Whether you already perform Brazilian repertoire or would like to bring the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic language of Brazilian music into jazz standards, original compositions, or songs from any tradition, this workshop is designed for musicians of all instruments (including vocals) and backgrounds.
Together, we will explore how Brazilian music is built from the inside out—how rhythm, melody, harmony, and form interact to create its unique character—and how these same principles can be applied creatively in your own music. While lead sheets (melody and chord symbols) may be used as one point of departure, reading music is not required. The concepts are equally accessible to musicians who learn and create by ear.
Rather than focusing on formulas, the workshop presents practical arranging tools drawn from Brazilian musical traditions, examining melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic resources and demonstrating how they can be used to shape authentic, personal arrangements for solo performance, duos, or small ensembles.
This is an interactive workshop built around demonstration, discussion, and musical exploration. Throughout the session, participants will collectively develop an arrangement, discovering a step-by-step creative process—from the simplest musical idea to a complete arrangement—working with form, harmony, melodic motives, rhythm, and instrumentation. Participants will leave with practical concepts they can immediately apply to both Brazilian repertoire and music from any tradition.
Led by Debora Gurgel and Dani Gurgel, internationally acclaimed Brazilian composers, arrangers, performers, and educators, this workshop draws on decades of experience creating, performing, and teaching Brazilian music. Debora Gurgel is one of Brazil's leading arrangers, with works commissioned and performed by ensembles including the Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica, Orquestra Jovem Tom Jobim, São Paulo Big Band, and their own Dani & Debora Gurgel Big Band (DDG19). Together, as the artistic leaders of Dani & Debora Gurgel Quarteto (DDG4), they have released eight albums, toured extensively throughout Brazil, the U.S., and Japan, and have served as guest artists and educators at institutions including Berklee College of Music, the California Jazz Conservatory, Stanford University, and Brown University.