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World-class faculty in spectacular locations
SMJ-Rio de Janeiro 2027
Brazilian Immersion
January 30 - February 5, 2027
Carnaval Trip Extension
Feburary 5-8, 2027
Additional Extension Options available
Overview
If you're an instrumentalist or vocalist ...
Directed by virtuoso bassist / Grammy Winner NILSON MATTA, our program is open to all levels -- from hobbyiists with experience in playing in an ensemble, to educators and working musicians. Our faculty is comprised of some of Rio's finest musicians. This immersive program combines daily instruction, and cultural adventures, all surrounded by Rio's breathtaking scenery and vibrant energy.
We'll be zeroing in on a myriad of Brazilian rhythms, melodic interpretation, phrasing and articulation, harmonic nuances, inprovisation -- as well as the evolution of Brazilian music.
If you're a music lover seeking to experience Brazil
SMJ's Brazilian Immersion is your invitation to experience the heart of Brazil, its rhythms, flavors and unforgettable spirit. Travel with a small welcoming group led by SMJ's Artistic/Music Director Nilson Matta, and his wife Luisa Matta -- both are dual citizens of Brazil and the U.S. and know Rio like the back of their hand.
From early morning until ntil 2pm, you'll enjoy daily sight-seeing excursions and shared lumches with the whole group. In the afternoons, , you'll continue exploring Rio, while our music participants study at Villa Musicale. And at night, the whole group will come together to feel Rio's pulse through its music, dance and people!
Keep in mind -- if you're feeling inspired, you're welcome to join our joyful, all-level 1-hour percussion sessions at Villa Musical - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!
CARNAVAL TRIP EXTENSION
Get ready to feel the rhythm of Brazil! Join our travel group for an unforgettable adventure to experience the world-famous Carnaval — a dazzling celebration of music, color, and culture. We’ll dance in the streets of Rio de Janeiro alongside samba schools, watch the spectacular parades from prime seats, and soak up the vibrant local energy that takes over the city.
Between festivities, we’ll explore breathtaking beaches, savor authentic Brazilian cuisine, and connect with locals who embody the true alegria (joy) of life. Whether you’re here for the beats, the beauty, or the pure excitement, this trip promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Bloco (block party) w/ Banda de Ipanema
Sombodromo
Instrumental & Vocal Programs
SMJ-RIO 5-day instructional program integrates:
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Brazilian Styles (Samba, Partido Alto, Bossa Nova, Baião, music of Northeast Brazil, Choro)
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Brazilian Phrasing & Articulation
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Brazilian Rhythmic Explorations through percussion
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Instrumental Ensembles & Combos
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Vocal Coaching - repertoire, song interpretation, phrasing, Portuguese pronunciation for participants singing in Portuguese
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Harmony & Improvisation
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Rhythm Section Lab
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Batucada (Carnaval percussion)
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Jam with faculty
It's all about the rhythm!
Whether a vocalist or instrumentalist, you'll be learning / playing authentic Brazilian rhythms alongside masters as you explore a wide range of repertoire. As you can see from the video clips below, our faculty plays alongside our students. And It is not uncommon for more than one teacher to be working with an ensemble or vocal class -- they work as a team to maximize learning!
To view the videos, click on the music notes (bottom right) and then in the middle of the clip.
Liz Rosa & Alfredo Cardim with vocalists
SMJ Music/Artistic Director (bass) & Andre Tandeta (drums) working with an ensemble
1:1 coaching is key
All levels
End of Week Performance
Liz Rosa (teacher) with vocal students & student ensemble
RIO FACULTY 2027
ARTISTIC/MUSIC DIRECTOR
NILSON MATTA
A virtuoso bassist, multi-Grammy nominee & Grammy winner (w/Joe Henderson, Yo Yo Ma, Nancy Wilson) Matta has been a driving force in the evolution of Brazilian Jazz in the U.S. since 1985. He has played alongside renowned Brazilian & U.S. luminaries such as João Bosco, Hermeto Pascoal, Chico Buarque, João Gilberto, Luis Bonfa, Don Pullen, Kenny Barron, Herby Mann, more. Co-founder of Trio da Paz, Matta is recognized for his work as bandleader (Brazilian Voyage), composer, arranger, producer.
