Rosalía and Her Formative Years at Taller de Músics

 
By Lluís Cabrera
Photo: © Maud-Sophie Andrieux

Rosalía and Taller de Músics have been closely connected since the early days of the artist’s career in Barcelona. During her years of training at Taller de Músics Music School, in Barcelona’s Raval neighbourhood, Rosalía would rush in and out of classrooms like a whirlwind. Since 1979, our Raval school has undergone a distinctive and complex expansion, occupying several premises within the triangle formed by Requesens, Príncep de Viana and Cendra streets. This expansion turned the street itself into the school’s playground. This open environment encouraged learning beyond the classroom: Rosalía also absorbed knowledge through her interactions with artists, teachers and fellow students in this unique shared space.

Taller de Músics has always embraced eclecticism and flexibility, two defining features of its educational philosophy since its foundation. This approach encourages group music-making (combos), the blending of genres and the creation of opportunities for students to perform in front of an audience. Rosalía was a perfect fit for this educational model, which prioritises learning to speak before learning to write. From the JazzSí Club to the Teatre Grec, where she performed as a cantaora in a show inspired by Carmen Amaya, as well as her appearance at the Palau de la Música in Flamenkids and her participation in Ciutat Flamenco, Rosalía demonstrated remarkable artistic maturity for her age.

In June 2012, Rosalía took the entrance exams for Taller de Músics’ higher music studies at Taller de Músics ESEM (Escola Superior d’Estudis Musicals), located in Barcelona’s Sant Andreu district. This marked the beginning of a new stage within our educational structure, as she embarked on a Degree programme, an officially recognised qualification equivalent in all respects to a university bachelor’s degree.

At ESEM, she broadened her training through subjects such as music history, flamenco harmony, musical thought, flamenco forms and the fundamentals of composition, studying with teachers including Enric Marín, Alba Guerrero and Xavier Casellas. During this stage, as in her time at the Music School, her flamenco singing teacher was Chiqui de la Línea, who also taught at ESEM.

Her active involvement led her to take not only the regular classes but also seminars, workshops, masterclasses and lectures. Rosalía asked questions relentlessly, sometimes incisively, displaying an innate curiosity that challenged those around her. After all, asking questions is essential to broadening one’s knowledge and developing an individual voice. This is the attitude Taller de Músics encourages in its students: observing, listening and questioning, because there can be no evolution without challenging assumptions.

Rosalía developed her artistic vision with humility, avoiding arrogance and embracing simplicity. It is remarkable how she learned through observation and listening, showing respect for the knowledge of others. This approach to learning not only contributes to students’ development but also enriches the school itself through their curiosity and contributions. As Enrique Morente used to say, “There are no teachers, only disciples”, and Rosalía was an exemplary disciple who continually challenged us with her questions and reflections.

Rosalía’s impact at Taller de Músics was also felt among her generation. Her aura attracted many young people who admired her, yet she was also seeking new horizons and experiences to expand her creative universe. She understood the codes of flamenco and the language of jazz without allowing herself to be confined to a single genre. This versatility reflects the essence of Taller de Músics: musical genres are a means, not an end. Perhaps she could have forged her career on her own, but Taller de Músics offered her an environment rich in ideas and a network of artists that helped her develop.

One day, her teacher Chiqui de la Línea remarked: “This girl is very special. She shapes her voice in such a way that, while drawing so deeply on the old masters, her expression is thoroughly contemporary. Rosalía will give people plenty to talk about.” And he was right.

Rosalía has ángel —a special spark—, nurtured by her musical talent, determination, intuition, curiosity and an immense desire to learn. The knowledge we were able to share with her without limiting her creativity is a source of deep pride for us, because she embodies the values Taller de Músics has championed throughout almost 50 years of history.

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