Extended , Drum Kit & Percussion , South America ,

Brazilian Drum Kit Rhythms (Extended)

cyro-zuzi

Master Brazilian grooves and transform your drumming with authentic swing.

Master the Groove That Defines Brazilian Music

Brazilian drumming is a force of nature—relentless, expressive, and deeply rooted in centuries of musical evolution. From the hypnotic pulse of samba to the raw power of maracatu, every beat carries the imprint of Africa, Europe, and Brazil’s indigenous traditions. The drum kit is a modern invention, but in Brazil, it’s been transformed into something unique, a percussive language that speaks across genres, from samba batucada to forró and beyond.

But mastering this sound isn’t just about technique. It’s about feel. It’s about understanding the pulse of carnival, the swing of bossa nova, and the storytelling power of rhythms that have been passed down through generations.

In this course, renowned drummer Cyro Zuzi breaks down the essential rhythms of Brazilian drumming teaching not just the mechanics, but the essence of each groove. You’ll learn how to adapt traditional percussion parts to the drum kit, build the coordination and phrasing required to play authentically, and develop a rhythmic vocabulary that will transform your playing.

Whether you’re a drummer looking to expand your rhythmic arsenal or a percussionist transitioning to the drum kit, this course will equip you with the tools to capture the essence of Brazilian groove with a depth of understanding that goes far beyond imitation.

Key Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Develop a Strong Rhythmic Foundation

Master the core rhythms of Brazilian drumming, including samba, bossa nova, forró, maracatu, coco, partido alto, and candomblé.
Develop independence and coordination to translate traditional percussion grooves onto the drum kit.
Understand how syncopation and swing define Brazilian drumming.

Expand Your Technical Skills

Adapt traditional percussion parts (surdo, caixa, repinique, agogô) to the drum kit.
Apply essential ride cymbal, hi-hat, and cross-stick techniques for authentic phrasing.
Strengthen your left-foot coordination with clave-based ostinatos.

Perform with Authenticity and Confidence

Learn how to phrase grooves with the correct dynamics and feel.
Play with the subtle volume shifts and polyrhythms that define Brazilian music.
Build endurance for playing high-energy carnival and dance rhythms.

Understand the Cultural and Historical Context

Gain insight into the African, European, and indigenous influences that shaped Brazilian rhythms.
Explore the role of Brazilian drumming in samba schools, jazz, and contemporary music.
Learn about the pioneers of Brazilian drumming and their influence on modern styles.

Sample Lessons

Meet Your Tutor: Cyro Zuzi

Cyro Zuzi is a rhythmic chameleon. His journey started in thrash metal, but a deep dive into Brazil’s drumming traditions led him to study for five years under master drummer Douglas Las Casas. From there, he expanded into jazz, bebop, and swing—absorbing influences from around the world while always returning to his roots in samba, bossa nova, and forró.

As director of the Bish Bash Bosh percussion school, Cyro has spent years passing on the rhythmic traditions that shaped him. His expertise isn’t just in playing—it’s in breaking down the essence of a groove and making it accessible to drummers at any level.

This course is your chance to learn from a true master—someone who has spent a lifetime studying the intricacies of Brazilian rhythm and translating them into a powerful, expressive drum kit language.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

Brazilian Drum Kit Rhythms – Deluxe

2.5 hours of detailed lessons teaching you to be proficient in Samba, Bossa Nova, Partido Alto, Candomblé, Forró, Maracatu and all of the rhythms required to perform Brazilian drum kit at a professional level.

Interactive On-screen Notation

Learning new skills is easier with our innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, slow motion and more.

Masterclass

Take your study further with 2 hours of masterclasses where Cyro delves deep into the history of Brazilian rhythms and the evolution from percussion to drum kit.