Online Video Lessons

Beginner SambaPercussion

Learn from Brasilian Master Drummers

Mestre Jorge Alabe - "The Leader of Brasilian Percussion in the U.S.A."

Pay once, practice forever!

Featured Course

How to Juggle a Tambourine (Pandeiro)

Complete 8-chapter video course on juggling, spinning, flipping, and playing the Pandeiro Brasilian style.

8 Chapters3+ Hours

$299

$199

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Interactive PracticeNew!

Play Along with the Master

Practice samba rhythms alongside Mestre Curtis Pierre. Control the tempo, loop difficult sections, and record yourself to track your progress.

Tempo ControlLoop SectionsRecord Yourself

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Starting with Surdo

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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.