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percussion Lessons in Toronto

Learn the art of Brazilian drumming.

Private lessons and group percussion classes inspired by the soulful pulse of Brazil. Develop technique, timing, and musicality through intentional guidance.

STUDIO FOCUS

Develop rhythm, play with confidence

Most music lessons focus on patterns, exercises, and repetition. My approach starts from a fun and explorative approach to the sounds instruments can produce.

Rhythm is learned through a combination of performance practice and cultural understanding. Instead of treating rhythm as fixed and mechanical, you develop a sense of groove that is flexible, responsive, and connected to real musical situations.

You will not only learn what to play, but how and why it works within each style.

A central part of this process is understanding the culture behind the music. Rhythms like samba or bossa nova are not just technical systems—they are forms of expression shaped by history, community, and interaction. Learning this context allows you to play with more clarity, intention, and authenticity.

Instruction is also built on clear, constructive feedback. Rather than vague or judgmental correction, you receive specific guidance on what to adjust and how to improve. This makes progress more efficient and keeps the learning process focused and motivating.

This approach is designed for a wide range of students, from complete beginners to experienced musicians. The emphasis is not on talent, but on developing skill through awareness, consistency, and intentional guidance.

Teaching focus

Core areas of study

Access full curriculum

Percussion Instruments

Develop technique and sound across a wide range of percussion instruments, including pandeiro, berimbau, atabaque, repinique, and many other hand percussion instruments. Learn how each instrument functions within an ensemble, how to produce a clear and consistent tone, and how to adapt your playing across different musical contexts.

Drum Set and World Music

Apply Brazilian rhythms to the drum set in a musical and practical way. Learn how traditional patterns translate to the kit, how to build coordination, and how to incorporate elements from Brazilian and other world music styles into a modern drumming approach.

Brazilian Styles and Culture

Explore core Brazilian genres such as samba, bossa nova, choro, pagode, and forró. Understand the cultural background behind each style, how rhythms interact within the music, and how to perform them with clarity, intention, and stylistic awareness.

Meet the Instructor

Hi! I'm Alex Fraga.

A Brazilian percussionist, educator, and researcher specializing in Brazilian rhythms and percussion performance practice. I started my musical training in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and I hold a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Toronto, where my work explored rhythm interpretation in Brazilian music.

Alongside my academic training, I have extensive experience as a performer and educator across Brazil, the United States, and Canada, working in community programs, professional ensembles, and international music initiatives. My work combines artistic practice with a commitment to inclusive, high-quality music education.

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testimonials

Focused lessons with lasting impact

“An excellent percussion teacher, with experience teaching at all ages and levels.”

Alex M., Canada

“The playful and creative approach really sparked my kids' interest in music in a natural and enjoyable way.”

Daiana C., Brazil

“Knowledgeable and attentive teacher who uses his own teaching approach to keep lessons engaging, fun, and relaxed.”

Sarah C., Brazil

“A patient, fun teacher who cares about every student. Highly recommended”

Yasseen T., Syria

Percussion lessons in Toronto

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer percussion lessons for beginners?
Yes — absolutely. Beginner percussion lessons are welcome, and you do not need any previous musical experience. Lessons are designed to help you build rhythm, coordination, listening skills, and confidence step by step, in a way that feels clear and encouraging.
Are percussion lessons available for kids, teens, and adults?
Yes. Percussion lessons are open to all ages and experience levels, including kids, teens, adults, complete beginners, and experienced musicians. Each lesson is shaped around the student’s age, background, interests, and goals.
What styles of music do you teach?

Brazilian music is my specialty, but my background goes far beyond that. I’m a classically trained percussionist, and over the years I’ve studied and played instruments from many musical traditions, including Latin American, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African music — and the list keeps going.

If you want to focus on Brazilian styles like samba, bossa nova, choro, pagode, or forró, we can absolutely do that. But lessons can also draw from a much wider world of rhythm, percussion, and musical practice depending on what you want to explore.

Let’s schedule a meeting so we can talk about your goals.
Which percussion instruments can I study?

You can study a wide range of percussion instruments depending on your interests and level. That includes hand percussion instruments such as pandeiro, berimbau, atabaque, repinique, and other traditional instruments, as well as standard percussion instruments like snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and other concert percussion setup.

If it makes sense for your goals, lessons can also include drum set work, rhythm training, and ways of applying percussion skills across different musical styles.

Do you offer private percussion lessons in Toronto?
Yes. Private percussion lessons are available for students in Toronto who want focused, personalized instruction. Whether you are starting from scratch, improving technique, preparing repertoire, or wanting to deepen your understanding of rhythm and style, lessons are built around what you need.
Do you offer percussion lessons for beginners?
Yes — absolutely. Beginner percussion lessons are welcome, and you do not need any previous musical experience. Lessons are designed to help you build rhythm, coordination, listening skills, and confidence step by step, in a way that feels clear and encouraging.
Are percussion lessons available for kids, teens, and adults?
Yes. Percussion lessons are open to all ages and experience levels, including kids, teens, adults, complete beginners, and experienced musicians. Each lesson is shaped around the student’s age, background, interests, and goals.
What styles of music do you teach?

Brazilian music is my specialty, but my background goes far beyond that. I’m a classically trained percussionist, and over the years I’ve studied and played instruments from many musical traditions, including Latin American, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African music — and the list keeps going.

If you want to focus on Brazilian styles like samba, bossa nova, choro, pagode, or forró, we can absolutely do that. But lessons can also draw from a much wider world of rhythm, percussion, and musical practice depending on what you want to explore.

Let’s schedule a meeting so we can talk about your goals.
Which percussion instruments can I study?

You can study a wide range of percussion instruments depending on your interests and level. That includes hand percussion instruments such as pandeiro, berimbau, atabaque, repinique, and other traditional instruments, as well as standard percussion instruments like snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and other concert percussion setup.

If it makes sense for your goals, lessons can also include drum set work, rhythm training, and ways of applying percussion skills across different musical styles.

Do you offer private percussion lessons in Toronto?
Yes. Private percussion lessons are available for students in Toronto who want focused, personalized instruction. Whether you are starting from scratch, improving technique, preparing repertoire, or wanting to deepen your understanding of rhythm and style, lessons are built around what you need.