Luis “Totoyo” Millares

Luis 'Totoyo' Millares, linked to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was decisive in the modern consolidation of the timple. Often regarded as a father of the modern instrument, he helped turn a popular domestic instrument into a subject of study, teaching and public performance.

In 1954 he founded a timple school that trained thousands of students. His teaching transmitted technique, repertoire and commitment to the instrument across generations.

His legacy helps explain the later rise of the timple as a central symbol of Canarian musical identity.