Every child plays a real part.

A child who believes they are not musical will prove themselves right within five minutes. So the first job is never rhythm — it is safety. Give someone a part they can hold, place them inside a group that needs them, and the musicianship follows quickly.

I design sessions so that success arrives early and difficulty arrives gradually. Everyone plays from the beginning. Nobody waits their turn. The group hears itself improve, which is far more motivating than any praise I could offer.

The workshops are open to everyone interested in culture who wants to learn how to play samba-reggae instruments and to meet other people through music and dance. We study the history and mythology of samba-reggae and the percussive arts — a taster of music, dance, capoeira and ancient practices derived from Candomblé — so the sessions act as an educational force for Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous culture. All levels and ages are welcome.

School and corporate days are designed so that students perform together at the end of the day to an audience of parents, teachers and colleagues. Longer term, students from every country convene in the Tribo Bloco to perform at carnivals and events in Europe and Brazil.

“For me, teaching music is to share my knowledge and transform the lives of those who want to learn. I have taught in Brazil, the UK, Switzerland and Austria and, wherever I am, it is the enthusiasm of my students that makes teaching one of the most rewarding experiences.”