I am excited to announce that I will be teaching a five-day tap dance intensive with 2017 Grammy nominee and virtuoso bassist, Nilson Matta, and other world-renowned musicians, August 1 -6 2021 in the Endicott College in Boston's No. Shore.
Samba Meets Jazz Workshops is a fantastic organization dedicated to creating opportunities that promote the study and appreciation of Jazz, Brazilian Music and World Rhythms. These workshops have developed a cherished reputation for providing personalized attention, instrumental and vocal instruction of the highest caliber, and an enjoyable approach to learning this wonderful music.
In 2018, I was invited to introduce TAP DANCE to the program. After a great turn out and wonderful experience from the students I am excited to be back in this year's program.
Each tap participant will have a unique opportunity to further their skills by working with all of the members of the Samba Meets Jazz music faculty. In an intimate and supportive environment (approximately 8-10 students) you will be immersed (5 hours during 5 days) in classes that focus specifically on establishing a conversation between tap dancers and musicians, working on rhythm, articulation, melodic interpretation and phrasing.
Our goal for you is to understand and internalize this wonderful music as you integrate it into your tap repertoire.
This workshop welcomes adult students at all levels!
WELCOME TO SAMBA MEETS JAZZ
ARRIVALS: Sunday, August 1st ***
We will kick off our week with Intro’s & Jam from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Rose Concert
Hall (located within the Arts Center), and are arranging an optional dinner for 8:00pm. If
travel logistics don’t permit, or you are not inclined to join on Sunday, you are welcome
to commence participation on Monday morning.
*** if you would like to drop off your instruments, we will be there between 3:30pm –
5:30pm. Alternatively, you can do so before start of sessions Monday.
INSTRUCTION:
Monday, August 2 – Friday, August 6
DEPARTURE:
Late afternoon, Friday August 6
We are planning for a culminating performance mid-afternoon, outdoors. Details to be
shared upon confirmation of arrangements. We anticipate concluding by 4:00pm
SMJ FACULTY:
Nilson Matta , Artistic/Music Director
Dario Eskenazi, Felipe Galganni, Mike Tucker and Marcio Philomena.
OUR PROGRAM:
Samba Meets Jazz Workshops is delighted to once again offer in-person, LIVE
instrumental and tap programs! These programs are open to instrumentalists and tap
dancers of all musical backgrounds and experience. Number of horn players will be
limited due to Covid-related restrictions.
INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM
Our instrumental program will combine the “best of SMJ-Bar Harbor” with new offerings:
Ensembles
Rhythm Section Labs
Harmony & Improvisation
Intro to Brazilian Choro
Explorations – Interactive Workshops (led jointly by faculty)
Instrument-Specific Study
Jam Sessions
Culminating Student Performance (outdoors)
TAP PROGRAM
Our tap program will feature internationally recognized Brazilian tap dancer Felipe
Galganni. Tap participants will once again have a unique opportunity to further foster
their skills by interacting and working with various members of Samba Meets Jazz’
music faculty who will provide live accompaniment. In this context, and in an intimate
environment, dancers will be immersed in classes that focus specifically on, and/or
integrate, the following::
Jazz, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban Styles
Tap Improv
Rhythmic & Percussive Explorations
Articulation, Phrasing, Interpretation
Tap dancers will also have opportunities to participate alongside instrumental students in
percussion sessions and more! There will be a culminating performance on Friday
afternoon.
SCHEDULE
Daily schedule will include approximately 5-6 hours of instruction. We are currently
waiting on information from Endicott (meal times, etc.) before announcing daily start and
end times. As much as possible, we will try to build in mid-day breaks for practicing,
private lessons and R&R breaks (beach, bicycling, kayaking, etc. for those interested),
or just plain resting up! Yes – there are some great local beaches!
VENUE
Endicott College (click for virtual tour) Beverly, MA (Boston No. Shore)
Our classes will be held in the Manninen Center for the Arts (photo below). We'll have
one floor to ourselves (including 5 piano practice rooms with new acoustic pianos), as
well as access to the Art Center’s lovely rooftop. The Arts Center will be open for our
use from 8:30am - 11:00pm. Parking is readily available at the Arts Center.
Endicott is located on Boston’s North Shore – often called Boston’s “Gold Coast.”
Towns close by that might be familiar to you are Salem (think witches), Manchester-by-
the-Sea (think Ben Affleck’s movie), Marblehead, and Gloucester. Rockport is
approximately 25 minutes by car (public transportation also available), known for its
numerous (over 30) art galleries, antique shops, eateries, and more.