Lula Galvao has been described as “Brazil’s most authentic, varied and inspired guitarist, with an unmatched musical style and range. His iinter- pretations of classic and Brazilian music are elegant and creative, in a sophisticated way they are simple but still unique." Lula, who has collabor- ated with Rosa Passos throughout his career, has shared stages across the world from Hollywood Bowl to JFK Center for the Performing Arts, with luminaries from Ivan Lins, Paquito D’Rivera, Chico Buarque, Jacques Morelenbaum, to Kenny Rankin.
LULA GALVAO
MORE TBA ... !!!
Rio & Carnaval Trip Extension
Itineraries
IMPORTANT .... VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR U.S. CITIZENS!
WORKSHOP WEEK ITINERARY =
January 30 - February 5, 2027
Our group wil include instrumentalists, vocalists as well as music enthusiasts who seek to be immersed in Brazilian music and cultre. Mornings will be devoted to touring and sightseeing. After our group lunches, instrumentalists and vocalists will attend a 5-hour daily workshop in Santa Tereesa @ Villa Musical (2:00pm - 7:00pm)
Non-musician participants will have additional sightseeing options during the afternoon.
We've planned the itinerary below in collaboration with licensed, English-speaking tour guide Luiz Henrique Schulze (below). who's worked with SMJ for over a decade.
LUIZ HENRIQUE SCHULZE started his new career in tourism after an early retirement from management positions at IBM in Brazil, USA and France. In addition to his passion for history, the arts, and of course Brazil, he brings a unique multi-cultural perspective. Luiz graduated high school in Virginia Beach where he was an exchange student.
SATURDAY (January 30)
You'll be met inside the airport by car service. After settling into your hotel, you'll have the option to join the group at JOURNEY THROUGH BRAZIL - ROXY Dinner & Performance. Akin to a Broadway show, it's a combination of Brazilian history and culture with amazing performances by Brazilian dancers and vocalists.
SUNDAY - WEDNESDAY (January 31 - February 3)
Morning sightseeing inlcludes Rio highlights for first-time participants, with alternative outings for returning participants who have explored the city with us before.
Returning participants are also offered the option of participating in customized morning music sessions that complement our afternoon workshops. Spots for the latter are limited, if interested, please inquire asap.
Morning Sightseeing for First-Time Participasnts
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Destinations will include: Departure time is typically 900 am
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Guided visit to Sugarloaf
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Guided visit to Corcovado
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The Carnaval Experience
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Rio downtown guided tour, including little Africa
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Morning Sightseeing for Returning Participants
Sightseeing options for returning participants will be customized to reflect
their interests. Options include guided museum visits, hiking at Two Brothers,a visit to the Botanic Garden -- and much more! A menu of options will be published on Otober 4th.
THURSDAY (Februrary 4)
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Morning - free time to shopm, relax at pool or beach
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Lunch - on your own
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3:30 - 6:30pm - Rehearsal @ public performance venue
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6:30 - 7:30 pm- Dinner
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7:30 - 10:30pm - Faculty & Student Performances @ music ventue TBA
Lunches - we'll be stopping for lunch as a group
Afternoons
Vocalists/Instrumentalists @ Villa Musical: 2pm - 7pm
Non-musicians - individual and small group touring/events with Luiz or Free Time
Optional Group Dinners
In addition to our Welcome Dinner on Saturday evening, we're planning several optional group dinners at fantastic restaurants specializing in Brazilian
cuisine (i.e., Brazilian BBQ, fish, etc.)
Nightime in Rio!
SMJ books night-time transport to visit music venues. Selction of venues and specific evenings will be finalized closer to time of our trip. Possibilities include Blue Note Rio, Casa do Choro, Rio Scenarium., more.
