May 17 - 26, 2024

 More than a music workshop,

it is an unique cultural experience!

The Brazilian Music Workshop will be presented in Brasília and Pirenópolis, two singular cities in the central part of the country. Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is a world-class city, energetic and vibrant. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa, it was established in 1960 and it is a futuristic city like no other in the world, an UNESCO Heritage City. Pirenópolis is just the opposite! It is a small and cozy town, surrounded by hundreds of waterfalls, with buildings preserved from it's founding during Brazil's colony period.  Pirenópolis is a Brazilian Historic Heritage City.

The idea of the Brazilian Music Workshop is to provide valuable knowledge about Brazilian music without overwhelming you with theory, chords, and scales.  The focus will be on the musical involvement, where you can experience, learn and play the various rhythmical styles so identified with Brazilian music, such as:  Bossa Nova, Samba, Baião, Partido-Alto, Frevo, Afoxé, Maracatu and more.  You will also be learning the beautiful melodies and interesting harmonies we all so enjoy.  This experience is designed to be according to your musical level. 

We also want to provide you with experiencing all things Brazil - the people, the culture, food and drink, sites, and the spirit that makes this county so vibrant.  Planned are several cultural and touristic activities in addition to your having free time to enjoy the city. 

We will be selecting material that will best demonstrate the styles you will be experiencing, some you might know but many you will be hearing for the first time.  We will be providing you with written music and recorded examples of all the tunes we plan to cover.  That way you can be prepared and have a good idea of just what you will be working on.  

We know that you might bring your spouse, who might not be musically trained.  We thought of them too!

During the morning, activities are directed to all, musicians and non-musicians alike.  Your day will begin with percussion practice, where everyone gets to experience playing in a Samba School-like setting guided all the while by gifted artists/educators.  You don't have to be a musician to appreciate and participate.  You just need to try and 'groove' with the beat.  It will be a lot of fun!

Following there will be music demonstrations, mini-concerts by master Brazilian artists/educators, where these very rhythms and styles are performed.  What better way to learn that to have all explained in real time!   

During the afternoon session, where the focus will be on ensemble playing, there will be special activities - like visiting museums, a special Portuguese class, shopping, and more - for others to experience and enjoy.  

Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Brasília Palace Hotel continues his mid-century modern theme which is Brasília. Set on an expansive lawn with a lake view, Niemeyer incorporated two large, interesting works by Athos Bulcão and surrounds you with furniture of the period, even a heated pool. All make for an open, inviting stay and the inclusive breakfast is fantastic. A great way to start your day.

Casa Grande e Senzala, written by Gilberto Freire, is a classic book from the Brazilian literature and inspired the hotel's name. Casa Grande (big house) revokes a historic place and the hotel's charming decoration confirms the atmosphere.

The building was built in 1920 and its architecture harmonizes the city mood. It has a huge garden, plenty of rustic furniture, a solar heated pool, and it is located in a walking distance to restaurants, museums, and shops. A perfect place to enjoy Pirenópolis. 

Organizing Committee