This was a truly memorable experience. It was beautifully organized, with lessons, private and in ensemble; workshops with stellar musicians; the opportunity to perform at a gig at a famous club in Rio; dinners; dancing; introduction and invitation to participate in an amazing percussion ensemble; a boat ride around Copacabana bay; a stay at a lovely hotel on Copacabana beach; ground transportation provided to all events; and the opportunity to study and play with a group of wonderful, dedicated musicians. Many thanks to our great tour organizers, Dan Fox and Mila Schiavo, and best wishes to all. Jill Borenstein

A great trip - put together extremely well. The Brazilian Music Experience and Morningside Music Tours combined to create a fantastic musical and cultural experience !!

Awesome authentic Brazilian music experience! Thanks to Dan, Mila and Guilherme for making it come together. Samba school, Roda de Samba, Choro - all amazing and great learning experiences. Great music at the Bottle Bar close to the hotel. If possible would be nice to know in advance who will be there and book the main area so everyone could have a great seat (or just get there earlier). For performance night, would be good to have a roof over the stage to avoid cancellation, although the venue was a beautiful comfortable place with good food and good acoustics! The hotel was perfect for what we were doing. The location was also perfect in my opinion. Perhaps some improvements could be made with daily sessions. Ensemble practices felt a bit rushed. I think a minimum of 2-1/2 hours would be good. Improvements could be made in the setup - sound system etc., possible a little larger space for the size group we had. Would be nice to get a little more one-one instruction on drums, at least 2 lessons would be good (but a lot to fit in). Lots of nit-picking above to help with future planning. Overall a really great trip and no complaints at all!!

This was a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in Brazilian music, in the company of people who love it as much as I do. Everything was extremely well organised - transport, accommodation, meals and tuition. The music program was very valuable. The organisers were knowledgeable and caring, and were responsive to my particular needs.

Morningside’s trip to New Orleans was a perfect introduction to a city I had always wanted to visit, and the “total immersion” into NOLA’s famous music scene has had a long-lasting effect on me.* So much music was packed into this short Friday-through-Monday trip, yet the pace felt energizing rather than exhausting. Dan guided us to clubs with bands that are an integral part of the New Orleans music scene and that reflect the city’s jazz traditions. Some of the musicians from these bands were part of our jam sessions in the studio by day. And then there’s the food. What should I write about the food? Well, what’s there to say ?? ? - except that it’s New Orleans! and thus, we had great meals. This is one terrific trip. *Now I’m bugging Dan to start a trad jazz ensemble at Morningside Studios - see what can happen?