Bossa Nova Boot Camp
Brazilian Music Education
Brazilian Music Education
Hello! We guide music lovers, including singers, guitarists, choirs, percussionists, and teachers, to immerse themselves in the joy and depths of Brazilian music. Improve your guitar skills, learn regional rhythms, and sing in Portuguese with us.
We provide face-to-face lessons, online masterclasses, and live lessons & musical experiences in Melbourne and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro).
We offer unique immersive music opportunities, including group rodas (instrumental circles) and a cappella vocal group learning.
Whatever you're crafting or exploring, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence. Directly plug in via the source - the fount of musica brasilieira. learn with professionals in Brazil or via English-speaking Australian-based music leaders Doug de Vries and Diana May Clark, who’ve collaborated with Brazilian musicians for over 25 years.
Discover culture and connection in your learning at a natural, communicative pace. Let’s enjoy this expressive music together.
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We're a team of passionate music makers and educators: A collaboration between Mi La Musica (Mila Schiavo, Rio) and Bossa Nova Boot Camp Music Education (Diana Clark), Melbourne, Australia.
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We share music simply by learning through doing, while being mindful of the cultural context and origin of the repertoire. Every project starts with listening, fun, connection and ends with something we're proud to share.
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From entry-level learning to guidance with professional projects, we partner with people who are passionate about Brazilian music and culture—and sharing it respectfully. We have music leaders in Melbourne, and via Rio (online or on the ground). Talk to us!
Bossa Nova Vocal Masterclass testimonial: “The preparation and detail in the course are way beyond the expectations of even a professional musician and teacher – it goes above and beyond - thank you very much. To be sharing part of the journey while Mila, the coordinator, was judging Carnaval this year was very exciting. Thank you for sharing your culture and being so generous. My feeling for the rhythm is better having worked with you – it’s amazing how fast I improved my pronunciation and phrasing with your guidance. Obrigada.”
Catrina, Northcote.
HARMONY BRAZIL TOUR TESTIMONIAL:
“The other singers on the trip were very talented and delightful people to sing and travel with! There were performance opportunities, free time to take in the sights, nightlife with nonstop great music and plenty of dancing. Every last detail was thought of. I always felt safe and supported by Mila, Diana, and our hosts. I left each state we visited feeling like I knew specific traits, foods, and atypical sights that made that lifestyle and culture unique. This is the best way to travel around Brazil or anywhere. I can’t wait to see the 2027 Tour agenda. I plan to go.
The Meet the Maestro classes were a great lead-up to the tour. I couldn't attend them in real time. Being able to watch them later was a great option. The final list of what to bring was extremely helpful. All of the people who went on the trip were talented, warm, fun and friendly. I loved the music, all of it! Qigong in the morning was such a treat.”
Kathleen Kolemann (USA)
The inspirational Doug de Vries demonstrates guitar accompaniment: a preview of the WAVE song module @bossanovabootcamp Online --- Guitar Masterclass Series including audio/video practice clips and more...
“Doug is just magnificent as a performer, artist and educator.
I will be able to catch up on lessons, and I aim to practice! Parabéns. Um abraço.” Gilbert Ducasse
Harmony Brazil ‘25 Tour highlight reel #1
“It’s a wonderful adventure, and the Brazilian people are so warm and welcoming. If you love Brazilian
music, this is an awesome way to experience it - singing with locals is heartwarming and moving.
Being in a tour group of like-minded people adds to the joy, so much fun and looking out for one
another. Sharing the adventures!
Do it!.”
Testimonials of our Bossa Nova masterclass series (12 singing modules available) “This is a fabulous teaching package! I’ve been having lots of fun practising the Mas Que Nada Bossa Nova song module" Robyn, Mornington Peninsula.
“Sing Harmony Brazil ‘25 was fabulous! I’m a big fan of travelling with purpose and on this tour we enjoyed singing with new-found Brazilian friends in the universities, cultural centres, bars and clubs of three vibrant, contrasting cities. All while seeing the sights and indulging in the cuisine.
Mila and Diana, exceptional musicians with a passion for Brazilian music, delivered a well-organised, comfortable, engaging and varied itinerary.
Do yourself a favour: practise your Portuguese, book a
place and go! beijos, Poul”
Bossa Nova Masterclass
Our Brazilian Music Modules begin with Bossa Nova & go deeper into the roots of Samba, Choro & MPB.
Master guitarist Doug de Vries presents ‘GUITAR CHOCOLATES’ resource site - Workshops and materials include Tab & chord diagrams.
Vicente Costa Nucci presents Vocal Masterclasses with detailed Portuguese articulation & Phonetics for non-native Portuguese speakers.
Mila Schiavo & Diana May Clark present Choral - A cappella and percussion workshops - rhythms & harmonies that will move you.
Claudio Nucci presents ‘The Nova Bossa Songbook’ - featuring Grammy award winning songs and new works by notable Brazilian composers/performers.
Masterclass Module INFO:
Each song (Vocal or Guitar) masterclass runs for around 75 minutes
The Program Includes:
· Historical context of the compositions / Composers
· Charts, chord diagrams & tab provided
· Acoustic guitar foundation techniques and
· Music fundamentals for each arrangement
· Brazilian rhythms, phrasing & chord voicing
· Arrangement Charts in 2 keys with practice clips for solo gtr/accompaniment.
Classes in English are a live recording of Masterclass led from Melbourne (Australia) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Bossa Nova/Samba for Guitar:
Wave
Chega de Saudade
Samba da Minha Terra
Desafinado
Gilberto Gil’s guitar & composition styles
CHORO Part 1 (instrumental style that precedes Samba) Tua Imagem played by DdV (Canhoto da Paraíba)
CHORO Part 2 – Tira-Poeira (Sátiro Bilhar)
Treasures of Brazilian Guitar - Dino 7 cordas, Rafael Rabello, Egberto Gismonti & more…
We’re here to help
We are serious about cultural immersion and love to share the love of music.
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