Rafael Durão

Hello! It's Rafael here :)

I am a percussionist and educator with over 15 years of experience having performed and taught across a variety of musical styles. 

I started playing percussion at 14 and have been immersed in music ever since. My musical journey has taken me through Classical, Brazilian, Latin, Jazz, and improvised music, and I bring that wide range of influences into every lesson I teach.

Since 2021, I’ve been teaching private students of all levels, as well as leading group workshops for kids, adults, and mixed-level ensembles. I’ve done workshops of djembé, Brazilian batucada, and body percussion, always with a strong focus on groove, listening, and creative expression.

My lessons are completely tailored to you whether you’re just starting or you are already an experienced percussionist. 

I can help you a lot in a wide range of subjects from Orchestral Percussion excerpts, to Music Theory, to Brazilian Pandeiro! 

My classes exist to support growth with practical tools and musical inspiration.

Looking forward to meet and play together! 

As your teacher, I have the responsibility to guide to unlock your musical potential. I believe rhythm is part of everyone's life. My lessons are focused on:

-Mallet technique for Marimba and Vibraphone;

-Pandeiro;

-Groove and hand percussion;

-Stick control and Rudiments;

-Snare Drum etudes;

-Orchestral Percussion;

-Improvisation on Vibraphone.

Whether  you're a beginner or an experienced player, our lessons are tailor made according to your interests and goals. 

In the end we are looking for a way to unlock your full musical potential with my help, while keeping it joyful, inspiring and rewarding.