BEGINNER WORKSHOPS
at Core Star Center

Just show up and learn by playing together

Samba Ja welcomes you to hands-on Brazilian drumming classes. In this supportive, beginner-friendly environment, we explore the history of the samba-reggae genre, proper playing technique and simplified versions of our repertoire. Those who are interested in eventually joining the band and playing shows can start their training in the beginner classes.

If you attend four sessions (one year), you will likely have played simplified versions of most of the Samba Ja repertoire. Players who demonstrate technical progress and proficiency with the repertoire will be invited to practice at the Wednesday advanced rehearsals and eventually invited to be a performing member.

We try to provide 4 classes per year that are 6-8 weeks long. You can pay on the second week so you can decide if you want to join after you see what the first class is like.

We also try to offer one free class per year for the summer session.
Classes are every Monday 7-9PM while the session is going.

Frequently Asked Questions

2024 Summer Class

May 20th - June 24th

Thanks everybody for a great summer class!

2024 Fall Class

Sep 30 - Nov 18

2024 Fall Class Registration Form

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No drumming experience is required. We mean it. Some members had never touched a drum before their first beginner workshop.

  • No equipment is required. Drums, straps, sticks, knee pads and earplugs are all available to use during the class. Some people choose to bring their own hearing protection and knee pads for additional comfort.

  • Classes are between $60-$80 dollars

    We try to offer one free class during the summer

  • Core Star Center
    439 W 2nd Ave Eugene OR

    Every Monday 7-9PM while class is in session

  • Our standard set list is around ten songs. Each class usually covers two different songs so if you take all four classes you could learn versions of up to eight songs. The songs being covered in each session will be sent to all class members before the class starts.

  • Some are more difficult so your experience or ability to learn quickly will help you decide. It also could depend on the number of people wanting to play a specific drum because we need to balance the drums to have a good overall sound.

    A general guide of difficulty listed from higher to lower
    - Repique and caixa
    - 3rd surdo
    - 1st and 2nd surdo

    But all drums have specific challenges so this estimate of difficulty might not be the same for you. And regardless of difficulty, you might just find one drum the most fun to play and that should be the one you choose!

  • After showing technical progress from taking the beginner classes and being invited to the Wednesday advanced classes, you will have a chance to display your proficiency on any song you wish to perform with the main group. Occasionally there could also be some casual performance opportunities open to anybody who has taken the classes and is confident with the songs being performed.