Rafael Naine
About
Rafael Naine is a professional guitarist, composer, and music educator from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He holds a degree in Performance from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA), graduating Summa Cum Laude.
With a diverse and active career, Rafael has performed as a sideman for various singers on TV shows and radio programs across Brazil. He has also played in musical theater productions such as O Musical da Bossa Nova and Elis, A Musical, touring major cities including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Goiânia, Recife, Fortaleza, and Porto Alegre.
In addition to his solo work, Rafael is a member of 9Trio, a Brazilian music and jazz ensemble dedicated to exploring the rich intersection of tradition and improvisation.
Teaching Style
As a teacher, I’ve learned that every student is unique — each with their own strengths, challenges, and goals. While I follow a structured method developed through years of study and experience, I always adapt my approach to meet each student’s individual needs. My goal is to set clear, personalized objectives that motivate and help students achieve real progress.
I see my role not just as an instructor, but as a guide and source of inspiration — someone who helps students find joy, confidence, and meaning in their musical journey. I aim to make complex concepts simple and relatable, always offering clear explanations and practical examples to support learning in every lesson.
Curriculum
Personalized Method:
I believe each student has a unique way of learning, which is why my approach is tailored to meet each individual’s needs. I set clear goals and adjust lessons accordingly, so that every student can achieve their personal musical aspirations.
Balance Between Technique and Expression:
I place great importance on both technical skills and musical expression. In addition to mastering the technical aspects of the guitar, I encourage students to explore their own musicality, creativity, and improvisation.
Exposure to Various Musical Styles:
I incorporate a wide range of musical styles such as jazz, bossa nova, MPB (Brazilian Popular Music), and rock, allowing students to develop versatility on the instrument.
Interactive and Practical Lessons:
I encourage students to practice what they learn in a hands-on way — through exercises, jam sessions, and audio recordings — so they can apply the techniques in real performance settings.
Recommended Student Texts:
I recommend a variety of materials tailored to each student’s level and interests, including method books, sheet music, and listening resources. Some of the texts I frequently use are:
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The Real Book (for jazz standards and improvisation practice)
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The Advanced Guitarist by Mick Goodrick (for developing advanced technique, improvisation, and musical concepts)
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The Brazilian Guitar Book by Nelson Faria (for mastering Brazilian guitar styles, rhythms, harmonies, and techniques)
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Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) collections (to explore Brazilian rhythms and harmony)
Personalized Material:
In addition to these, I also provide my own customized teaching materials, which I structure and adapt according to each student’s needs and the specific topics being covered.
Credentials & Affiliations
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Bachelor of Music in Performance – Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, USA
(Recipient of two Berklee Scholarships)
Graduated Summa Cum Laude, included in the Dean’s List with a GPA of 3.938 -
Certificate in Guitar Performance – Berklee College of Music
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Guitar Instructor at Movimento Musical Music School, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
