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Rio Carnival Masterclass 2026: Dive Deep into Brazilian Culture & Samba!
Calling all musicians, samba dancers, percussionists, and culture lovers! This immersive course takes you behind the scenes of Rio’s world-famous Carnival, giving you an insider’s understanding of Brazilian rhythms, music, and the cultural power of samba schools.
You’ll explore how top samba schools craft their spectacular parades, from the thunderous baterias to the mesmerizing dance wings. Discover the rich stories behind each school’s theme—where history, social movements, and Afro-Brazilian traditions come alive through music and performance.
Whether you’re a performer looking to deepen your craft or simply passionate about Brazilian culture, this masterclass will transform how you experience Carnival. Get ready to feel the heartbeat of Brazil! Enroll now and connect with the soul of samba. 🎶🇧🇷✨
Course Information
– Format & Schedule
4 live online lessons held weekly (Tuesdays):
Lesson 1: Oct 21, 2025 | 18:30–20:00 (UTC – London Time)
Lesson 2: Oct 28, 2025 | 18:30–20:00 (UTC – London Time)
Lesson 3: Nov 4, 2025 | 18:30–20:00 (UTC – London Time)
Lesson 4: Nov 11, 2025 | 18:30–20:00 (UTC – London Time)
– All classes will be conducted via Zoom, with supplementary materials accessible through Google Classroom.
– The course, taught in English, is open to participants worldwide.
– Your ticket grants full access to all four lessons.
– Watch live or later: each session will be recorded and made available to participants after the class, with access remaining open for 8 months.
– Additionally, all participants will receive an ebook containing detailed course materials.
Don’t miss your chance to join a community of fellow Carnival enthusiasts and become an expert in one of the world’s most exhilarating cultural phenomena. Enroll today and embark on a journey that will leave you enthralled and inspired!
Program:
Lesson 1: The Anatomy of a Samba School Parade
21/10/2025 – 18:30h – 20:00h (UTC – London Time)
Lesson 1 reveals a samba parade’s structure – Front Committee, bateria, floats, and dancers – plus key 2026 rule changes and judging criteria shaping how schools compete.
Lesson 2: Themes of the First Day Samba Schools
28/10/2025 – 18:30h – 20:00h (UTC – London Time)
In Lesson 2, explore the themes of Acadêmicos de Niterói, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Portela, and Estação Primeira de Mangueira, revealing their unique narratives and inspirations.
Lesson 3: Themes of the Second Day Samba Schools
04/11/2025 – 18:30h – 20:00h (UTC – London Time)
In Lesson 3, explore the innovative themes of Mocidade Independente, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, Viradouro, and Unidos da Tijuca, uncovering their rich narratives and vision.
Lesson 4: Themes of the Third Day Samba Schools
11/11/2025 – 18:30h – 20:00h (UTC – London Time)
In Lesson 4, explore the powerful themes of Mocidade, Tuiuti, Grande Rio, and Portela, gaining insights into their cultural and historical significance.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant, pulsating heart of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival 2026 with our exclusive online course. Designed for enthusiasts, travelers, and culture aficionados, this course offers an unparalleled deep dive into one of the world’s most spectacular cultural events.
@leoqueiroz
Unveil the Magic of Samba Schools
At the core of Rio’s Carnival are the legendary samba schools, each a powerhouse of creativity, tradition, and passion. Our course meticulously dissects the intricate structure of a samba school parade, giving you insider knowledge of every element—from the commanding Front Committee to the elegant Masters and Flag Bearers, from the dazzling floats to the energetic wings of dancers. You will gain a profound understanding of how these elements converge in a spellbinding display of artistry and rhythm that captivates millions.
Master the Art of Carnival Judging
Ever wondered how the best samba schools are crowned in this fierce competition? Our course provides a detailed breakdown of the judging criteria, ensuring you grasp the nuances that separate a good performance from an award-winning spectacle. You will learn about the various judged items, from the choreography and costumes to the storyline and overall harmony. This insight will allow you to appreciate the parade not just as a spectator but as an informed critic.
Marco Antônio Cavalcanti
Fernando Frazão / Agência Brasil
Explore the Themes of All First Division Samba Schools
Each samba school in Rio’s prestigious first division presents a unique storyline that draws from Brazil’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and folklore. In this course, you will delve into the themes of all the first division samba schools for Carnival 2025, uncovering the inspirations behind their narratives. We will explore the historical events, legends, and cultural icons that inspire these performances, giving you the knowledge to fully appreciate the depth and creativity behind each school’s presentation.
Limited Availability and Exclusive Early-Bird Pricing
This course offers a rare opportunity to deepen your connection to Rio’s Carnival, but spaces are limited to ensure an engaging and personalized learning experience. Act now to secure your spot at a special early-bird rate. Whether you’re planning to attend Carnival in person or simply wish to enrich your understanding of this grand tradition, this course is your gateway to experiencing Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival like never before.
