Chilean Folk with Claudia
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Tradition and Artist Overview
Folk music is an important part of Chile’s culture and history. Chilean folk music is a blend of Indigenous Andean musical traditions and Spanish colonial influences, creating a unique cultural expression and includes traditional songs, dances, and instruments that have been passed down through generations. It is often influenced by the country’s diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the coast. Chilean folk music tells stories of everyday life, nature, and the struggles of the people, helping to keep the country’s traditions alive.
Claudia was born in Santiago, Chile, and according to her family, she started singing before she could even speak! Growing up, she was surrounded by traditional Chilean music, singing in a choir and a folk music group. Each summer, her parents took the family on camping trips deep into nature, where Claudia discovered music in the world around her: The wind, the ocean, and the birds, all carried melodies that shaped her deep connection to sound. In her 20s, Claudia moved to the US to study jazz, blending her Chilean folk roots with the improvisational spirit of jazz to create a unique and expressive sound. She has performed around the world, collaborating with many renowned musicians, and her music often tells stories of life, love, and her Chilean heritage. In addition to her work as a performer, Claudia is passionate about sharing Chilean music and culture, inspiring others, and showing how music can connect people across borders.
Lessons
Students will learn to sing the chorus of “Gracias a la Vida,” explore call-and-response, and discover the cueca rhythm.
Students will explore the rhythms and instruments in “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz,” and learn about the song’s message of peace and its importance in Chilean culture.
Resources for Teachers
The following resources provide background information about the musical tradition and culture. Some are intended to be shared with students; others are for teachers who may want to explore further on their own.
Listening
- Visit claudiaacunamusic.com to hear more of Claudia’s music.
- Songs of Violeta Parra
- “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz” sung by V.ctor Jara
- Chilean Traditional Folk Music
Videos
- Visit claudiaacunamusic.com/video for more videos of Claudia.
- Violeta Parra, “Gracias a la vida”
- “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz” (2019 video with modern Chilean artists)
Reading
- My Name is Gabriela / Me Ilamo Gabriela by Monica Brown
- Nine Kilometers by Claudio Aguilera
- On the Edge of the World by Anna Desnitskaya
Additional Resources
Image Credits
Claudia by Hollis King; Background view of the watchtower of the Universidad de Concepcion, Chile by Christian Creixell / Alamy Stock Photo; Traditional homemade humitas of corn by Zoonar GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo; Claudia performance photo by Tracy Yarde.