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 5 courses which should be studied in the following order:
1. Solo Bossa Nova For Beginners
2. Brazilian Grooves Course
3. Brazilian Vamps & Grooves
4. Triads: Non-Linear Improvisation
5. Brazilian Choro Course
Your Teachers
Hayden Hill
Hayden is a jazz pianist and educator from Manchester, UK. He founded PianoGroove in 2015 with the goal of making the world a more musical place. Hayden shares his love for jazz piano through his online courses and manages the community area of PianoGroove.
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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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Bossa Nova Lesson Supplement File Type: pdf -
Intro To Brazilian Music – Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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Basslines & Comping Patterns File Type: pdf
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Major Vamps & Comping Patterns File Type: pdf
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Major Grooves Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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Minor Grooves Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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Triad Improvisation Lesson Notation File Type: file
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“Menina Ilza” Chord Changes File Type: pdf
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“Menina Ilza” Transcription File Type: pdf
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Course Intro Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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Triad Options Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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Major 251s Improv Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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Minor 251s Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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A Rã lead sheet File Type: pdf
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A Rã transcription File Type: pdf
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Consolação lead sheet File Type: pdf
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Consolação transcription File Type: pdf
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Bananeira lead sheet File Type: pdf
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Bananeira Transcription File Type: pdf
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Você e Eu lead sheet File Type: pdf
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Você e Eu Transcription File Type: pdf
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Lobo Bobo lead sheet File Type: pdf
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Lobo Bobo Transcription File Type: pdf
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Brigas Nunca Mais Transcription File Type: pdf
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Brigas Nunca Mais lead sheet File Type: pdf
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Brazilian Piano Styles Download File Type: pdf
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Major and Minor Progressions Lesson Notation File Type: pdf
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