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Courses overview

Brazilian percussion

Renato Martins

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

the course

Brazilian percussion is rich and diverse, with a strong African influence due to the arrival of slaves in the 16th century. Renato Martins offers the discovery and development of techniques for a wide variety of Brazilian percussion instruments, such as the chocalho, tamborim, reco-reco, agogo, surdo, triangle, caxixi, and many more.

In this course, you will not only discover the traditional rhythms of Brazil, such as samba, but also the rhythms typical of the northeast of the country, such as baião, ijexá, maculelê, and maracatu. You will explore complex rhythmic structures and learn how each instrument contributes to the harmonious ensemble of Brazilian music. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this course offers you a unique opportunity to develop your musical skills while connecting to the vibrant soul of Brazil.

Instruments: chocalho, pandeiro, caxixi, tamborim, afuche, reco-reco, agogo, surdo, triangle, tamborim, and others. The teacher can help you find a good instrument.

Rhythms: samba, baião, partido alto, maracatu, ijexá, and others.

Music theory required? No.

The beginner Brazilian percussion 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 Brazilian percussion. 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.

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.