Percussion Session
@ Carnval Experience
Dinner @ Apravizel
overlooking Rio!
Corcovado
Carnaval Weekend Trip Extension
February 5-8, 2027
Note: Itinerary below is 2026 Itineray.
2027 Itinerary will be published Octoberer 4th.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Our Carnaval experience begins with an unhurried morning designed for relaxation and personal exploration. Enjoy time at the beach or hotel pool, browse the shops at nearby Rio Sul (just moments from the hotel) and grab a bite before we embark to Marinha da Gloria to take a private cruise across Guanabara Bay—far removed from the crowds.
Accompanied by expert local guide Luiz, you’ll gain insights into historic landmarks, architecture, and cultural life that line the bay. Weather permitting, guests can opt for a refreshing swim in the bay.
We return to the hotel in time to rest and refresh before heading out for dinner at a restaurant to be announced.Bottom of Form
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Late morning, we depart the Windsor Leme Hotel by private transport for a carefully timed visit to the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro.
Many visitors to Jardim Botânico say this experience was one of the most unexpected highlights of their time in Rio. As you walk beneath the famous rows of towering palm trees framed by Rio’s dramatic mountains, you’ll see exotic orchids, lush tropical foliage, giant lilies on still ponds. But this is more than your typical city “garden” – it’s alive. You’ll hear birdsong everywhere, see colorful tropical birds as they flit overhead— from small songbirds to striking larger species that feel straight out of a nature documentary. And likely, you’ll spot small monkeys moving through the treetops. They’re wild, free, and at home — a reminder that this garden is part of Rio’s natural landscape, not a fenced-off zoo.
From there, we continue to a relaxed, hefty late lunch at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, returning to the hotel by 5:00 PM to allow ample time to rest, prepare for Sombódromo.
At 8:00 PM, private transport escorts us to the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, where we’ve reserved the only numbered frisa (open-box) seats in the stadium.
Refreshments (i.e., sandwiches, Brazilian bites) and drinks are available for purchase inside the Sambódromo to keep you comfortable as the night unfolds.
Private, pre-booked shuttle transportation will be available at the end of each samba school’s performance, allowing you to return to the hotel whenever you wish.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7
After check-out (and storing luggage with the Hotel), we’ll head to Ipanema to explore the famous Feira Hippie de Ipanema, one of Rio’s most beloved open-air markets and a gathering place for local artists, musicians, and craftspeople.
Strolling through the market, guests will discover hand-painted artwork, photography, textiles, jewelry, leather goods, and colorful clothing, many created by the artists themselves. It’s a relaxed, festive atmosphere — part art fair, part neighborhood gathering — with musicians playing nearby and locals mingling with visitors under the palm trees.
As you explore, you’ll also encounter classic Brazilian street foods prepared fresh on the spot. Vendors offer irresistible snacks such as pastel (crispy, fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, or hearts of palm), acarajé (a Bahian specialty made from black-eyed peas and fried in palm oil), grilled queijo coalho cheese, fresh coconut water, and cold caipirinhas or fruit juices — perfect fuel for a leisurely Sunday morning in Rio.
After the market, those who wish can continue on to a nearby Carnaval bloco in Ipanema, joining locals in a joyful street celebration filled with live percussion, singing, dancing, and spontaneous Carnaval energy.
Lodging
There a endless lodging options in Rio. We' identified two hotels, at different price points. Should you wish to stay in an AirBnB, let Samba Meets Jazz know, and we can share recommended neighborhoods, and even take a look at options you've identified. We strongly suggest arranging for lodging in the neighborhood of LEME.
We’ve been tracking availability of rooms in the hotels below, and rooms are going fast. We highly recommend that you reserve asap. When looking into hotels, keep in mind that rates for single occupancy are slightly less than double occupancy.
