Muziekpublique

Courses overview

Cajón para todos

Renato Martins

MABO - Lycée Maria-Boodschap - Rue de la Braie 22, 1000 Bruxelles

THE INSTRUMENT

The Afro-Peruvian cajón is the most widely used Afro-Peruvian musical instrument of the 20th century. Learning the original and innovative technique of Renato Martins will provide you with essential skills to play any rhythm or style on the cajón.

During this group class, Renato will guide you through the various techniques of the cajón, exploring Brazilian and South American rhythms, as well as more contemporary rhythms such as rock, funk, and pop. You will have the opportunity to discover the subtleties and nuances that make this instrument a versatile choice for many musical genres.

The courses take place in groups, according to the level of the students.

The beginner cajón class is intended for those who have never played this instrument before. The intermediate-level class is designed for students who have already taken the course during the 2024–2025 season and wish to continue their learning, as well as for new participants who already have experience with the cajón. New enrollees in the intermediate class will be assessed to confirm their level. Depending on their level, a transfer to the beginner class may be recommended.

COURSE PROGRAM

Techniques: You will learn to master the traditional cajón as well as variations using brushes.
Rhythms: The program includes a variety of rhythms, such as pop, rock, afro 6/8, samba, baião, partido alto, maracatu, ijexá, and many more.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Music theory required? No, no prior knowledge of music theory is required to participate in this course.
Instrument: If you do not yet have a cajón, the instructor can assist you in finding a good instrument that suits your needs.

Renato Martins

Renato Martins has been playing and teaching Latin percussion for more than 30 years. Native of São Paulo, Brazil, he started to play percussion and piano when he was four years old. He studied drums and jazz piano and finished his musical studies with courses in classical piano, composition and conducting.

Renato Martins has created new techniques for traditional instruments; for example, the udu and the cajon. He’s also known to have applied kitchen utensils as percussion instruments and has been described as an innovator of Brazilian percussion by Brazil’s specialized media. He is considered one of the most respected percussionists in the world.

He played beside many big names of the Brazilian popular and instrumental music scenes like (Duda Neves, Sergio Sa, Moacyr Luz, Sa & Guarabyra, Tom Da Terra, Paulo Moura, Andre Geraissati, Ulisses Rocha, Teco Cardoso, Renato Borghetti, Edu Ribeiro, Vitor Alcantara, Zeli, Renato Consorte etc., and with big names of the jazz scene in Belgium. He has toured in Europe and around the world with several bands, has participated in world-class percussion conventions, and toured the US and Canada as the percussionist for Cirque Du Soleil’s show called OVO.