Fernando Frazão / Agência Brasil
This comprehensive online course is designed to take you on an immersive journey through the spectacle of Carnival 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. With a focus on the intricate workings of samba school parades and the captivating themes chosen by each top-tier school, this four-lesson course will equip you with the knowledge to appreciate and understand one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural events.
Lesson 1: The Anatomy of a Samba School Parade
In the first lesson, we’ll unravel the complex structure of a samba school parade. You will learn about the key components that make up these parades—the Front Committee, the Mestre-sala and Flag Bearers, the floats, and the various wings of dancers. We’ll explore how these elements come together to create a cohesive and captivating performance. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid foundation to understand the artistry, the judging and the organization behind each school’s presentation. We are going to see key 2026 rule changes and judging criteria shaping how schools compete.
Lesson 2: Themes of the First Day Samba Schools
The second lesson dives into the themes of the samba schools performing on the first day of the parade. We’ll cover the narratives and inspirations behind the performances of Acadêmicos de Niterói, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Portela, and Estação Primeira de Mangueira. Each of these schools brings a unique storyline that reflects Brazil’s rich cultural heritage. This lesson will allow you to appreciate the depth and creativity of the themes as you witness the parade unfold.
Lesson 3: Themes of the Second Day Samba Schools
The third lesson continues with an exploration of the themes presented by the samba schools on the second day of the parade. We’ll delve into the intricate narratives of Mocidade Independente, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, Viradouro, and Unidos da Tijuca. These schools are renowned for their innovative and thought-provoking themes, and this lesson will provide you with the context needed to fully grasp their artistic vision.
Lesson 4: Themes of the Third Day Samba Schools
In the final lesson, we’ll turn our attention to the samba schools performing on the third day of the parade. The themes of Paraíso do Tuiuti, Unidos de Vila Isabel, Grande Rio, and Acadêmicos do Salgueiro will be explored in depth. These schools often present some of the most anticipated and powerful performances of the entire Carnival, and you’ll gain insights into the cultural and historical significance of their chosen themes.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of how a samba school parade works and the rich stories behind the themes of all the first-division samba schools participating in Carnival 2026. Whether you’re planning to experience the Carnival in person or simply want to broaden your cultural horizons, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of Brazil’s most cherished traditions.
Sign up today to secure your place and join a community of Carnival enthusiasts on this unforgettable journey!
Gabriel Lopes has been a prominent figure in Brazilian music and Rio’s Carnival culture since the early 2000s. Combining his roles as a seasoned musician, educator, and researcher, Gabriel has dedicated his career to preserving, teaching, and celebrating the rich traditions of samba school baterias.
Gabriel’s deep expertise as an educator is exemplified by his work with prestigious music institutions such as the Royal College of Music and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he led workshops in 2019, 2023, and 2024. In 2023, he brought his unique approach to the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and in 2024, he conducted workshops at Trinity School in Croydon.
His ability to engage and inspire students, coupled with his extensive experience in high-profile educational settings, underscores his standing as a respected authority in Brazilian percussion.
As a researcher and author, Gabriel has made significant contributions to the understanding of samba and samba school baterias. His published works include Mestre Dudu – As Paradinhas da Não Existe Mais Quente, As Bossas do Mestre Maurão, and Fundamentals of a Samba School Bateria.
These bilingual books not only document the evolution of samba rhythms but also provide practical tools for musicians worldwide, featuring audio examples and musical notation for paradinhas and bossas. Through these publications, Gabriel preserves the legacy of samba school drumming while making it accessible to a global audience.
As a performer, Gabriel has toured extensively with the renowned percussion group Monobloco, captivating audiences across Brazil, the USA, Europe, and Japan. His dynamic performances and integral contributions to Monobloco’s sound have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the global samba scene. With Monobloco, he recorded two albums and two DVDs, contributing to the group’s dynamic legacy.
Gabriel also played in Rocinha’s bateria for over a decade and has been a proud member of Vila Isabel’s bateria since 2019, specializing in the repique drum. As a composer, he achieved a career milestone by entering his samba composition into Mangueira’s competition in 2016.
From 2005 to 2019, Gabriel served as the mestre de bateria for Volta Alice, a carnival group (bloco) that became a cornerstone of Rio Carnival, attracting tens of thousands of revelers.
He has also taught at Monobloco’s workshops, preparing students for parades in Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and São Paulo. His teaching extends internationally, with workshops held across the UK, Europe, the USA, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, both in-person and online.
Through his brand, Samba Beats, Gabriel continues to share his passion for samba school baterias. His website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms provide a wealth of educational content, including tutorials, historical insights, and detailed analyses of samba rhythms. His dedication to teaching and research reflects his mission to preserve and celebrate the cultural and musical heritage of Brazil.
Gabriel Lopes offers an unparalleled blend of practical expertise, academic research, and teaching excellence. His work not only connects audiences to the vibrant world of samba but also inspires the next generation of percussionists worldwide.
Suggestions? Complains? Need any help? Want to know about percussion classes? Arrangements for you group? Send us a message!