Live Lessons · Drumming + Dance

Live Lessons with the Master

Learn Brasilian drumming AND Samba dance one-on-one with Mestre Curtis Pierre — live, over video. Pick your path below.

Live Drumming Lessons

3-step Play Along journey — learn the technique, practice with backing tracks at home, then jam live over video with the Master.

Start the journey

Drumming Path — Play Along with the Master

A 3-step live drumming journey: master the technique, drum along at home, then jam face-to-face over video.

Step 1 — Take the Lesson

Watch Mestre Curtis teach the technique for your chosen instrument.

Step 2 — Solo Play Along

Practice with backing tracks + slow/medium/fast tempo videos at home.

Step 3 — Live Play Along

Two-way video session — jam live with the Master, see each other in real time.

MASTER PACK

$79 / instrument

All 3 steps for ONE instrument — lesson video, backing tracks, and 1 live session credit.

Choose an instrument

Best value

ALL-ACCESS MASTER PASS

$199 one-time

Every instrument, every step + unlimited live sessions with the Master.

Site members: Steps 1 & 2 are included with your membership — 1 free live session per month.

Try It Free for 3 Days!

Get full access to all Play Along features. No credit card required.

Step 1

Take the Lesson

Buy an instrument lesson to unlock Steps 2 & 3 for that instrument. Members: included with your plan.

Choose Your Instrument Lesson

1st & 2nd Surdo (Primeira e Segunda)

$29.99

Learn the foundational bass drums of samba. Surdo sizes vary between 16" to 26" diameter. In Rio de Janeiro, surdos are generally 60cm deep with shells of wood, galvanized steel, or aluminum.

3rd Surdo (Terceira)

$29.99

The Terceira Surdo is used in Escola de Samba groups. Its primary function is to provide the samba with "swing" by using variations of embellishments in the surdo section.

Pandeiro (Brazilian Tambourine)

$24.99

The Pandeiro is a hand-held drum with tunable tension and crisp metal jingles (platinelas). Unlike regular tambourines, it provides clarity for swift, complex rhythms.

Tamborim (6" Drum)

$24.99

A small, round Brazilian drum of African origin. The 6" frame may be made of metal, plastic, or wood with a tightly tuned nylon head for a high, sharp timbre.

Repique (Lead Drum)

$29.99

A two-headed Brazilian drum used as the lead instrument in samba baterias. Equivalent to the snare in Western drum kits.

Caixa (Snare Drum)

$24.99

The samba snare drum with a crisp, dry, high cutting tone. Can be played at waist height or up on the shoulder.

Agogo Bells

$19.99

Two bells attached by a U-shaped piece of metal. The smaller bell is held uppermost.

Chocalho (Shaker)

$19.99

A large, powerful shaker made of wood or metal with steel jingles. Fundamental element in the flavor of a bateria.

Cuíca (Friction Drum)

$29.99

A Brazilian friction drum with a high-pitched squeaky timbre. The body is normally made of metal with a single animal skin head.

Reco Reco (Scraper)

$19.99

A metal scraping instrument held in one hand while the other hand scrapes its springs with a metal stick.

Complete DVD Bundle - All Lessons!

Get all 10 instrument lessons at a discounted price. Master the entire samba bateria!

$249.90

$149.99

Save $100!

About Your Instructors

Mestre Jorge Alabe

Known as "The Leader of Brasilian Percussion in the U.S.A.", Mestre Jorge Alabe brings decades of experience from the streets of Rio de Janeiro to your screen. His teaching style breaks down complex rhythms into easy-to-follow patterns.

Mestre Curtis Pierre

Founder and Director of Escola de Samba Casa Samba with over 38 years of experience in Afro-Brasilian drumming, dance, and culture. Curtis Pierre has trained thousands of students in the authentic rhythms of Brasil.

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