Professional Brazilian percussionist and teacher Carl Dixon is available for online lessons, workshops, and residencies. Topics can include beginning to advanced techniques and rhythms for all Brazilian percussion instruments.
Lessons
Online percussion lessons with Carl Dixon are available though Virada Drums.
Individual lessons are always crafted to the goals and interests of each student. Additional resources such as notation, recorded examples, and practice play along audio tracks can be included with lessons.
Lessons are available in person in Boulder, CO or over Skype, FaceTime, or Facebook video chat. All you need is a phone/tablet/computer with a good internet connection. Contact Carl for more information.
Free video lessons at www.carldixondrums.com
Workshops
Carl has presented workshops in Brazilian percussion at the California Brazil Camp, Indiana University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Naropa University, Colorado College, Colorado State University-Pueblo, and the Colorado and Wyoming PAS Days of Percussion.
Carl is available for workshops for schools, universities, community ensembles, specials events, and festivals. Topics can include traditional and contemporary Brazilian rhythms for ensembles, including samba, samba reggae, and many others. Contact Carl with a description of your event, class, or ensemble to get started.
Intensive study
1-3 day intensive study programs comprised of multiple lessons are available for select experienced students who want to quickly accelerate skills, learn large amounts of material/rhythms, improve on several instruments at once, or prepare for auditions. This is also recommended for new ensemble directors and musicians/teachers preparing to lead a group or class. After identifying your goals, Carl will design a personalized curriculum and assemble written and recorded rhythms, exercises, and songs/arrangements to prepare and study during lessons.
Intensive study programs are intended for individuals, but can also be arranged for small groups of students with similar skill levels, interests, and learning styles. Individual programs for multiple people can be scheduled for the same time frame too.
Repertoire consulting
Carl Dixon has served as the Musical Director of the Boulder Samba School since 2009 and directs the University of Colorado-Boulder Brazilian Bateria ensemble, and has composed and arranged music for percussion ensembles, as well as collaborations with singers and bands, professional and community dance companies, and vocal ensembles. In nearly two decades of study of Brazilian drumming ensemble music, directing ensembles, and teaching workshops, he has developed a repertoire of authentic traditional rhythms, contemporary realizations, and original arrangements for ensembles of many different sizes and skill levels. This repertoire can be adapted for performance with percussion only, percussion and song, and to accompany dance performances. Repertoire can transcribed, recorded, or taught in a live workshop or online lessons. Contact Carl if you are interested in suggestions, becoming a repertoire partner, or commissioning arrangements for specific performances or ensembles.