Description
Learn Afro-Brazilian and Candomblé rhythms from a professor with more than 20 years experience teaching students of all levels. Bira is a candomblé alabé and working musician well-versed in all styles of Brazilian music, but especially Candomblé, samba, samba-reggae and other styles from the northeast of Brazil.
What to expect in your percussion class
- A class tailored to exactly what YOU want to learn
- An experienced percussion professor with a clear teaching style
- You will learn the correct playing technique(s) for your instrument(s)
- A professor with an in-depth knowledge of Afro-Brazilian and Candomblé rhythms
- Answers to your questions about the history of the instrument(s) you are learning
- Answers to your questions about the history of the rhythm(s) you are learning
- To have FUN!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What instruments does Bira teach online? Pandeiro, atabaque, agogo, conga, tamborim, gaza, xequere
- What rhythms does Bira teach online? Bira’s specialty is the rhythms of Candomblé (Ketu, Angola, Jeje, and Ijexa) as well as the traditional samba, samba-reggae rhythms of Salvador and Bahia.
- What are Bira’s class hours? All classes are one-hour long, and are scheduled at a mutually-convenient time. Once you complete your package purchase Bira will reach out to schedule.
- How are the classes delivered? All classes are taught via Zoom and we record all sessions so you can continue to study after your percussion class.
- How good is your internet in Salvador? The apartment has hard-wired, fiber internet. There is no problem with video calls.
- Isn’t percussion really loud? How can I play it at home? Blankets, sheets, and rugs can be placed over the tops of drums to dampen the sound. Practice pads can also be a great in-home alternative.
- Will there be a language barrier? Bira’s primary language is Brazilian Portuguese, but he has spent the past 20 years teaching visitors to Salvador. So he does speak enough English and Spanish to teach effectively. (And he’s actively taking English classes and improving every day.)
- What if I don’t want to play, but just want to do ask questions? Ask away! Bira has done consulting for years for musicians and film crews that come to Salvador asking about the music of the region and/or candomble.
- Can I sign up my child / niece / nephew for classes? Bira LOVES kids, but for this online environment he has a strong preference for 12 years old and up.
- Does Bira teach group classes online? Right now, no. If you have a group that is interested in an online class or workshop, let us know.