This workshop is about the main characteristics of the repertoire developed in Brazilian solo guitar.  The repertoire includes major works by Villa-lobos, João Pernambuco, Garoto, Dilermando Reis, Baden Powell and Guinga among others.
Topics covered:

• Brief explanation about the construction of the pieces, showing how they were composed using a classical approach, plus musical and structural elements from important Brazilian genres as choro and baião
• Performance of some pieces, focusing on important details of interpretation, including characteristic articulation, timbre, phrasing and rhythmic variation;
• Exposition of pictures, videos and recordings of great Brazilian guitar interpreters and composers like Raphael Rabello, Egberto Gismonti, Paulo Bellinati, Marcos Pereira and Yamandu Costa.

2. Style, Phrasing, and Interpretation -  April 17, 2pm-4pm
 
This two-part workshop will begin with an introduction about Brazilian music, its history, main music styles, and it will be followed by a performance practice session with all participants. 

We will study selected styles and examine the essential elements that define their grooves and phrasing, including articulation, accents, rhythmic interpretation and improvisation. We will take a close look at comping rhythms, bass lines, notation, interpretation of syncopated rhythms, melodic characteristics and improvisational elements of selected pieces.
Students will be able to improve their interpretation skills and technique that relate to those styles. Music will be provided.

Fernando Brandao, Flutist,Composer and educator



Phrasing, Interpretation and Improvisation in Brazilian Music

In this workshop we will examine the essential elements that define phrasing in various Brazilian music styles: articulation, accents, rhythmic interpretation and variations. We will take a close look at notation, interpretation of syncopated rhythms, melodic characteristics and improvisational elements of selected pieces and  styles. Through practice, score and audio examples, we will analyze the melodic interpretation of Choro, Samba, Partido Alto, Samba-funk, Bossa Nova, Baião, Ijexá, Xote and Frevo.  Students will learn to differentiate and use appropriately jazz, urban and folk articulations. They will be able to improve their technique and improvisation skills that relate to those styles.
After an introductory session to all participants, groups will be divided in two:
1. winds + percussion
2. strings