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World-class faculty in spectacular locations
SMJ-Rio de Janeiro 2025
Febrary 17 - 22, 2025
plus ... Optional 3-Night Trip Extension Destination & Dates TBA
Ever dream of spending a week in Brazil where the mountains meet the sea, where Brazilian rhythms float through the air as you sip a soothing tropical drink? Imagine adding in the opportunity to study with a who’s who of Brazilian music. Welcome to paradise!
Samba Meets Jazz Workshops invites instrumentalists and vocalists (hobbyists, working musicians & educators) to:
STUDY 5 hours daily with a stellar faculty
PERFORM at iconic Rio jazz club
EXPLORE the music, sights, cuisine, and people of this magical city
CONNECT with like-minded adults & world-renowned muscians
Plus ... a Special Invitation to
Brazilian Music Enthusiasts!
Love Brazilian music? Want to explore Rio's culture with like-minded adults? SMJ-RIO is the perfect opportunity! Our "Enthusiast" package includes all group sightseeing tours/excursions and dinners, special music pesentations, and evening outings. Plus, our guide is available if you'd like to book additional tours between 2pm - 5pm (either individual or small group). And if not, the pool and beach will be calling your name!
Words are not sufficient to describe the magic of Rio de Janeiro – that’s why we’re inviting you to view, and hear, this mesmerizing video Rio de Janeiro Tour & Bossa Nova Playlist!
Brazilian Music Immersion
Instrumental & Vocal Programs
END-OF-WEEK PERFORMANCE @ BECO DAS GARAFFAS
Vocal Trio featuring Vocal Teacher, Liz Rosa (middle), and SMJ students --
accompanied by SMJ student band.
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
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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
This immersion into Brazilian music will be complemented and enhanced by:
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Visits to a variety of music venues – from Chorinho, Samba style, and MPB popular music, to a Samba School rehearsal in preparation for Carnaval’
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Special presentation by guest presenter
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Public student/faculty performance -- at Beco das Garrrafas
2025 Faculty - Brazil
NILSON MATTA
SMJ Artistic/Music Director
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, Randy Brecker, more. Co-founder of Trio da Paz, Matta is recognized for his work as bandleader (Brazilian Voyage), composer, arranger, producer. He's currently working on a CD with Alfredo Cardim book of 9 Etudes for Acoustic Bass.
LULA GALVÃO
Lula Galvao has been described as “Brazil’s most authentic, varied and inspired guitarist, with an unmatched musical style and range. His interpretations of classic and Brazilian music are elegant and creative, in a sophisticated way they are simple but still unique." Lula, who has collaborated with Rosa Passos throughout his career, has shared stages across the world from Hollywood Bowl to JFK Center for the Performing Arts, with luminaries ranging from Ivan Lins, Paquito D’Rivera, Chico Buarque, Jacques Morelenbaum, to Kenny Rankin!
ENVELTON SILVA
IBorn in Brasília and son of the great drummer Nelsinho, Erivelton began his career in 1983 playing in bars and nightclubs, a natural path for Brazilian musicians. His career boasts a longstanding partnership with singer Rosa Passos with whom he shared the stage and several albums. Envilton has performed with a "who's who' of Brazilian music including Chico Buarque, Ed Motta, João Bosco, Toninho Horta, Márcio Montarroyos, Leny Andrade, João Donato, Roberto Menescal, Ivan Lins, Danilo Caymmi, Raul de Souza, Milton Nascimento, Fátima Guedes, Gilson Peranzzetta,, along with numerous others. . Developing a unique and personal sound, Envelton has taught at various Universities in the USA and participates in recordings and jazz festivals around the world, alongside artists such as Paquito de Rivera, Elvin Jones, Kenny Rankin and Charito Philippines. He is currently a member of the groups Speed Samba Jazz, Banda Sambop and was part of the band of Leny Andrade.
LIZ ROSA
Brazilian vocalist Liz Rosa has performed on stages worldwide. In Rio, these include major venues such as Blue Note Rio and the legendary Beco das Garrafas. Liz has appeared on national TV shows, and has performed with a who's who of Brazilian artists including João Bosco, João Donato, and Roberto Menescal
ALFREDO CARDIM
Brazilian born, Rio-based pianist / composer / educator Alfredo Cardim studied in the United States at Berklee College of Music, and the Julliard School of Music, He has performed on stages across the world, including in NYC's major jazz clubs. A consummate educator, Cardim is known for the Hal Leonard publication Piano Studies: Choro, Samba and Bossa Nova.
ALEXEI TSIGANOV
Jazz pianist, vibraphonist, composer, educator Alexei Tsiganov captivates audiences with his innovative harmonies, rhythmic sophistication, and masterful improvisation. A consummate educator (New England Conservatory) Alexei has shared the stage with such notables as Bevan Manson, George Garzone, Bob Moses, Rafael Barata, Brian Lynch and so many more.
