Dr. Samba can custom create an optimal program based on your group’s specific needs and budget. Take your group to a new level of knowledge and proficiency while building unity, sparking inspiration and fostering passion and commitment.
Here are some of our most popular topics for workshops, clinics, master classes, lectures and residencies. Custom topics can also be created based on your needs.
Basic techniques and patterns on each instrument; the Rhythmic Structure of Samba; how to achieve the Samba “swing”; standard hand signals and conventions of the typical Samba-Enredo song form.
Concentrated work on technique, timing, swing and synchronization in service of achieving an optional groove in your Bateria.
A survey of some of the most typical Caixa patterns or drum section styles from Rio’s major Samba Schools.
An in-depth exploration of one or more instruments in the Bateria (covers both techniques and rehearsing for optimal blend).
A detailed look at the Samba snare drum as it’s played in many Samba Schools in Rio — in the upright position — featuring quintessential patterns and variations.
An introduction to the 2 different types of 3rd Surdo and the function of this unique drum in Rio’s Samba Schools — covering some key patterns and concepts and how to improvise or compose a part.
An exploration of one of the most popular drums of the Bateria — the Tamborim — including foundational patterns, techniques and arrangements.
Methodologies for effective directing — including formation of the Bateria, tuning, conducting techniques, pedagogy, organizational strategies and people management skills.
An immersion into Samba New York’s original Bateria style and arrangements, covering both Samba and other genres — the perfect prep course to perform with Samba New York! in the annual NYC Village Halloween Parade!
A process for creating your very own Bateria style and arrangements for your group!
A journey into the classic Roda de Samba style from Rio de Janeiro, including both singing and approaches to playing Pagode percussion instruments.
RATES:
For booking details, please refer to the FAQ section below.
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.
Absolutely! Dr. Samba excels at working with learners of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. 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 create a fun, engaging and challenging program for even the most advanced students.
Absolutely! Dr. Samba has trained some of the top percussion professors and Samba and Samba-Reggae leaders in the U.S. and can offer programs that will appropriately challenge players of any level.
A single workshop is three hours and is usually done in an ensemble format. A full day is five hours and can comprise any combination of ensemble workshops, sectionals and small group or individual lessons. The full day program allows for more focused work with instrument sections and individual players who may need more attention. If you want something in between these two options, you may add time to a workshop (additional time is charged according to the hourly rate).
Yes, Dr. Samba is well versed in both Bateria and Pagode styles of Samba, and you may choose either or both of these formats for your program.
The topics of a workshop or full day are flexible and can be customized according to the needs and goals of each group. Check our suggested topics above for some ideas, then contact us with your goals, and together we can create the optional program for you.
First, click on the “Book A Workshop” button at the top of the page to let us know what you would like and confirm Dr. Samba’s availability for the date(s). Then scroll down to the payment options to make your payment. A nonrefundable deposit of 50% of the total fee is required to confirm any booking. After the booking is complete, we will be in touch about the remaining details. The 50% balance is due on the final day of the booking.
Hosts are expected to provide all the instruments needed for the booking. In some cases, we can bring some smaller instruments, but this needs to be confirmed ahead of time.
Aside from the fee, hosts are expected to provide the space for all instruction, funding of round-trip transportation costs for Dr. Samba to your location, local transportation if needed, overnight accommodations if required, and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner if applicable).
Yes! By booking us, you agree that both you and Samba New York! may document the program with photo and video and may post a reasonable number of photos and short video clips (less than 5 minutes each) from the program on our respective websites and/or social media for promotional purposes only.
Samba New York! does not offer any refunds or credits for its teaching programs for any reason, except in the event that Samba New York! cancels a booking or in the event that a booked program is prevented by an Act of God. In either of the latter two cases, the host may opt to receive either: a) a full reimbursement of whatever amount of the fee they have already paid; or b) a credit of whatever amount they have already paid toward a new booking, subject to certain restrictions.
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.
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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