Muziekpublique

Courses overview

Brazilian guitar

Pierre Gillet

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

THE coursE

Essential to the Brazilian musical landscape, the guitar — whether with 6 or 7 strings — plays a central role in a wide variety of styles. Found in both urban genres like choro and samba, as well as in rural celebrations and jazz clubs, the Brazilian guitar stands out for its fingerstyle technique and its dual role as a percussive and harmonic instrument.

Throughout this group course, Pierre will guide you on a journey that is both historical and geographical across Brazil. From the roots of choro to the birth of bossa nova, and through musical styles from the Northeast and South of the country, you will explore a rich diversity of musical worlds. The focus will be on freedom of interpretation, the joy of group playing, and improvisation.

Counterpoint, contemporary music, 19th-century choros… A broad spectrum of styles and eras will be explored to enrich your playing and deepen your understanding of this fascinating instrument.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Develop guitar-specific techniques
Understand harmony as applied to the instrument
Master various rhythms and stimulate rhythmic creativity
Learn to play in a group or in a roda (Brazilian music circle)
Listen to, analyze, and understand musical pieces
Build a repertoire and learn songs by heart
And above all: enjoy playing!

praCTICAL INFO

Instrument: Please bring an acoustic guitar, or an electric guitar with a small amp.
Prerequisites – Beginner level: Have held and played the guitar a little before.
Prerequisites – Intermediate level: Have a more in-depth knowledge of the instrument, particularly basic chords (being able to play a few basic major/minor chords).

Une approche personnalisée

Whatever your level or musical interests, everyone will be able to find their place in the group — whether it’s accompaniment, playing melodies, or improvisation. The idea is to grow together in a spirit of listening, discovery, and shared enjoyment.

Music theory is not required!

Pierre Gillet

Pierre Gillet is a Belgian guitarist known for his passion for jazz, Latin, and Brazilian music. A a graduate of the Brussels Conservatory, where he studied jazz, Pierre developed a deep connection with the rhythms and melodies of Brazil. Mastering the 7-string guitar and as an expert in jazz improvisation, he has become a well known guitar player in both the Belgian jazz scene and among Brazilian artists.

Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with major figures from the Belgian and Brazilian music worlds, including Maxime Blésin, Osman Martins, Renato Martins, Swami Jr, Nailor Proveta, Greg Houben, Thibault Dille, Ana Rocha, Marylène Corro, and Marcos Della Rocha.

Thanks to his versatile playing and ability to transcend genres, Pierre is a key musician in many projects, bringing his personal touch to concerts, tours, and recordings across Europe and beyond.