Hi, I’m Pepe Barcellos, and I'm passionate about Brazilian music education. With over 30 years of experience playing and teaching music, I want to share my journey and inspire learners of all backgrounds.
My Musical Journey
First Steps: I picked up the guitar at 13, sparking a lifelong passion for music. I started playing classic rock riffs and guitar licks from my heroes such as Jimmy Page, Angus Young, Eric Clapton, and Mark Knofler. By the time I graduated secondary school, I was digging into Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, and other virtuosos guitar players.
A Turning Point: While studying jazz in Los Angeles, Tom Jobim’s passing deeply moved me. It sparked a renewed commitment to embracing and preserving Brazilian musical traditions. I realized my responsibility to the music of my roots. As Brazilian music gained global recognition, I needed to rediscover and share its richness.
Deepening My Roots: Back in Rio de Janeiro, I fully immersed myself in Brazilian music—exploring capoeira, forró dancing, and experiencing samba nights at Lapa. I set out to fill the gaps in my musical training, rediscovering the rhythms and traditions of my homeland. By the late '90s, this journey resulted in my debut singer-songwriter album, Eu Vou Cantar (1999), combining my deep dive into Brazilian music with living abroad and studying jazz. Want to know more about my music journey? Click here
Brazilian music workshops and percussion learning for children, adults, and educators in schools and cultural events.
Composed various songs for own albums, other artists', and compilations like Putumayo Kids Brazilian Playground.
Ph.D. from Georgia State University: "Teacher and Student Perspectives on Songwriting Pedagogy in Middle School"
Composed the soundtrack for the award-winning animation Ratos de Rua (Street Rats), dance shows, and theater plays.
If we can move together, we can play together
Group activities that celebrate students' musical backgrounds
Practical dealings and doings with music expanding the classroom walls
A space for musical exploration where I co-construct meaning along learners
Your workshop was absolutely fantastic and you dealt with the huge number of participants brilliantly - every single person who came along was totally captivated and involved.