LEME WINDSOR HOTEL -4-Star Hotel (click for info)
Located on the northern side of Copacabana beach, Leme Beach is much quieter than Copacabana since this is mainly a residential area. Additionally, the hotel is steps away from a wide variety of restaurants, a supermarket, and more.
ATLANTIS COPACABANA -3-Star Hotel (click for info)
SMJ has booked at Atlantis Copacabana in the past. It is located approximately 3 blocks
from Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach. The hotel has an ocean-view terrace and
a small rooftop pool.
PRICING & POLICIES 2027
P PLEASE NOTE: PRICES ON THIS PAGE HAVE NOT YET BEEN UPDATED FOR 2027 --
2027 PRICES WILL BE PUBLISHED OCTOBER 4th k
RIO IMMERSION WEEK (JAN. 30 - FEB. 5)
VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAMS include:
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transport from airport to your hotel or Air BnB
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25 hours of instruction
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transport to & from Vila Musical music studio via private, licensed/insured, air-conditioned mini-bus
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Admission to Faculty Concert & Student Performances at Beco das Garrafas
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Admission to cultural sites / events with licensed, English-speaking tour guide via private, licensed/insured air-conditioned mini-bus
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Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer)
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Sugarloaf (includes cablecar)
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The Carnival Experience (experience Carnaval 'behind-the-scenes,' including Samba School rehearsal, percussion and dance sessions, costume try-ons!
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Sambódromo (Rehearsal of the Samba Schools)
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Hop-on-hop-off tours of Downtown Rio including Little Africa with licensed, English-speaking tour guide in private, licensed mini-bus
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5 daytime transports to & from cultural sites/events
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4 evening/night transports to & from events/music night spots
MUSIC LOVER/BRAZLIAN CULTURAL IMMERSION PROGRAM includes:
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Optional participation in Group Percussion Sessions (NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED)
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Admission to Faculty Concert & Student Performances at Beco das Garrafas
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Admission to cultural sites / events with licensed, English-speaking tour guide to cultural sites/events:
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Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer)
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Sugarloaf (includes cable car)
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The Carnival Experience (experience Carnaval 'behind-the-scenes,' including Samba School rehearsal, percussion and dance sessions, costume try-ons!
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Sambódromo (Rehearsal of the Samba Schools)
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Guided tour of Santa Teresa neighborhood
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Optional Cooking Class
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Museums (to be selected by participants)
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Hop-on-hop-off tours of Downtown Rio / Little Africa with licensed, English-speaking tour guide in private, licensed mini-bus
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5 daytime transports to & from cultural sites/events
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4 evening/night transports to & from events/music night spots
NOT INCLUDED:
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Airfare
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Lodging/Meals
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Trip Insurance
PRICES BELOW ARE FROM 2026 ..
2027 prices TBA October 4th
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Instrumentalist/Vocalist Package $2565
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Guests of instrumental or vocal participant. $1095
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Cultural / Music Lover (non-musician) Package: $1395
DISCOUNTS are available for Educators and Working Musicians
SPECIAL RATES are available for international participants
PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS, based on financial need and merit and availability.
'CARNAVAL WEEKEND PACKAGE includes:
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Sambdrome box (frisa) numbered tickets
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Transfer to and from Sambadromo
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3-5 hour private chartered boat ride around Guranana Bay
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Guided visits to Hippie Ferra
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Guided visits to Carnaval street parties (blocos)
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Curated dining and visits to music venues
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Private van service
2026 PRICE: $1545 2027 PRICE TBA OCTOBER 4th
CARNAVAL WEEKEND (FEBRUARY 5-8)
Cancellation & Covid Policies
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the small size of the program (approximately 10-16 participants), refunds will not be possible should you need to cancel. We therefore highly recommend that attendees purchase trip insurance in the event of an emergency.
COVID POLICIES
By completion of registration form, registrants agree to follow Samba Meets Jazz Workshops Covid protocols, and those of our instructional venue Vila Musical. At this point in time masking and testing are not required. Vaccinations are also not required.