The new Samba Practice School opens at Centro Cultural Olido with live performances and a public samba jam session.
On March 3, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., samba takes over Centro Cultural Olido in São Paulo for the official opening of the Samba Practice School. With free admission, the event launches the school’s activities through speeches, an exclusive faculty concert, and an open roda de samba to close the evening.
Adriana Moreira and samba masters on faculty
The school’s faculty includes singer Adriana Moreira, a reference in São Paulo’s samba scene. Raised in samba circles since childhood, she has released acclaimed albums — Direito de Sambar (2006) and Cordão (2015) — and shared the stage with icons like Monarco, Dona Ivone Lara, Wilson Moreira, and Paulinho da Viola.
Also part of the team is seven-string guitarist Marcelo Monserrat, a disciple of Dino 7 Cordas who performed with Clementina de Jesus and Jair Rodrigues. Other professors include Tahyná Oliveira (flute), Marcelo Martins (bandolim-tuned cavaquinho), Lucas Arantes (cavaquinho), Pedro Moreira (trombone), and percussionists Alfredo Castro and Pedro Pita.
Cultural support and samba learning
Created by Caminhante Music in partnership with SP Cidade de Todas as Artes and the São Paulo City Hall, the Samba Practice School was selected for the Municipal Program for Samba Communities. Inspired by models like Rio’s Portable Music School and the São Paulo Choro School, it blends instrumental practice, research, and the samba experience.
The first selection process attracted 947 applicants for just 240 spots, proving the city’s strong demand for samba education. Throughout 2026, the school will host open jam sessions, talks, and end-of-semester recitals.
“The question that inspired me was: why isn’t there a samba school like the existing choro schools? That was the first spark,” says Douglas Oliveira, director of Caminhante Music.
Service
Samba Practice School – Opening Ceremony + Samba Roda
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Venue: Sala Olido – Centro Cultural Olido
Address: Av. São João, 473 – Downtown São Paulo
Free admission
Photo: Fábio Eufrazio