Manninen Center for the Arts Singing Beach – Manchester-by-the-Sea
LODGING
We have secured discounted rates at Wylie Inn & Conference Center, across the street
from the Endicott (Endicott is not offering housing this year due to Covid). The rate is
$111 per night, including taxes/fees. The rooms are called "petite queens (approx. 160
sq. feet).
Our registration form provides the option to request lodging at Wylie, and to share any
special lodging requests (including extra night(s) if available).
To streamline bookings, SMJ will pass on your information and special requests to the
hotel to add to its SMJ master list. FYI, hotel cancellation policy is free cancellation up
to 24 hours in advance of arrival date.
Prepayment is not required. You will make payment at the hotel.
Note: The restaurant will not be operating, due to Covid.
MEALS
Endicott is planning to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner in its dining hall, as usual.
Past participants have been more than happy with the offerings, including vegetarian
and vegan options. All participants will have lunch at the Endicott dining hall
(buffet style - with servers), or if you prefer, grab 'n go. Breakfast & dinners are
optional. You will be able to sign up for breakfast(s) and/or dinner(s) on the
specific days you would like, in advance of program start date.
As shared in the previous paragraph, Endicott is planning to keep its dining hall open
with full service. They do require, however, a minimum number of meal subscriptions
(30 people combined from all groups on campus) to do so. In the unlikely event that
the dining hall is not open, we will have the option to order boxed meals, or for our
group to have catered meals (breakfast in the Arts Center; and/or dinner in another
location).
As we get closer to program start, Endicott will provide us with updated info, and sign-
up options.
Photo below: Dining Hall Breakfast Omelet Station.
TUITION RATES
Due to Covid-related considerations, our program will be notably smaller than usual for
several reasons. First, 2021 registration is open only to SMJ alumni (and their friends)
and students of faculty members, except in rare instances. Additionally, Endicott has
placed limitations on enrollment of horn players. Third, social-distancing requirements
have reduced the number of rooms available to us. On a positive note, though, we will
not be sharing hallways and bathrooms with other groups.
Given the reduced enrollment, our budget is very tight, and we will not be able to offer
our usual automatic discounts (i.e., early registration, referral, working musician
discounts). We understand that for some people, participation in the past was a
financial stretch. We have made every effort to keep tuition as low as possible – but as
much as we’ve tried, the costs will be higher than in the past. We are committed,
however, to working with participants on an individual basis to try to reduce tuition,
based on financial need.
With this in mind, in addition to a Standard Tuition rate, we are introducing Samba
Meets Jazz Contributors’ Circle Tuition rates for participants who have the financial
means, and inclination, to contribute. Doing so will provide tuition support for
participants in financial need of tuition reduction, and support for this year’s overall
program costs. Quite a number of participants have made contributions in the past –
this is an opportunity to formalize and recognize such contributions.
INSTRUMENTAL TUITION
Standard Tuition Rate ............... $1125
SMJ Contributors’ Circle Tuition
• Louis Armstrong Tuition Rate . $1375 (includes 1 complimentary private lesson)
• Jobim Tuition Rate................ $1625 (includes 2 complimentary private lessons)
TAP DANCE TUITION
Standard Tuition Rate .................. $845
SMJ Contributors’ Circle Tuition
• Eleanor Powell Tuition Rate ... $995 (includes 1 complimentary private lesson)
• Gregory Hines Tuition Rate ... $1145 (includes 2 complimentary private lessons)
COSTS OF ENDICOTT MEALS** & WYLIE LODGING
Lunch Only (with tax) ................................. $ 65
All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner w/tax) ...... $ 168
Begins with Monday breakfast through Friday lunch.
Breakfast: $9; Lunch: $12; Dinner: $13 – plus tax
** if catered, rates will be higher
All participants will have lunch at the College ($65/wk)
Breakfasts and dinners will be on an optional sign-up basis for days/meals of
your choice, as we get closer to the program.
Lodging @ Wylie (5 nights - taxes/fees included) ... $555
COVID-RELATED POLICIES
Please take the time to read through the attached Endicott Covid
policies, sent to SMJ on Thursday, May 12. It is possible, given the recent
relaxation of Covid restrictions in Massachusetts, that policies might be
changed. Either way, Endicott will be providing a Covid-related Waiver, as will
Samba Meets Jazz, for registrants’ signatures prior to commencement of the
program.
