currently enrolled students
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playing salsa live
Its History
From learning by ear to college, and from college to a master's degree
Rafa started out like many musicians: watching, listening, and imitating. He would watch other pianists' hands at clubs, and when he got home, he would try to reproduce what he had heard.
Over the years, he discovered something fundamental: it wasn't enough to know which notes to play; you had to understand where and how to place them within the measure. And that's what he explains right from the start today.
Then came music school, orchestral arrangements, performances, and tours. But it was while teaching that he finally perfected his method: often the problem wasn’t with the chords or technique, but with feeling and placing each note within the rhythm.
That’s how Piano Salsa came to be: a method based on four pillars—theory, practice, montunos, and repertoire—to help you understand what you’re playing and, above all, put it into practice from day one. Because you don’t learn salsa just by reading sheet music—you learn it by playing, listening, and feeling the rhythm.
«Salsa begins when you stop thinking about the notes and start feeling the rhythm.»
How He Teaches
First the website, then the article
Before adding chords, place your hand at the point in the measure where the salsa breathes. Without that, the rest doesn't sound right.
Four blocks per level
Theory, practice, montunos, and repertoire. Always in the same order, so you'll know what comes next.
Everything with sheet music
Each lesson comes with a transcript that includes fingering: you can follow along by watching or reading, whichever works best for you.
Playing with a band from day one
The tracks feature bass, congas, and a bell. You play the piano and see if you fit in.
Repeat without shame
The loop and the tempo are set to repeat two measures as many times as necessary.
He replies,
Questions sent by email are answered by Rafa, not by a support team.
What His Students Say
I'd been playing by ear for years and was stuck. In three months, I finally understood where the left hand comes in.
Miguel Á., Valencia · Intermediate Level
I'm 61 years old, and I thought this wasn't for me. The lessons are short, and with the sheet music right there, I'm doing just fine.
Carmen R., Bogotá · Elementary Level
Backing tracks are the key. Playing with a band from day one changes the way you listen.
Dani P., Barcelona · Full Pass
I asked a question one Sunday, and Rafa replied with a video he recorded at his piano.
Laura F., Mexico City · Advanced Level