Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Bossa Nova Guitar João Vasconcelos

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Bossa Nova Guitar, João Vasconcelos, to share his perspective on teaching this rich and expressive musical style. In this Q&A, João reflects on growing up immersed in bossa nova through his family, the importance of deep listening in developing an authentic feel for the genre, and the thoughtful, well-equipped home studio he uses for online teaching. He emphasizes fluidity, musical flow, and learning directly from the masters as key elements in helping students play with confidence, nuance, and joy.

What drew you to learning about the bossa nova guitar?

I've learned to play guitar very early through my father, who is a bossa nova musician. So I've been listening to and playing bossa nova my whole life. I think it's popular because it's a genre of music that's very enjoyable to listen to, but at the same time possesses a rich rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic complexity that makes it stand out.

How would you describe your teaching studio?

My teaching studio is good enough for online guitar classes. I've invested in a good computer, good mic, good connection and good headphones, so I can offer a good learning experience to my students. Also, my studio is in my house, and I love working from home. I have been doing it for 5 years now, since Covid, and feel totally adapted.  

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about the bossa nova guitar, what would it be? 

I would say what I always say: the more you listen to bossa nova, the more natural you're playing will be. Research who the main guitarists of bossa nova were, listen to their work, and try to learn their quirks to incorporate more and more material into your playing style.

What’s one lasting takeaway you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

I think my students will always remember, when they think about my classes, the concept of fluidity in music. How important it is to practice to make the music flow more and more naturally, always aiming for our listeners to have an exciting experience through our music.

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

For online music lessons, a good microphone and good headphones are the most indispensable. So that's what I wish all my students had.

Are there apps / texts / other resources you often recommend?

I sometimes recommend Moises to my students, so they can practice over the original recordings of the songs we play in class, removing the original guitar track with the app.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026?

I'm considering writing articles about bossa nova and Brazilian guitar for the Lessonface forum in 2026. 

I didn't know you hold recitals at the end of the year with the Lessonface community. So next year, I'll organize and prepare my students' presentations well in advance so that they can see participating in the recital as a goal, which will certainly encourage them to study their instrument.

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!