Instructional Schedule & Venue
DAILY INSTRUCTIONAL SCHEDULE
Our instructional schedule provides approximately 25 hours of instruction, as follows:
Monday - Thursday: 2:00pm - 7:00pm @ Vila Musicale
Friday: 3:30pm - 6:30pm - Rehearsal @ Beco das Garrafas
7:30 pm - 10:30pm - Faculty & Student Performances @ Beco das Garrafas
INSTRUCTIONAL VENUE
We’re so excited to be returning to Studio Floresta! Its new owners have renovated the venue beautifully, renaming it EstúdioVilaMusical.
Located in Santa Teresa, we will be travellng to and from Vila Musical as a group via licensed, insured air-conditioned minibus. In addition to state-of-the-art studios and equipment, Vila Musical boasts a lovely bistro / bar for our exclusive use.
Rio Itinerary
Our instructional schedule (2:00pm -7:00pm) allows ample time to explore Rio de Janeiro’s cultural sites and partake in Rio’s cuisine and nightlife! We've planned the itinerary below in collaboration with Tour Guide Luiz Henrique Schulze, who was with SMJ in Rio in prior years.
NOTE: Itinerary below is subject to change based on weather & other unforeseen factors.
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.
Note: Itinerary below is 2024 --
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 27: Evening Dinner @ Garota da Ipanema (restaurant where Tom Jobim penned the song of the same name)
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY __
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Guided 'hop-on-hop-off tour of Rio's Downtown (historic center), led by Luiz
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Lunch at a must-go-to restaurant in the historic center of Rio, with Chorinho band
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Guided visit to Sugarloaf
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Early Optional Group Dinner
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Attend Sambódromo - rehearsal of Samba Schools for Carnaval
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MONDAY - THURSDAY MORNINGS , Jan, 29 - Feb, 2 (day TBD based on weather)
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Guided visit to Corcovado
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Guided Jeep Tour into Tijuca Rain Forest (located at the edge of Rio)
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The Carnival Experience with
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Rio Museum Tour
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NOTE: For non-musician participants, additional touring options customized to your interests can be booked for an additional charge, small group or private (e.g., tour of Santa Teresa, boat ride around Rio, photography tours, etc.)
OPTIONAL GROUP DINNERS
In addition to our Welcome Dinner on Saturday evening, we're planning several optional group dinners. For example:
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Churrascaria Palace (Brazilian BB!)
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Shirley Restaurant
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Aprazivel
EXCURSIONS TO MUSIC VENUES
SMJ has booked night-time transport to visit music venues. Selction of venues and specific evenings will be finalized closer to time of our trip. Possibilities include Alcione, Casa do Choro, and others.
Lodging
To provide options at different price points, we are recommending two hotels. The rates below are as of October 18, and are FULLY REFUNDABLE.
We’ve been tracking availability of rooms in these hotels, 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.
Price Range (October 18): approximately $135 (standard) - $185 (ocean view) per nite.
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.
Price Range (on September 22nd 2024 ): approximately $84 - $115 per nite.
Program Costs & Policies
Program 'package" for Instrumental & Vocal participants includes:
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25 hours of instruction
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Admission to Faculty Concert & Student Performance at Beco das Garrafas
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Admission & professional tour guide to cultural sites/events:
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Corcovado
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Sugarloaf
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Jeep Trip into Tijuca Rain Forest
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The Carnival Experience (Carnaval 'behind-the-scenes,' from costumes to participation in Batucada)
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Sambódromo (Rehearsal of the Samba Schools)
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Two hop-off-hop on tours of Rio with tour guide (private, licensed mini-bus)
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Transport via private, licensed, air-conditioned mini-bus to & from Vila Musical
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5 daytime transports to & from cultural sites/events
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4 evening/night transports to & from events and/or musical venue
'Program 'package" for non-participants (i.e., Brazilian Music Enthusiasts, travelling partners)
Program for non-participants includes all of the above, with the exception of 25 hours of instruction. Non-participants are welcome to attend presentations at our instructional venue and to observe classes! You might even want to join us for a Batucada (Carnaval percussion) session!
PARTICIPANT MUSICIAN PARTICIPANT PACKAGE: $2295
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Instrumentalists and Vocalists: 2025 RATES TBA
MUSIC PARTICIPANT GUEST (NON-MUSICIAN) PACKAGE: $895
COST OF NON-MUSICIAN PACKAGE: $1095
A 50% deposit is required.
Installment plan can typically be arranged.
NOTE: Airfare, hotel fees and costs of meals are not covered by the above.
DISCOUNTS
Discounts are available for working musicians and educators in financial need. Please contact SMJ should you wish to apply for discount.
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL RATES
Please contact SMJ for info about international rates.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the small size of the program (approximately 10-20 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 not required.