Fall 2026 (5 sections)

RSVP / DETAILS

Develop fluency in the rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic language of Brazilian jazz through repertoire by Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi, Toninho Horta, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Marcos Silva, and others. Open to instrumentalists and vocalists, the class focuses on stylistic interpretation, improvisation, and ensemble interaction across a range of Brazilian jazz repertoire.

Participants will work on:

• Brazilian rhythmic styles and phrasing

• Harmonic and melodic approaches found in Brazilian jazz

• Improvisation and stylistic interpretation

• Ensemble interaction and rhythmic cohesion

Sections

Section 1
Tuesdays 6–7:30 pm
9/22–12/1
No class 11/24
Performance: 12/8

Section 2
Tuesdays 8–9:30 pm
9/22–12/1
No class 11/24
Performance: 12/8

Section 3
Wednesdays 6–7:30 pm
9/23–12/2
No class 11/25
Performance: 12/9

Section 4
Wednesdays 8–9:30 pm
9/23–12/2
No class 11/25
Performance: 12/9

Section 5
Thursdays 6–7:30 pm
9/24–12/3
No class 11/26
Performance: 12/10

Marcos Silva, $475
(in-person)

Important Notes

• All ensembles culminate in a live, free performance.

• Please confirm you can attend the performance date before registering.

• Placement is handled directly by Marcos Silva.

• Tuition is submitted only after placement is confirmed.

How to Register

New students must audition with Marcos Silva before placement. Returning students do not need to re-audition, but should contact Marcos to confirm that they would like to register for the upcoming term.

Call Marcos at 925-323-2580 to schedule an audition or confirm your return.

About Marcos Silva

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and educator Marcos Silva performs worldwide. Nominated for a Grammy, he has toured with artists including Paquito D’Rivera, Bud Shank, Dori Caymmi, Toninho Horta, Edu Lobo, Chico Pinheiro, Romero Lubambo, and many others.

He served as musical director for Flora Purim and Airto Moreira for 24 years, has written arrangements for Dizzy Gillespie’s band, and replaced Gil Evans as arranger-composer of Airto’s Spiritual Mass in Germany. He is also an active producer and has released three albums of his own.

Marcos has taught Brazilian music at the Jazzschool in Berkeley for 28 years.