We’re stoked to announce our next series of online samba workshops, direct from Rio, with the legendary Bateria Swing da Leopoldinha, the drums of GRES Imperatriz Leopoldinense.

The Imperatriz samba school are seasoned veterans of Grupo Especial, Rio’s highest carnaval league.

Over 4 weeks, Mestre Lolo and Directors from the school will be teaching workshops live on Zoom, focusing on Surdo de Terceira, Tamborim, Repique & Caixa.

A fantastic workshop, a good learning experience and a great way to stay in touch with the international samba community. Recommended!

Geoff Reynolds – Sydney

We’re drawing on the success we shared earlier this year with the Rocinha Samba School, when we facilitated 2 series of online workshops.

Nobody is traveling to Brazil to study right now, so we’re bringing Brazil to you. Once again we’re excited to create both employment opportunities for some incredible musicians, but moreover to create opportunities for those of us who live outside of Brazil, to access the wealth of knowledge these legends have developed.

When?

Our previous online classes attracted students from Australia/NZ, as well as across Asia and the USA. Our ability to accommodate students in Europe was limited however, due to time zone limitations.

This time we have decided to create 2 classes for each instrument, each 12 hours apart, in order to make the classes accessible to people all over the world.

Our teachers will host the 2 sessions at 9am and 9pm (Rio Time) on Saturdays starting November 21st. This means it will either be Saturday or Sunday for you, depending on your timezone, and which session you can attend.

Session A will be held at a time preferable to Europe, and Session B will be preferable to AUS/NZ & USA. People in Asia will be able to access either session, depending on whether they would prefer an early or late class.

Timezones can be confusing, so we’ve tried to simplify everything for you. Full details on times can be found on the individual event pages below. Please ensure you select the correct session when booking your ticket.

Classes will be aimed at an intermediate to advanced level, will last 1.5 – 2 hours, and will take place over Zoom.

“Authentic, engaging, detailed, and a beautiful way to strengthen our community, so lucky to have the opportunity to connect with these workshops, thank you mestres!”

Arnold Bonilla – Adelaide

Cost

Classes cost $25AUD per session, or you can purchase a DISCOUNT COMBO ticket for just $60AUD (Tamborim, caixa & Repique). Combo ticket is on sale until 27/11/20.

The class numbers will be capped, so please book early to avoid disappointment. All payments via Paypal on our Tickets Page.

We will also be collecting optional donations for the Ritmo Solidário project, for anyone who would like to contribute. The project was created at the start of the pandemic, to assist percussionists from all of the samba schools across Rio with donations of essential supplies and care packages for those that need it most. 100% of any donations received will be sent to the project. These guys are doing great work, and would appreciate your support.


I got such a buzz from this very unique experience. Inspiring teachers, great learned material. Felt like I was in Rio!

Isabelle Verez – Melbourne

The classes will take place live on Zoom. You do not need a drum at home to participate, you can improvise with what you have. You can use a practice pad, or even make your own. If not, you could use something else you have at home. If you live in AUS/NZ, you’ve surely got a thong/jandle lying around that you can hit 😉 The sound it makes isn’t too important.

If you have any questions then check out our FAQ

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