Red background with illustrations of Brazilian Maracatu drums, text saying 'Percussion para/com maracatu,' and two cultural logos.

We offer a range of Brazilian percussion and drumming classes in London for all levels of experience. Led by experienced percussionist Sam Alexander, our Maracatu percussion and drumming courses cover technique, rhythms, variations, and the music’s cultural context.

People playing traditional drums with red and green decorations indoors.

Open percussion classes

Our open Brazilian Maracatu Percussion Classes run weekly on Mondays 6:45pm to 9:15pm at Maxilla Social Club in West London.

Newbies, beginners, and experienced players welcome. No previous experience required. Led by experienced percussionist Sam Alexander, our Maracatu percussion classes cover technique, rhythms, variations, and the music’s cultural context.

£15 per class (£12 Banda/concessions)

2 Maxilla Walk, London, W10 6SW, underneath the Westway, 5 mins from Latimer Road Tube station on the Hammersmith & City/Circle Lines.


Hand drumming

Afro-Brazillian hand drumming open courses for beginners and advanced. The course covers technique, rhythms, variations, and the music’s cultural context. Rhythms studied are maracas, samba, ijexa, and other Afro-Brazilian traditional and contemporary beats. Run by Sam in 10 week courses; new dates will be announced soon. Please register your interest below.


Private group classes

Led by experienced percussionist Sam Alexander, we can organise individual or courses of classes for your group, organisation or company. We offer teaching at all levels – from absolute beginners to experienced musicians – for people of all ages. We will provide instruments, but please feel free to bring yours own if you have them.


One-to-one tuition

Baque de Axé founder and band leader Sam Alexander has a wealth of percussion and drumming experience amassed over nearly 3 decades. He offers a full range of Brazilian and Latin one-to-one and small group drumming tuition – including Maracatu, Samba Reggae, and hand drumming – for all levels starting from £30/h. Please email to find out more.