Domande? (917) 620-8872
Facoltà di livello mondiale in luoghi spettacolari
Strumentale - Belgio 2023
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
Rio & Carnaval Trip Extension
Itineraries
IMPORTANT .... VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR U.S. CITIZENS!
RIO ITINERARY - February 7 - 12
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.
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. .
NOTE: Itinerary below is subject to change based on weather & 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.
SATURDAY (Feb. 7)
You'll be met at the airport by car service. After settling into your hotel, we'll enjoy an optional group dinner - restaurant TBD.
SUNDAY - WEDNESDAY (Feb 8-11)
-
Morning Sightseeing Daily destinations, tbd based on weather. Departure time is typically 900 am
- Guided visit to Corcovado
-
Guided visit to Sugarloaf
-
The Carnaval Experience
-
Rio downtown including little Africa
THURSDAY (Februrary 12)
-
Morning - Jeep Tour / Floresta de Tijuca
-
Lunch - on your own
-
3:30 - 6:30pm - Rehearsal @ Becco das Garrafas
-
6:30 - 7:30 pm- Dinner
-
7:30 - 10:30pm - Faculty & Student Performances @ Beco das Garrafas
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 TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
February 13 - 15
We’ll keep the excitement going with our unforgettable Rio Carnaval Extension designed for travelers who want to experience even more of the city’s vibrant energy, music and cultural magic.
This extension blends music, art, and joy — the perfect grand finale to your Brazilian adventure!
Friday, February 13
Set sail on a 3–4 hour boat tour around Guanabara Bay, taking in stunning views of Rio’s skyline and Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a top local restaurant, handpicked for its authentic flavors and lively atmosphere.
Saturday, February 14
After a visit to the famed Floresta da Tijuca, we’ll enjoy a lively feijoada lunch — Brazil’s signature dish — at one of Rio’s well-known restaurants, where live music fills the air.
And at night, we’ll witness the spectacle of Carnaval at the Sambadrome, with box seats that offer an incredible view of the parade.
Saturday, February 15
Explore the colorful Feira Hippie (Ipanema Art Market) for unique souvenirs, then join the fun at a local bloco street party in Ipanema — dancing and celebrating side by side with Cariocas.
Instrumental & Vocal Programs
SMJ-RIO 5-day instructional program integrates:
-
Brazilian Styles (Samba, Partido Alto, Bossa Nova, Baião, music of Northeast Brazil, Choro)
-
Brazilian Phrasing & Articulation
-
Brazilian Rhythmic Explorations through percussion
-
Instrumental Ensembles & Combos
-
Vocal Coaching - repertoire, song interpretation, phrasing, Portuguese pronunciation for participants singing in Portuguese
-
Harmony & Improvisation
-
Rhythm Section Lab
-
Batucada (Carnaval percussion)
-
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 2026
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.
FACULTY
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
ERIVELTON SILVA
Son of the great drummer Nelsinho, Erivelton's career boasts a longstanding partnership with singer Rosa Passos. Erivelton 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,, and more! With a unique sound, he's taught at U.S. Universities and has performed and/or recorded alongside Paquito de Rivera, Elvin Jones, Kenny Rankin & more!
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 U.S. at Berklee College of Music U., 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.
Vocal & Instrumental Instructional Schedule
DAILY INSTRUCTIONAL SCHEDULE
Our instructional schedule provides approximately 25 hours of instruction:
Sunday - Wednesday (February 8 - 11)
2:00pm - 7:00pm @ Vila Musical
Friday (February 12)
3:30-6:30pm - Rehearsal @ Beco das Garrafas (an iconic venue)
7:30-10:30pm - Faculty & Student Performances @ Beco das Garrafas
Venue
We’re so excited to be returning to Studio Floresta! Its new owners have renovated the venue beautifully, renaming it Vila Musical.
Located in Santa Teresa, we will travel 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.
Dove stare
I partecipanti sono responsabili del viaggio, dell'alloggio e dei pasti. Tuttavia, SMJ sta esplorando la possibilità di una tariffa di gruppo in diversi hotel/B&B e pubblicherà aggiornamenti . Se sei interessato a a tariffa di gruppo,fatecelo sapere.
Il nostro seminario vocale si terrà aPaulushuis.be. Se desideri restarevicino alla sede del workshop, il suo indirizzo è:
Patijntjestraat 27
Patijntjestraat 27, 9000 Gent, Belgio
QUARTIERI DI GAND
Il sito Web brokenbackpacker.com fornisce descrizioni di ciò che ritiene il 5 migliori quartieri in cui soggiornare a Gand. Di seguito troverai una descrizione di ciascun quartiere e un elenco di cose da fare lì. Abbiamonon ha incluso i consigli sugli hotel per ciascuna area.
#1 PATERSCHOL – Dove alloggiare la prima volta
PRICING & POLICIES 2026
RIO IMMERSION WEEK (FEBRUARY 7-12)
VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAMS include:
-
transport from airport to your hotel or Air BnB
-
25 hours of instruction
-
transport to & from Vila Musical music studio via private, licensed/insured, air-conditioned mini-bus
-
Admission to Faculty Concert & Student Performances at Beco das Garrafas
-
Admission to cultural sites / events with licensed, English-speaking tour guide via private, licensed/insured air-conditioned mini-bus
-
Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer)
-
Sugarloaf (includes cablecar)
-
The Carnival Experience (experience Carnaval 'behind-the-scenes,' including Samba School rehearsal, percussion and dance sessions, costume try-ons!
-
Sambódromo (Rehearsal of the Samba Schools)
-
-
Hop-on-hop-off tours of Downtown Rio including Little Africa with licensed, English-speaking tour guide in private, licensed mini-bus
-
5 daytime transports to & from cultural sites/events
-
4 evening/night transports to & from events/music night spots
MUSIC LOVER/BRAZLIAN CULTURAL IMMERSION PROGRAM includes:
-
Optional participation in Group Percussion Sessions (NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED)
-
Admission to Faculty Concert & Student Performances at Beco das Garrafas
-
Admission to cultural sites / events with licensed, English-speaking tour guide to cultural sites/events:
-
Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer)
-
Sugarloaf (includes cable car)
-
The Carnival Experience (experience Carnaval 'behind-the-scenes,' including Samba School rehearsal, percussion and dance sessions, costume try-ons!
-
Sambódromo (Rehearsal of the Samba Schools)
-
Guided tour of Santa Teresa neighborhood
-
Optional Cooking Class
-
Museums (to be selected by participants)
-
-
Hop-on-hop-off tours of Downtown Rio / Little Africa with licensed, English-speaking tour guide in private, licensed mini-bus
-
5 daytime transports to & from cultural sites/events
-
4 evening/night transports to & from events/music night spots
NOT INCLUDED:
-
Airfare
-
Lodging/Meals
-
Trip Insurance
'PRICES
-
Instrumentalist/Vocalist Package $2565
-
Guests of instrumental or vocal participant. $1095
-
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:
-
Sambdrome box tickets
-
Transfer to and from Sambadrome
-
3-5 hour private boat ride around Guranana Bay
-
Guided visits to Hippie Ferra and Carnaval street parties
-
Curated dining and visits to music venues
PRICE for Carnaval Weekend is in process of being finalized -- TBA shortly. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with questions via email or phone: 917.620.8872
CANCELLATION: Due to the small size of the program (approximately 8-15 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: 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.