Brazilian swing & groove
Explore the feel of authentic Brazilian samba through dedicated listening, movement and rhythm exercises developed by Chris for samba bands.
Samba percussion workshops · Worldwide
Your band.
Your sound.
Your workshop.
Tailor-made Brazilian samba percussion coaching for established samba bands and baterias. Real progress, built around the music your group plays.
Plan your workshop20+ yearsof international samba workshops
WorldwideFor samba bands wherever they play
100% tailoredto your samba band
Not just another samba workshop
Make your bateria sound more like yourself.
No two samba groups are the same. Your repertoire, instruments, experience and ambitions should shape the workshop — not the other way around.
From a single instrumental section to a full-bateria weekend, we focus on the details that make your samba band stronger together.
Discover the approach
Real coaching. Real connection.
© Ishtar Reja
What we can work on
Technique. Groove. Musicality.
Choose the focus that matters most to your group, or combine several topics in one intensive programme.
Playing technique
Explore sound, articulation, phrasing and the musical possibilities of your individual instruments.
Breaks & arrangements
Develop musical transitions, calls, dynamics and arrangements that work for your group's sound.
Direction & dynamics
Strengthen musical communication, conductor techniques and confident group performance.
Meet your teacher
Chris Quade Couto
Experience from Rio. Workshops around the world.
Brazilian percussionist, musical director and international samba workshop instructor based in Cologne, Germany.
Chris has been part of the baterias of Rio de Janeiro's samba schools since 2004, including Unidos da Tijuca. He combines practical experience from Brazil with years of guiding samba groups around the world.
For more than 20 years, Chris has led samba workshops for bands in different countries and musical traditions. He has coached groups from Portugal, France, Italy and Scandinavia to Japan and the United States, always working with the band's own level, style and goals.
His experience also includes work as a musical director of international samba projects and years of percussion teaching and cultural exchange.
His teaching combines the feel and practical experience of Rio de Janeiro with a carefully analytical approach. Chris listens closely, identifies the small details that shape a groove and explains complex rhythms in clear, practical steps that every musician can bring back to rehearsal.
Read Chris's full biographyInternational experience
Samba connects us worldwide.
A selection of samba bands, baterias and festivals Chris has worked with around the world.
How it works
A workshop built around your bateria.
From a focused rehearsal to a multi-day training weekend — we create a programme that fits your samba band.
01
Tell me about your band
Share your city, ensemble size, experience, repertoire and the musical challenges you're working on.
02
Let's shape the session
We agree on the focus, duration, instruments, logistics and the best format for your musicians.
03
Play, learn, grow
We work on real music with your group, with practical ideas you can carry into future rehearsals.
Video lessons for home practice
Authentic Samba Percussion
A free collection of detailed video lessons on individual Brazilian samba percussion instruments. Practise your technique at home, discover new musical ideas and bring them into your next rehearsal.
Words from workshop participants
What the bands say.
“the legend and one of the greatest and modest Mestre I met ... he did a magic touch to our bateria twice with his workshops in Istanbul and opened the gate of rio style samba to us ...”
“You're the person who over the years has taught me more than anyone else about this special world called “Samba”, and I also want to make you my sincere congratulations for the way you work, the way you explain things and the way you're always available to pay attention to everyone at any time...”
Frequently asked questions
Have a question?
Tell me about your group and we'll find a format that works.
Are your workshops suitable for our samba band?
Yes. These workshops are specifically designed for existing samba groups, baterias and percussion ensembles, with a programme that reflects your current level and objectives.
Can you travel to our city or country?
International travel is possible. The practical arrangements depend on location, dates, group size and the scope of your workshop.
How do you teach authentic Brazilian samba swing?
Chris uses a structured approach he has developed through years of teaching: listening exercises, rhythmic movements, instrument-specific practice and playing together as a bateria. The aim is to make the characteristic Brazilian swing understandable and playable for your group.
Do you teach individual instrument sections?
Yes. The workshop can focus on an individual section, on musical direction, or on how the entire ensemble works together.
How long does a workshop usually last?
Formats are flexible: a focused session, a full day or an intensive weekend can all be discussed. Tell me what you have in mind.
© Ishtar Reja
Let's make music together
Ready to bring fresh energy to your band?
Tell me where you're based, how many musicians you have and what you'd like to work on.