In addition, to make sure Samba Meets Jazz is doing everything it can to
minimize Covid-related risks, participation of registrants (and their guests)
is contingent upon full vaccination completed within the CDC timeframe
for the specific vaccine received. Documentation respecting vaccination
will be required.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Given that we are such a small program (particularly this year with limited enrollment, it
will not be possible to provide a tuition refund should you cancel, unless you are able to
find someone to take your spot. In the event a replacement is not found, you can apply
the tuition you paid towards the cost of any future Samba Meets jazz program, over the
next 2 years.
While we do not anticipate this, in the event that Endicott or Samba Meets Jazz
Workshops cancels the program due to Covid-related matters, full reimbursement of
tuition and any monies paid for meals with be refunded in full within two weeks of
cancellation.
ARRIVALS: Sunday, August 1st ***
We will kick off our week with Intro’s & Jam from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Rose Concert
Hall (located within the Arts Center), and are arranging an optional dinner for 8:00pm. If
travel logistics don’t permit, or you are not inclined to join on Sunday, you are welcome
to commence participation on Monday morning.
*** if you would like to drop off your instruments, we will be there between 3:30pm –
5:30pm. Alternatively, you can do so before start of sessions Monday.
INSTRUCTION:
Monday, August 2 – Friday, August 6
DEPARTURE:
Late afternoon, Friday August 6
We are planning for a culminating performance mid-afternoon, outdoors. Details to be
shared upon confirmation of arrangements. We anticipate concluding by 4:00pm
SMJ FACULTY:
Nilson Matta , Artistic/Music Director
Dario Eskenazi, Felipe Galganni, Mike Tucker and Marcio Philomena.
OUR PROGRAM:
Samba Meets Jazz Workshops is delighted to once again offer in-person, LIVE
instrumental and tap programs! These programs are open to instrumentalists and tap
dancers of all musical backgrounds and experience. Number of horn players will be
limited due to Covid-related restrictions.
INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM
Our instrumental program will combine the “best of SMJ-Bar Harbor” with new offerings:
Ensembles
Rhythm Section Labs
Harmony & Improvisation
Intro to Brazilian Choro
Explorations – Interactive Workshops (led jointly by faculty)
Instrument-Specific Study
Jam Sessions
Culminating Student Performance (outdoors)
TAP PROGRAM
Our tap program will feature internationally recognized Brazilian tap dancer Felipe
Galganni. Tap participants will once again have a unique opportunity to further foster
their skills by interacting and working with various members of Samba Meets Jazz’
music faculty who will provide live accompaniment. In this context, and in an intimate
environment, dancers will be immersed in classes that focus specifically on, and/or
integrate, the following::
Jazz, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban Styles
Tap Improv
Rhythmic & Percussive Explorations
Articulation, Phrasing, Interpretation
Tap dancers will also have opportunities to participate alongside instrumental students in
percussion sessions and more! There will be a culminating performance on Friday
afternoon.
SCHEDULE
Daily schedule will include approximately 5-6 hours of instruction. We are currently
waiting on information from Endicott (meal times, etc.) before announcing daily start and
end times. As much as possible, we will try to build in mid-day breaks for practicing,
private lessons and R&R breaks (beach, bicycling, kayaking, etc. for those interested),
or just plain resting up! Yes – there are some great local beaches!
VENUE
Endicott College (click for virtual tour) Beverly, MA (Boston No. Shore)
Our classes will be held in the Manninen Center for the Arts (photo below). We'll have
one floor to ourselves (including 5 piano practice rooms with new acoustic pianos), as
well as access to the Art Center’s lovely rooftop. The Arts Center will be open for our
use from 8:30am - 11:00pm. Parking is readily available at the Arts Center.
Endicott is located on Boston’s North Shore – often called Boston’s “Gold Coast.”
Towns close by that might be familiar to you are Salem (think witches), Manchester-by-
the-Sea (think Ben Affleck’s movie), Marblehead, and Gloucester. Rockport is
approximately 25 minutes by car (public transportation also available), known for its
numerous (over 30) art galleries, antique shops, eateries, and more.
Manninen Center for the Arts Singing Beach – Manchester-by-the-Sea
LODGING
We have secured discounted rates at Wylie Inn & Conference Center, across the street
from the Endicott (Endicott is not offering housing this year due to Covid). The rate is
$111 per night, including taxes/fees. The rooms are called "petite queens (approx. 160
sq. feet).
Our registration form provides the option to request lodging at Wylie, and to share any
special lodging requests (including extra night(s) if available).
To streamline bookings, SMJ will pass on your information and special requests to the
hotel to add to its SMJ master list. FYI, hotel cancellation policy is free cancellation up
to 24 hours in advance of arrival date.
