Have you been mesmerized by the energy and cohesion of the carnival street percussion groups of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Join this weekly Brazilian bateria class to learn the fundamentals of samba percussion technique and repertoire. A bateria is the percussion ensemble driving the groove of the whole samba band.

EducArte’s percussion director and Rio de Janeiro native André Coelho leads the bateria classes. André has played in many carnival groups, such as Carmelitas, Céu na Terra, Cacique de Ramos, Orquestra Voadora, Prata Preta, and Tá Pirando. Classes are also taught by Levine faculty member Christopher Payne, a multi-faceted drummer and percussionist who fuses ethnic hand percussion, orchestral percussion, and drum set to create music across a multitude of genres.

EducArte at Levine welcomes all levels, from beginners to advanced, semi-professionals, and music teachers. No auditions are required. The bateria class meets for 1.5 hours a week to work on technique and repertoire and to rehearse for group performances. All students will have the opportunity to perform periodically if they choose to.

Please see our online bateria demonstration videos here.

Semester tuition and drop-in classes available. Register for the semester ($325) on Levine’s website or purchase a $20 drop-in at the door.

Scholarships are also available to students. Please fill out this form to be considered for a scholarship.

Questions about payments or registration? Contact Levine student services at sservices@levinemusic.org or (202) 686.8000.