Syllabus Overview
Explore the colourful and vibrant music of Brazil with 3-time Latin Grammy Nominee, Jovino Santos Neto.
This syllabus contains 5 courses which outline a methodical approach to playing authentic Bossa Nova, Samba, & Choro piano styles.
Who Is This Syllabus For?
- Students who are comfortable with basic jazz harmony
- Students who want to learn Brazilian basslines, rhythms, comping patterns, and improvisation
- Students who want to play the famous Brazilian jazz standards
Learning Path
Our 'Music Of Brazil' Syllabus breaks down the sounds, the rhythms, and the nuances of Brazilian Music.
The first course is taught by Hayden Hill which bridges the gap between beginner jazz theory and the Bossa Nova Groove. All other courses are taught by the Brazilian piano master - Jovino Santos Neto.
The Basic Bossa Nova Groove
Our first course provides an introduction to the Bossa Nova style. We explore the chord voicings, baselines and rhythms and then we add these 3 components together to create our first Bossa Nova groove. We then apply the theory to some simple Brazilian songs.
The History Of Brazilian Music
We introduce the great exponents of Brazilian music and how their compositions and musical styles shaped the development of Bossa Nova & Samba. We then cover "the fork" rhythmic pattern which can be used for both improvising melodies and for comping.
Bossa Nova & Samba Jazz – The Key Difference
There is a more instrumental style of Bossa Nova music which is known as "Samba Jazz". Jovino demonstrates the key differences between these 2 styles of Brazilian music. We start with a simple vamp D-7 to G7 and then also demonstrate in context of a tune.
The Music Of Antonio Carlos Jobim
Antonio Carlos Jobim is one of Brazil's greatest composers. Learn to play his much loved compositions such as "The Girl From Ipanema", "Corcovado", "Desafinado", & "Wave". We explore chords, voicings, rhythms, and improvisations over these classic tunes.
Triads: Non-Linear Improvisation
We explore improvisation using triads as the principle source of melodic development. This concept was taught to Jovino by his mentor Hermeto Pascoal; one of Brazil’s greatest musical minds. We apply the concept to common progressions and 6 groovy Brazilian tunes.
The Brazilian Choro
Delving deeper into the music of Brazil, we explore the art-form of the Brazilian choro. We start by discussing the origins of choro in European popular music and African music, and then examine how choro has evolved to create a unique brand of syncopation.
Courses
The Brazilian Music Syllabus contains 4 courses which should be studied in the following order:
1. Brazilian Grooves Course
2. Brazilian Grooves Volume II
3. Triads: Non-Linear Improvisation
4. Brazilian Choro Course
Your Teachers
Jovino Santos Neto
Three-time Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto, a master pianist, composer and arranger, is among the top Brazilian musicians working today.
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Syllabuses provide a structured path to work through the lessons and courses. Step-by-step guides for voicings, improv, hand independence, and much more.
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