Known as “Dr. Samba” for his rare combination of academic and practical expertise in Brazilian music, Philip Galinsky, Ph.D. is a leading performer and educator of Samba percussion in the U.S. and one of the country’s foremost ethnomusicologists specializing in Brazilian music.
Having immersed himself in Samba music and culture at its source in Brazil for over 30 years, he has studied with numerous renowned master Samba percussionists from Brazil, paraded in Rio Carnaval in the drum sections of some of the world’s most famous Samba Schools, and performed with such Samba artists as the iconic Neguinho da Beija-Flor and Almirzinho (son of legendary sambista, Almir Guinéto). Under the guidance of Gage Averill, Philip earned a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology, specializing in Brazilian music, from Wesleyan University and has been at the forefront of Samba music education in the U.S. for over three decades. A go-to expert in Samba drumming for learners worldwide, he has trained an estimated 2,000-4,000 people of diverse ages and backgrounds in this rich percussive art form.
Winner of the 2024 Artistic Entrepreneur of the Year Award, given by the New York Small Business Development Center, Philip has also won three grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and is an endorser of Contemporânea, the largest percussion manufacturer in Latin American and one of Brazil’s premier brands of Samba percussion instruments.
Kleber KomkA
Philip Galinsky is a kind of ambassador of Samba culture in the United States. A great professional, with musical training and a specialization in Brazilian music, he is a researcher and master in Samba.
Magali Medeiros
Philip is a spectacular percussionist and professor. He plays Brazilian percussion like a native. I’m grateful for the partnership with a professional like Dr. Samba . . . and very moved by the love and respect he has for the Samba and its roots.
Stacy Kovacs
Throughout my time with Philip, I gained the skills and knowledge to even start my own group! Philip is a pillar in both the Brazilian music and greater NYC music communities. Without him, the Brazilian music scene may not be where it is right now. He is an inspiration to me, and I know many others have flourished under his guidance and teachings.
Jonathan Scott Casper
Philip can explain subtleties to the student in plain language and guide you on your own path on your chosen instrument at your own pace. You will be able to join any bateria and have fun after the first few classes, but if you are willing to practice what he teaches, you will be rewarded with a well-rounded knowledge of both the music and of your instrument.
Mike Stevens
Phil was my first samba teacher, and I credit him for igniting a passion in me that has lasted throughout my life. Phil combines a passion for teaching/ performing samba with a deep understanding of the culture and the rhythms. I am grateful for him and the work he has done to spread the joy and excitement of this beautiful art form.
Joseph Gramley
I am especially drawn to the successful ways in which Philip combines a true sense of joy for samba and the bateria with strong research into the tradition and art form. He expertly teaches all of the pertinent techniques in a way that can reach any type or level of student. He has amazing performance experience on all of the instruments and transmits his experience in a way that draws the student in I have the utmost respect for his teaching, research and performance and am incredibly grateful for his mentorship.
Dane Richeson
I always found his work to be well researched, extremely organized, and professionally delivered in a manner that engaged all students. He was generous in giving his time and sharing his knowledge and love of Brazilian music.
Shane Jones, D.M.A.
Philip Galinsky has been an unmatched resource for me and my students regarding all things samba related for the past 6 years. His experience and knowledge of intimate historical facts and current cultural trends combined with his academic and teaching background make him a very rare and valuable resource for percussionists, sambistas, and musicians interested in the music of Brazil. In addition, I have personally found Philip to be extraordinarily generous with his time. He is an excellent performer, a passionate and patient teacher, and an all-around great person to work with.
Pablo R. de Oliveira
I have witnessed Philip’s Brazilian percussion instruction first-hand and attest to his competency and in playing, directing, and leading a group towards a common creative goal. I was impressed with his ability to instruct and direct non-professional musicians. Further, Philip is an important figure in contributing to samba music and culture in the US.
Machah Colbert
Dr. Philip Galinsky is a phenomenal teacher, communicator and facilitator. It was an amazing experience to have Philip teach us. He mapped out a course plan that not only covered all of the instruments in samba but also the styles as well. He worked with every student to ensure all were able to grasp the concepts of the lesson. He patiently listened to our questions and provided not only an answer but also a roadmap for continuing development on our own.
Reed Flygt
I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Dr. Philip Galinsky and his samba instruction for over 10 years. As a professional educator myself, I admire Philip’s approach and his expertise in this specific content area. He is patient and extremely clear…. Philip is such a valuable resource in the US that not taking advantage of his services could be a mistake.
Everyone has a different way of learning. Online, you don’t have to travel to get to a session, can learn from the comfort of your own home, and therefore might be more likely to commit to a coaching program. Plus, some of the most valuable aspects of our coaching program come from the feedback Dr. Samba provides on videos sent by the learner. We offer a free consultation session in which we can discuss and assess any and all concerns and see if this mode of learning is right for you. If it doesn’t seem like a good fit, there is no obligation to commit to our program.
Yes, Dr. Samba teaches people who have never played a musical instrument before, professional percussionists, and anyone in between with equal success. Just let us know your goals, we’ll custom create a path to get you there as quickly and efficiently as possible, and Dr. Samba will be there to guide you every step of the way.
Absolutely! Dr. Samba has trained some of the top percussion professors and Samba and Samba-Reggae leaders in the U.S. and can offer accomplished players and directors a unique perspective on their art, helping them break through to that next level of knowledge, proficiency, creative expression or success in their career.
If you just want to get a brief introduction to a particular instrument or to directing — or maybe you just need a quick assessment of how you’re doing — then perhaps a One-Off Instrumental Session or One-Off Director’s Session would be best. However, if your goals are more ambitious, our Two-Month and especially our Six-Month Package will help you get the results you’re looking for much more quickly. The longer the package you choose, the more feedback on videos or other benefits you are entitled to. Plus, the more time you commit to your art, especially in this intensive format, the more progress you are likely to make.
Samba New York! is a world-renowned Samba company dedicated to educating, entertaining and uplifting people of all backgrounds with the exhilarating music and dance of Brazil.
Photo/Video Credits: Heliel Di Cavalcanti, David Careta, Julio Coral, Farley Campoverde and PASIC 2023.
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