Prepayment is not required. You will make payment at the hotel.
Note: The restaurant will not be operating, due to Covid.
MEALS
Endicott is planning to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner in its dining hall, as usual.
Past participants have been more than happy with the offerings, including vegetarian
and vegan options. All participants will have lunch at the Endicott dining hall
(buffet style - with servers), or if you prefer, grab 'n go. Breakfast & dinners are
optional. You will be able to sign up for breakfast(s) and/or dinner(s) on the
specific days you would like, in advance of program start date.
As shared in the previous paragraph, Endicott is planning to keep its dining hall open
with full service. They do require, however, a minimum number of meal subscriptions
(30 people combined from all groups on campus) to do so. In the unlikely event that
the dining hall is not open, we will have the option to order boxed meals, or for our
group to have catered meals (breakfast in the Arts Center; and/or dinner in another
location).
As we get closer to program start, Endicott will provide us with updated info, and sign-
up options.
Photo below: Dining Hall Breakfast Omelet Station.
TUITION RATES
Due to Covid-related considerations, our program will be notably smaller than usual for
several reasons. First, 2021 registration is open only to SMJ alumni (and their friends)
and students of faculty members, except in rare instances. Additionally, Endicott has
placed limitations on enrollment of horn players. Third, social-distancing requirements
have reduced the number of rooms available to us. On a positive note, though, we will
not be sharing hallways and bathrooms with other groups.
Given the reduced enrollment, our budget is very tight, and we will not be able to offer
our usual automatic discounts (i.e., early registration, referral, working musician
discounts). We understand that for some people, participation in the past was a
financial stretch. We have made every effort to keep tuition as low as possible – but as
much as we’ve tried, the costs will be higher than in the past. We are committed,
however, to working with participants on an individual basis to try to reduce tuition,
based on financial need.
With this in mind, in addition to a Standard Tuition rate, we are introducing Samba
Meets Jazz Contributors’ Circle Tuition rates for participants who have the financial
means, and inclination, to contribute. Doing so will provide tuition support for
participants in financial need of tuition reduction, and support for this year’s overall
program costs. Quite a number of participants have made contributions in the past –
this is an opportunity to formalize and recognize such contributions.
INSTRUMENTAL TUITION
Standard Tuition Rate ............... $1125
SMJ Contributors’ Circle Tuition
• Louis Armstrong Tuition Rate . $1375 (includes 1 complimentary private lesson)
• Jobim Tuition Rate................ $1625 (includes 2 complimentary private lessons)
TAP DANCE TUITION
Standard Tuition Rate .................. $845
SMJ Contributors’ Circle Tuition
• Eleanor Powell Tuition Rate ... $995 (includes 1 complimentary private lesson)
• Gregory Hines Tuition Rate ... $1145 (includes 2 complimentary private lessons)
COSTS OF ENDICOTT MEALS** & WYLIE LODGING
Lunch Only (with tax) ................................. $ 65
All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner w/tax) ...... $ 168
Begins with Monday breakfast through Friday lunch.
Breakfast: $9; Lunch: $12; Dinner: $13 – plus tax
** if catered, rates will be higher
All participants will have lunch at the College ($65/wk)
Breakfasts and dinners will be on an optional sign-up basis for days/meals of
your choice, as we get closer to the program.
Lodging @ Wylie (5 nights - taxes/fees included) ... $555
COVID-RELATED POLICIES
Please take the time to read through the attached Endicott Covid
policies, sent to SMJ on Thursday, May 12. It is possible, given the recent
relaxation of Covid restrictions in Massachusetts, that policies might be
changed. Either way, Endicott will be providing a Covid-related Waiver, as will
Samba Meets Jazz, for registrants’ signatures prior to commencement of the
program.
In addition, to make sure Samba Meets Jazz is doing everything it can to
minimize Covid-related risks, participation of registrants (and their guests)
is contingent upon full vaccination completed within the CDC timeframe
for the specific vaccine received. Documentation respecting vaccination
will be required.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Given that we are such a small program (particularly this year with limited enrollment, it
will not be possible to provide a tuition refund should you cancel, unless you are able to
find someone to take your spot. In the event a replacement is not found, you can apply
the tuition you paid towards the cost of any future Samba Meets jazz program, over the
next 2 years.
While we do not anticipate this, in the event that Endicott or Samba Meets Jazz
Workshops cancels the program due to Covid-related matters, full reimbursement of
tuition and any monies paid for meals with be refunded in full within two weeks of
cancellation.

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