Faculty & Classes

Guitar and Choro Ensemble

My choro harmony class will offer professional and amateur musicians a detailed harmonic study of Brazilian choro. We will analyze some of the more common harmonies used in choro and develop an understanding of their use in composition.

I’ll also lead a class on baixarias for 6 and 7-string guitar.

Beginning Pagode

In Beginning Pagode class, we will immerse ourselves in the fundamentals and “vibe” of pagode/samba. The basics of voice, drums, cavaco/cavaquinho will be our main focus; however class will be open to all skill levels and most instruments.

Beginning Choro

Choro is a vibrant and intricate style of traditional Brazilian music, often referred to as the "jazz of Brazil." In this class, we’ll explore the rich rhythms and melodies of Choro from a uniquely American perspective, making it accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. We’ll break down the style into manageable parts, focusing on easy Choro standards and its main subgenres. You’ll have the chance to dive into the basics of Brazilian tango, polka, waltz, schottisch, maxixe, samba-choro, and more. Through hands-on learning, we’ll guide you through standard tunes and help you develop a solid foundation in this captivating musical tradition. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just new to Choro, this class will give you the tools and confidence to start playing and appreciating this lively and soulful genre.

Beginning Bateria, Pandeiro

Beginning Bateria: This class will lay down the foundation parts for all of the samba-school instruments and the amazing history of samba from Rio de Janeiro.   

This class will learn an arrangement for the class performance, highlighting the call-and-response of the instruments and focus on each instrument: caixa, tamborim, 1, 2 and 3 surdo parts, agogo, chocalho, tele-co-teco vs. careterio and even a three part tamborim polyrhythm pattern that was used in early samba recordings.  

Pandeiro:  A large part of this class focuses on the technique of the instrument and understanding rhythms from the music that influenced the evolution of the instrument.  For example, understanding the evolution, history and connection between maxixe, choro and samba, and even choro-samba will be one focus.  We will also spend time on understanding the nuances of Northeastern rhythms like: Côco, Baião, Forró, Xaxado and Maracatu as well.  Lastly, this class will dissect playing in odd meters, beginning improvisation and accompanying as well.   

Advanced Guitar

In the advanced guitar class, we will explore the universe of Brazilian music, including its influences, styles and trends, focusing particularly on (1) the guitar and its importance and role in this universe.

(2) the guitar vocabulary used in song and instrumental music today in Brazil, applying it to composition, comping and improvisation. read more>

chicopinheiro.com

Beginning Samba Dance

Whether you're a novice or have some dance experience, this class is designed to help you cultivate a solid foundation in samba. You'll delve into the musicality of the movements, engage in drills, and master the art of creating fluid combinations, all while fostering freedom of expression in your dance. We'll explore various styles of samba, enriching your understanding and appreciation of this vibrant dance form

Yoga

There's nothing more delicious than a yoga practice early morning and out in nature. In yoga, we experience the power of our breath, the strength of our body and the peacefulness of our mind. Through a series of asanas (yoga postures) that are friendly to all levels, plus conscious breathing and deep relaxation, you will awaken to the most beautiful self you have ever experienced.

Advanced Bateria

Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Guilherme and his brother Gustavo will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero. They’ll also lead advanced instrument sectionals.

Songs of Guinga

Explore the music of one of Brazil's greats, Guinga, as he joins us for a unique experience. For guitarists, singers, and all instruments.

Advanced Bateria

Mestre de Bateria do Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Gustavo and his brother Guilherme will bring the latest from Rio bateria styles to Cazadero. They’ll also lead advanced instrument sectionals.

Beginning Guitar

Beginning guitar will focus on basic chords and rhythms found in Brazilian popular music.

The different concepts will be applied in learning songs from the great Brazilian song book.

Candomble percussion and song

Jorge will be teaching two classes - First, an advanced drumming for the orixás (afro/brazilian religious drumming) and then, a class on the songs that go with the drumming for the orixas. This class is open to all students. jorgealabe.com

Percussion

I will be instructing the many rhythms of Bahia Brazil, including samba reggae, samba de roda and Ilê Aiyê styles. The class will use surdos, timbals, repiniques, and other percussion instruments.

I will also be working with Roberto Mendes in his class.

Samba Dance

Mayombe Masai is recognized for his commitment to preserving and transmitting the traditions of samba, while also promoting a contemporary reinterpretation that engages with new generations. He invites each student to discover their own essence through dance, honoring their roots and celebrating their identity.

Portuguese

I have been a Portuguese teacher for over thirty years. I understand that a language class has to be fun and relate to one's reality. This class integrates some grammar, language structure, and culture. It is about understanding the Brazilian life style, slang, and the language of the everyday life. We study a vocabulary that relates to what we do, and our lives and interests. A special attention is paid to pronunciation and consequently to the use of different muscles in the mouth.

We have students of different levels in the same class and everyone can benefit from it. Whenever possible, we work on songs and lyrics and whatever are the students' interests.

Vocal

We`re going to explore the Brazilian Popular Music itself. Exchange experiences, check out recordings, timbres, voices combinations. For those who want to, voice warm ups and vocal techniques, breathing, especially for beginners. Repertoire for the pros, vocal adequacy for the Brazilian music, phrasing, assembly of little ensembles and performances with duos, trios and solos. And the most important thing , having fun with our voices, demystifying and humanizing the singer, making ourselves believe that it's possible.

Dance - Afro

Afro-Brazilian dance - Class based on the dances of African roots, adapted with a Brazilian style.

Chula Guitar - A Musical Journey Through Bahia’s Recôncavo

Guitarist and composer Roberto Mendes, a living legend of samba chula and a cornerstone of Bahian music, invites you to a unique experience where rhythm, history, and technique converge. In this immersive workshop, the artist—whose innovative style reinvented Brazilian guitar by fusing the percussive techniques of the viola machete (a traditional chula instrument)—will unveil the secrets of his signature "drum-guitar" approach, a mesmerizing blend of harmony and syncopation that defines his sound. Beyond technique, Mendes shares the rich cultural narratives, oral traditions, and Afro-Brazilian roots that shape this vibrant art form. Participants will explore the distinctive grooves of samba chula, from the intricate thumb-and-index finger patterns to the poetic interplay between melody and rhythm. With a career spanning collaborations with icons like Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Maria Bethânia, Mendes offers more than a masterclass—this is a deep dive into the soul of Santo Amaro, the birthplace of samba de roda and one of Brazil’s most vital musical landscapes.

Orixás dance movement and Silvestre Technique

SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE, native to Salvador, Bahia, is a continuously evolving contemporary dance technique with the objective of conditioning the dancer through physical and expressive training regardless of level or prior training. Classes are accompanied by live music to further awaken expression and inspiration. All levels are welcomed and encouraged.

ORIXÅ DANCE MOVEMENT examines and interprets symbols, gestures and movements derived from Yoruba deities. We will be learning traditional dances/ movements as we identify their specific energies/traits in relation to the 4 elements :Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. silvestretraining.com

Brazilian Jazz Ensemble

In this class we will work on the fundamentals of improvisation; how to spell out the harmony in your lines, how to connect targets, how to rhythmically develop your phrases clearly, how to play within the language of Brazilian styles (choro, samba, forró, etc …) both harmonically and rhythmically.