Fall Bateria Rehearsal Course 2025
FRIDAYS, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tamborim Sectional
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Caixa, Repinique, Chocalho Sectional
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Full Bateria Rehearsal
FRIDAYS, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Full Bateria Rehearsal
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.
Absolutely! Dr. Samba is adept at working with learners of varying experience levels in the same class. He has trained university-level percussion professors and some of the foremost Samba and Samba-Reggae leaders in the U.S., and is prepared to provide more advanced material to learners who are ready for it.
Our Pagode Samba Courses focus on the more intimate percussion instruments and songs of the Roda de Samba, an informal circle of Samba musicians. Our Bateria Rehearsal Courses, on the other hand, work within the more high intensity format of the Bateria, the typical drum section of Brazil’s famous Samba Schools, neighborhood associations that plan and put on parades for Carnaval.
Our Pagode Samba Courses are not formally attached to any performances, though students who take the Course and are eligible may be invited to participate in certain Samba events. Our Bateria Rehearsal Courses, by contrast, serve as the formal practice sessions for the Samba New York! Bateria, and the learners in each Course prepare to perform at a parade or other event, which typically takes place at the end of the Course. To be eligible to take part in this performance, prospective players must be able to demonstrate sufficient proficiency on their instrument of choice and sufficient knowledge of the repertoire for the event.
The Samba New York! Bateria (drum section) is a more than just a drumming group—we’re a vibrant, inclusive community brought together by a shared love of Samba and the joy of making music together. At the heart of our group is a commitment to musical excellence—but just as important is the supportive, collaborative spirit that helps each member grow. Whether you’re brand new to Brazilian percussion or an experienced player, there’s a place for you here! No need to master it all before you begin. Just bring your passion and commitment, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Becoming a member begins with our Bateria Rehearsal Course, where you’ll learn the rhythms, techniques and repertoire that form the foundation of our sound. Once you’ve shown proficiency on your instrument and a solid grasp of the material for an upcoming performance, you may be invited to perform. If that first experience is a good fit for both you and the group, you’ll officially join the Bateria and take part in future events.
As a member, you’ll be part of a committed musical ensemble. To uphold the high musical standards and spirit of teamwork that define our Bateria, we ask that members:
Continue with Bateria Rehearsal Courses to stay sharp and up to date
Arrive prepared and on time for all rehearsals and performances
Practice regularly at home (our suggestion is 5–15 minutes a day, five days a week)
Maintain humility and respect, while striving for excellence as a growing Samba percussionist and musician
Wear the required attire, including white pants/jeans, white shoes/sneakers, and a Samba New York! jersey (available for purchase)
Ready to join us? Email Info@SambaNewYork.com. We look forward to welcoming you into our Bateria!
No. The Bateria is an educationally-oriented program that gives Samba learners the opportunity to be a part of a high caliber performing ensemble, and members participate for the performance experience only.
While Samba New York! offers paid performance opportunities to eligible Bateria members on an as-needed basis, it’s important to note that we are not a talent agency or band. We are a community and a Samba School, dedicated to learning and promoting the joy and richness of Samba. If your primary goal is to pursue paid work as a percussionist, this may not be the right fit for you. However, if you’re passionate about honing your knowledge and skills, being part of a supportive community and learning from Dr. Samba and your peers, we’d love to have you in our Bateria.
Samba New York! does not offer any refunds or credits for missed classes or any other reason, except in the event that Samba New York! cancels a Course, in which case anyone who has paid for a Course will receive either a full reimbursement or a full credit for whatever amount they have paid for the canceled Course (credits are subject to certain restrictions). Please read our Terms of Service in the footer for additional details.
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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