Heitor Vilela

Samba Percussionist • Bateria & Tamborim Specialist

About the teacher

Heitor is a Brazilian percussionist whose musical journey began inside collective rhythm spaces. He had never played an instrument before entering college, where his first contact with music came through Cherateria, a Bateria Universitária inspired by the percussion sections of Brazilian samba schools.

Through this community-based learning environment, Heitor discovered not only music, but a lifelong connection to rhythm, body, and sound.

Cultural Roots & Musical Style

Cherateria introduced Heitor to the traditional instruments of samba-school percussion: chocalho/ganzá, tamborim, caixa, repique, and surdos (primeira, segunda, terceira). Over three years, he became proficient across all of them, with a special focus on tamborim, caixa, and repique.

In his second year, Heitor entered his first samba school, G.R.E.S. Pérola Negra, where he played repique in the 2025 São Paulo Carnival, winning the 3rd division. That same year, he also performed with X-9 Paulistana in the 2nd division.

Today, Heitor plays:

Tamborim at Cherateria

Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi (2nd division)

Barroca Zona Sul (1st division)

Teaching Philosophy & Approach

Heitor teaches rhythm as something embodied, not abstract.

His approach emphasizes:

Feeling rhythm through the body

Internalising pulse and phrasing

Listening before reacting

Understanding how each instrument fits into the collective

Lessons are grounded in real samba practice, shaped by the traditions of rodas de samba, bateria rehearsals, and carnival performance, not isolated exercises.

How the lessons work

Register & Book Your Time

Begin by registering through our booking system and selecting a lesson time that works for you.

Online Lessons via Zoom

All lessons are held online via Zoom. A private meeting link will be sent to you before the lesson.

Rescheduling Policy

If you need to reschedule a lesson, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Respecting Shared Time

Our teachers work across different time zones and schedules. These guidelines help ensure a focused, respectful, and smooth experience for both students and teachers.

Lesson Packs

Pick the plan that matches your musical path. Flexible options for every level to improve your groove. The prices are in USD.

3 Months

A focused three-month program with weekly lessons designed to build consistency and core skills. Strengthen rhythm, ear training, harmony, technique, and groove through practical, music-first learning.

$1,500

Register now

6 months

A structured six-month path with weekly lessons tailored to your goals. Develop strong fundamentals in rhythm, ear training, harmony, technique, and groove, supported by guided materials and focused practice.

$3,000

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1 year

A full year of weekly lessons focused on deep, consistent musical growth. Build rhythm, ear training, harmony, technique, and groove through real music, with clear direction, accountability, and long-term development.

$6,000

Register now
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