The Laouto in Epirus has always played one of the most important roles in the Epirotic orchestra.

In this seminar, we will attempt to explore and analyze both rhythmically and “soloistically” the instrument’s capabilities. As Greek traditional music is closely connected to dance, we will also discuss the interaction between the musician and the dancer—specifically, the musician playing the laouto (responsible for the rhythm)—to highlight the essential coexistence of both for the best possible outcome of the process: the celebration (to glenti).

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Topics / Keywords for the Seminar
– Exploring the rhythms of Epirus
– Analysis of the scales used in the repertoire
– Basic chordal tools
– Moiroloi – Driminitsa
– Basic solo techniques for the laouto
– Modern approaches and the instrument’s current role

Seminar Objectives
– Accompaniment for all rhythms of Epirus
– Bridges and basic chord progressions
– Use of scales/folk modes (laïkoi dromoi)
– Right-hand training and development of rhythmic techniques
– Taksimi – Improvisation

Requirements
– Sheet music reading → Intermediate level
– Music theory knowledge → Intermediate level
– Instrument proficiency → Intermediate level

Nikos Sidiropoulos is a musician and educator specializing in the laouto, with deep knowledge of Greek traditional music.
A graduate of the Department of Folk and Traditional Music (formerly Technological Educational Institute of Epirus, now University of Ioannina), he studied under renowned teachers such as Christos Zotos and Dimitris Mystakidis, acquiring a comprehensive approach to the technique, repertoire, and interpretation of the laouto.

His musical journey began at the Music School of Katerini, where he laid the foundations for his traditional music education. He now lives in Katerini, where he works as both a musician and educator. He has served for six months as head of the Archive of Greek Music at the TEI of Epirus and continues to teach laouto at various music institutions and general music schools, including:
– The School of Byzantine and Traditional Music “Osios Dionysios of Olympus”
– The Workshop of Traditional and Folk Music “Melodia”
– The Music School of Thessaloniki (2024–present)

His musical approach emphasizes:
– Rhythmology, as the foundation of folk music.
– Folk modes (dromoi), which shape melodic progression.
– Expression, as an inseparable element of interpretation.

Although the steriano laouto (mainland laouto) was once confined to certain musical traditions, today it has been incorporated into a broader spectrum of Greek music. Through study and teaching of the instrument’s techniques and history, Nikos Sidiropoulos strives to unlock its untapped potential, bridging the past with the present.

As a musician-researcher, he actively contributes to the preservation and evolution of our oral folk music tradition.