Brazilian Grooves for Cello
About Brazilian Grooves for Cello
In this course we will get some rhythm in our bow! Unlike "classical" string playing, traditional Brazilian music is driven by the rhythm. (Full disclosure: most of it is a mix of European and African elements.)
Did you ever study “moto perpetuo” pieces? As with those, the basic idea is: get relaxed and keep the pulse moving. But groove is also about articulation and playful placement of notes....how a simple idea can make people start to feel the music and move their feet. I will share some of my “levadas” (rhythm patterns) to bring the rhythms of Brazil to your cello.
This is not a beginning cello class, but no prior experience with Brazilian music or groove music is necessary. It could be helpful to understand the primary chords: I IV and V (tonic, subdominant, and dominant), but if you aren’t familiar with these, you’ll still be fine in this class.
In this course, participants will:
1. Recognize choro, samba, bossa nova, and folkloric rhythms in Brazilian music
2. Learn bowing and articulation to play rhythmic patterns on cello
3. Learn traditional harmonic patterns from Brazilian music
4. Have fun playing with percussion tracks and swinging!
How It Works
Students can connect to the online platform using a tablet or computer with reliable internet. To actively participate online students also need a webcam with microphone. The live sessions are recorded so that all enrolled students can review the class sessions following the live class. Class recordings will be available for viewing within 48 hours of the live class. The class is covered by the Lessonface Guarantee.
Level
Adults
When
The class will meet for four 90-min live online sessions on the following schedule:
Sundays, 3-4:30 pm EDT | 12-1:30 pm PDT | 19:00-20:30 UTC
• September 27
• October 4
• October 11
• October 18
Enrolled students receive lifetime access to the video recordings of the classes.
- Signed up already? Click here.
ABOUT CATHERINE BENT
Catherine Bent has brought her cello artistry to Cirque du Soleil, Enya, Joe Jackson, A.R. Rahman, Greg Osby, Lee Konitz, Patty Larkin, Donna Summer, Rod Stewart, Kanye West, Lil Buck, Merce Cunningham Dance, as well as classical orchestras, commercials, and Broadway shows. Catherine is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. She holds a B.A. in music from Vassar College and an M.M in jazz performance from New England Conservatory of Music, where she studied improvisation with Jerry Bergonzi, Dave Holland, and Charlie Banacos. Catherine has been published in Strings Magazine on bowing and groove in Brazilian music, where she has become an authority. In Brazil Catherine has made many guest appearances on Rádio Nacional as a soloist with choro legend Época de Ouro. Her 2018 solo release Ideal: an original tribute to traditional Brazilian music has been called "One of the best Brazilian recordings you’ll hear this year” (Vancouver Sun). Roots World claims: “Bent’s compositions...have an instantly classic sound that’ll get you swinging and swaying with delight."
– Visit Catherine Bents profile on Lessonface.
About Lessonface, PBC
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