About this Event
10-Week Brazilian Samba Drumming Course —
Beginners & Improvers
WE ARE THE WINNERS OF NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2025! BEST BRAZILIAN BAND!
Join us every Monday evening for a vibrant, high-energy journey into the art of Brazilian samba drumming! Whether you’ve never touched a drum before or already have some experience, our friendly and passionate bateria will welcome you.
All genders and identities welcome — samba is for everyone!
Over 10 exciting weeks, you’ll:
✅ Learn the rhythms and instruments that bring Rio’s carnaval to life
✅ Build confidence and technique with expert guidance
✅ Play as part of a real samba bateria (drum ensemble)
✅ Finish the course with a special graduation performance — complete with a certificate of achievement!
✅ Join the Bateria Tropa Trovão and play at Notting Hill Carnival 2026 and other gigs opportunities!
Your Teachers
You’ll be taught by some of the UK’s finest ritmistas (samba drummers):
- Mestre Brian Taylor – Master drummer and renowned samba leader
- Alex Talbot – Skilled percussionist with years of carnival experience
- Emmanuel Opoku – Specialist in Caixa (Brazilian snare) and driving samba rhythms
- Lizzie Leonard – Expert in Chocalho and a wide range of samba percussion instruments
All four have close ties with Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous Samba Schools and travel to Brazil every year to parade in the baterias of different schools during Carnaval. Their deep cultural knowledge and hands-on experience bring the authentic energy of Rio straight to London.
No Drum? No Problem!
We provide instruments for use in class — just bring your enthusiasm and energy!
When & Where
? Every Monday — 10-week course
⏰ 7:00 – 8:00 PM
? 6th Floor Studio, Saw Swee Hock Building (LSE), London
Price & Value
The full 10-week course costs £100 + small booking/bank fee — that’s just £10 per class, including drum hire and expert tuition from three of the UK’s top samba teachers.
Your fee includes:
- Instrument hire every week (no need to buy your own drum)
- Expert guidance from Mestre Brian Taylor, Alex Talbot, Lizzie Leonard & Emmanuel Opoku
- 10 hours of vibrant, high-energy samba drumming
- A graduation performance & certificate of achievement
? Spaces are limited — book early to secure your drum!
Event venue & nearby stays
Saw Swee Hock Centre, 1 Sheffield Street, London, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.