talented and interesting people. But many times, when we meet a genius or super star it’s disappointing to find out they’re not as successful in their personal lives as much as in their professional lives. The really difficult thing to do is finding someone with a great talent, who is very successful but who, above else, is a great person and a real friend. There’s many superstars, but Jorge is in a very short list of people who have left a mark in both the professional and the personal, where honesty, nobility and friendship are unbreakable.
Studying my career, I’ve had the luck of meeting Jorge in a composition workshop. Some time later, Jorge would start a meteoric musical career that would become my guide and inspiration. I’ve had the enormous fortune of being close to his greatest hits, culminating in the construction of the best recording studio in Mexico, where we enjoyed unforgettable moments that were definitive and crucial to my own career.
I’ve always thought that Jorge is the best that our country has offered in recent times and that every second by his side is always of great learning and enjoyment. I can’t imagine my career without his advice, talent and support for which I’ll always be grateful.
I thank God for the friendship that ties me to Jorge Avendaño: tremendous musician, composer, arranger, producer and, above all, a great friend. I feel like one of the lucky ones who have collaborated in many of his productions. I send him my regards.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jorge Avendaño for over two decades. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with him in many projects. He’s hold in the highest regard by everyone in the entertainment industry, not only because of his talent and creativity as a pianist, singer, composer and producer, but also for being a sincere and generous person with a huge heart: that’s, without doubt, his biggest trademark in everything that he’s done. Let the hits continue, Captain!
Jorge Avendaño is an excellent person. A very sensible person with an art like artists should have. We’re linked by a career of songs that I’ve singed in my records, as well the a historical testimony of a small concert in Monterrey —the most intimate in all my life— where he was the main producer. He understood my music and my career and together we achieved millions of views. I’m so grateful for having met him my life’s path.
Jorge Avendaño is a great among greats. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was still coming up in Mexico City. The first time I met him served as a sort of masterclass to give me the tools for tacklingthe singer/songwriter world at every level. After recording several records, Universal Music showed me to his studio and there in an afternoon I sung with Coque Muñiz for a Boleros album and I also sung a song by Jorge. I’m at a loss for words to thank you for having met you and working with you. Many blessings!
I met a great producer and composer that turned out to become a great friend that we hold highly in my family. We love you so much and we wish you the best. Many success, health and happiness. Keep writing those great songs, I hope we can do another one soon.
It’s always a pleasure to work with Jorge Avendaño. I’ve seen how he grew and evolved and the way in which he developed himself as a musician. Composer and producer. He has many angles and he does every one of them right. He’s someone who I admire a lot and who deeply understands the art of music: making songs, albums, audio visual, etc… he’s someone who I respect deeply.
Without a doubt, the best years of my personal and professional life I’ve with one of the greatest musicians in Mexico of recent years. Composer, arranger and producer, but most importantly a great friend. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than working with someone of his stature, both personally and professionally. I’m deeply and eternally thankful.
I’ve followed Jorge’s career with great admiration and I’ve watched him work on fantastic projects across all fields. I believe he’s an unparalleled producer, besides being a hugely successful composer and songwriter. He’s directed very famous singers, he’s a magnificent vocal coach, arranger and orchestra director. I have to say that, to me. Jorge is one of the most important producers in the world, working with artists such as Sarah Brightman, Plácido Domingo, Mijares, Carlos Cuevas, Coque Muñiz, Edith Márquez, Christian Castro and many, many others who owe him a great lot, and that’s why I’ve always been proud of him.
SAN MIGUEL records
In the heart of Mexico is San Miguel de Allende
A truly beautiful city characterized among other things, by it’s architecture, art and festivals. A cultural center enriched by the influence of artists. Painters, writers, sculptors and, of course, musicians from all over the world, who have made San Miguel de Allende their permanent home. This, coupled with the work of local artisans gives room to an exceptional place that tumbles down all kinds of borders, especially within the world of creativity.
Likewise, San Miguel Records is a label that will not only be a home to local artists, but to any creative force in the musical industry, no matter where they’re from, can find a place through which give exposure to their content and, together, help us enrich the world of music.