How to play Brazilian music
by Guilherme Vergueiro
How to play Brazilian music
by Guilherme Vergueiro
The course on "Playing Brazilian Music",taught by internationally
The students will have the opportunity to learn the music, aswell
It is a practical course, based on original and unique approach
"When I was invited to teach Brazilian Music in Denmark, it was
The first thing that came to my mind was: "What am I going to do now?"
2 - The schedule for the classes can be: an intensive course consisting of
3 - The first two classes are for evaluation purposes. I evaluate the
Therefore, in the first two classes the students will describe what had made
Everyone will be asked to play a song, or any other melody with a Brazilian
4 - From this point on it will be all practical. I will put together a repertoire
5 - Also, an original Brazilian composition will be created collectivelly, in order
6 - At the end of the course, the class will perform a recital, before a live audience.
The goal is to improve and develop the students' abilities to adapt their own styles
This course enables the students to play Brazilian music correctly, while applying
acclaimed pianist, composer and arranger Guilherme Vergueiro,is
a tool for music students and aspiring professional musiciansfor
understanding the concepts, different styles and playing techniques
of Brazilian Music.
as learning the history and development of this wonderful culture.
in music teaching, created by Vergueiro and introduced with great
success in Denmark, while teaching on two different occasions.
a big challenge for me, since my music skills come from privat
lessons or self-teaching. I arrived in Denmark without a study plan,
and unfamiliar with music schools, which was and still is uncommon
in Brazil" - Says Guilherme - "When I showed up for the first class
class I had about 20 students, each one with a different instrument."
After reflecting for a while, I came up with a plan, and from that moment
on, the event became one of the most rewarding experiences ofmy life,
because of the positive results achieved, as well as the friendship,love
and respect from all the students."
1 - The classes are designed for a group of students, regardless what type
of instrument each one plays; however, a class with only one drummer
would be more appropriate. Other instruments can be more than one.
For best results the maximum number of students per class is fifteen.
2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon, 4 times aweek for 2
weeks; or 2 hours, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks. (Other schedules can be
arranged through the university, college or school).
students' likes and skills, and they get to know each other, which is very
important, due to the nature of the course. The course is based on the
individual needs of each student (weak points, strong points, personality,
talents, etc.); as well as evaluating their ability to play with other musicians.
During the course, techniques will be taught on playing in a group, and on
dealing with different personalities and talents, which is very important in
order to achieve success in a music career. (Psychology plays a main role
in music teaching).
them interested in signing up for a course on playing Brazilian music.
How much of the Brazilian music they know or have listened to, as well as
their previous attempts on playing that kind of music, if any. It's also very
important to learn what their expectations towards the course are.
style, so that their musical and performance skills can be evaluated and also
have an idea of their feelings towards the Brazilian music.
that suits the ability of the class, consisting of about 12 Brazilian songs
arranged specially for that particular set of instruments and featuring different
musical styles (samba, choro, bossa-nova, baião, etc.,) written by outstanding
Brazilian composers. The students will be taught how to properly play the
different styles of Brazilian music, and learn the history behind the composers
and the origin of that particular influence. This approach will provide the students
with a wide knowledge of Brazilian music history, the most outstanding Brazilian
musicians of this century as well as the aesthetics of the music.
to "instigate" the students in uncovering the music inside of them, giving them an
opportunity to express themselves musically in a "Brazilian way".
A recording can be made, so that the students can take home a wonderful "souvenir"
of the course.
It is important to say that this course does not intend to teach patterns, but to bring
to he hearts of the students the feeling of Brazilian music styles and its harmony,
melody and hythm.
and criativity towards the Brazilian music culture by the end of the course.
It is a course designed to open the minds and hearts of people in regards to Brazilian
music, as well as the art of making music.
their own creativity and style. Brazilian Music is all about soul, freedom and
improvisation. It is a wonderful way to express our feelings through the art of
making music.
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