Maryland State Arts Council Awards Apprenticeship Grant for Preservation of Greek Folk Music
The State of Maryland has once again recognized Spyros Koliavasilis as a Master of Greek Traditional Music, marking the third time he has received this prestigious accolade. The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has awarded him the Apprenticeship Grant, celebrating his invaluable role as a Master Teacher and in preserving and passing along the rich heritage of Greek Traditional Music, which encompasses a variety of melodies and rhythmic patterns played on traditional instruments from different regions and genres of Greece.
Master Koliavasilis, with his extensive knowledge and mastery of Greek Traditional Music, is set to mentor Apprentice Nicholas Mitrione. This grant not only acknowledges Koliavasilis’ exceptional expertise but also empowers him to continue the vital work of transmitting the nuanced and often esoteric knowledge of this music form. The apprenticeship will delve into the historical and cultural significance of the music, alongside the technical skills (e.g., rhythms, patterns, melodic styles, scales, and time signature) required to play authentic Greek Traditional Music.
About Greek Traditional Music
Greek Traditional Music is a vibrant and integral part of the cultural heritage of Greece and its diaspora. It encompasses a wide range of styles and instruments, each reflecting the diverse regions and histories of the Greek people. Much of the music is connected to experiences within Greece, as well as the immigrant experience of Greeks abroad. In Maryland and the DC area, Greek Traditional Music plays a central role in community events, celebrations, and holidays.
About Nicholas Mitrione
Nicholas Mitrione, also a multi-instrumentalist, has been a dedicated student of Greek Traditional Music since approximately age 13, studying under the guidance of Master Koliavasilis at the Mediterranean Notes Music School, the only Greek and Mediterranean music school in the greater Washington DC area and beyond. Now at the apprentice level, Nicholas has blossomed into a talented musician, performing on stages across the country alongside Master Koliavasilis as part of the duo Melos. The Mediterranean Notes Music School offers comprehensive training in Greek music.
About Spyros Koliavasilis
Spyros Koliavasilis is a distinguished musician and expert in Greek Traditional Music. With decades of experience, he has dedicated his life to the study and performance of this genre, using his talent to share the rich musical heritage of Greece with audiences worldwide. His work has been recognized repeatedly for its cultural significance and excellence.
About the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC)
The Maryland State Arts Council is an agency of the State of Maryland that provides grants and support to artists and organizations across the state. MSAC’s mission is to encourage and invest in the arts, which enrich the lives of Marylanders and strengthen the cultural vitality of the state. The Apprenticeship Grant is one of the many ways MSAC supports traditional arts and the artists who sustain them and the Apprenticeship Grant underscore Maryland’s commitment to fostering the arts and preserving diverse cultural traditions.
SOURCE; Maryland State Arts Council
