Adriaan Moya|TuCuatro February 2016
In recent years we have witnessed more artists adopting the cuatro as a primary instrument in their musical interpretations. As these artists emerge, it becomes more apparent exactly where this instrument is played. We have witnessed many Venezuelan and Colombian artists share their stories be it with a band, going solo or even at the Berkley College of Music with individuals as Carlos Capacho. The cuatro instrument has now found a new home in the composition world thanks to the focus placed by Aruban native Jaderick Croes who is studying music at the Fontys Conservatorium in Tilburg, the Netherlands. We have taken the opportunity to interview this fascinating musician and unravel his professional intentions with the cuatro.
“I composed the song Princess of Ploiesti and dedicated it to two persons in Romania who treated me with great hospitality; this was my way of demonstrating my gratification.” Jaderick Croes
Name: Jaderick Croes
Location: Tilburg ,The Netherlands
How long have you been playing?
Since I was 6 years old I have been playing cuatro, as in Venezuela it is quite common for music students to start off with this instrument. The cuatro is commonly used in primary school music classes.
What inspired you to play the cuatro?
My mother and my aunt, in our home we always had a cuatro and they knew how to play, so it was they who inspired me to start playing.
What is your favorite song?
There are many, but specifically for the cuatro it would have to be El Diablo Suelto, which is Venezuelan. Also Anette, which is a typical song from Aruba adapted for the cuatro.
Who is your favorite cuatro artist?
Sometimes they are not folkloric groups, but those who can bring the instrument to another level who have inspired me. Such as doodle Sophia, Mark Maduro, Franklin Falconi who are Aruban cuatristas. Those who are more international who were an inspiration are Cheo Hurtado, Adrián Toro and of course my favorite cuatrista group C4 Trio.
What is the story of your first cuatro?
This was a cuatro given as a gift from my mother. It is difficult to describe the design, but the fret board was linear with multiple colors. It was a cuatro with which I was always playing traditional songs with and accompanying groups whilst playing.
What is your specialty as a cuatro player?
Soloist Antillean songs, interpretations and notations for the cuatro are difficult to come across. If we are able to implement such annotations then as a cuatrista we will be able to connect and communicate much better with the musical world. Also, contemporary music such as pieces from Steve Reich, Phillip Glass and Eric Satie.
Do you have any inspirational words for cuatro students?
The cuatro is very symbolic and is to break though barriers. Many people say that the instrument is limited and this is far from the truth, so there are many barriers in need of breaking. Dedicate your time to perfect your art, find your own sound in terms of the musical instrument that you play.
Jaderick is working on a project to develop a method book and online course for the cuatro in reading music with exercises to help memorize the note positions and learn how to read music.
Currently the method has 2 advantages
- Developing sight reading for the cuatro with the introduction of music notations
- An introduction to classical music on the cuatro, which will open a new world for the cuatro in the sense of it contribution to the music of the ages of Bach, Beethoven etc. In the further methods, pieces of these composers will be used to supplement the cuatro student. This in turn will open a new world of sound while playing these pieces, a new vibe.
Jaderick Croes has a fascinating outlook on both music and the cuatro as an instrument. As an advocate for preserving and sharing Venezuelan culture, he recognizes that properly documenting sheet music is essential. The future of the cuatro lies in initiatives like TuCuatro’s online education system, which makes high-quality courses and sheet music available to students around the world. With only a handful of musicians producing formal cuatro notation, pioneers like Jaderick are helping ensure this tradition endures.
During the 2023 edition of the Siembra del Cuatro – the largest cuatro-related event – masters such as Cheo Hurtado spoke about the need to document musical pieces. Many players learned by ear; TuCuatro bridges this gap by offering structured lessons, instructional videos and virtual support designed by professional musicians. By hosting competitions and encouraging composers to submit their pieces, the platform motivates musicians to share their work, making it easier for students to learn with clear, accessible notation.
Other performers are also joining the movement. Martín Trío’s cuatrista, Rafael Martínez, recently released his own sheet music, showing that more artists are documenting their compositions. TuCuatro’s education system provides an online portal where these resources can be published and discovered. Students can explore hundreds of songs, comprehensive courses and live tutoring sessions for the cuatro and related instruments. Such initiatives support a growing community of cuatro players and educators.
It is impressive to add the name of Jaderick Croes alongside renowned cuatro icons because he represents the next generation of educators. His goal is to mobilize a modern movement where students learn through appropriate documentation and clear methodology rather than clandestine tricks. Through TuCuatro’s hybrid teaching model – combining traditional mentorship, online courses and interactive tools – musicians like Jaderick can inspire and train future players. By breaking down barriers and providing free access to courses and sheet music, TuCuatro ensures that the cuatro joins its guitar-family relatives in the world of professionally documented music.
