About the Austin Choro Club
The Austin Choro Club is a completely free community made up of local musicians and passionate music lovers, dedicated to spreading the joy and rich history of Brazilian Choro music. We are more than just a rehearsal space; our club is a vibrant, welcoming place to meet new friends, connect with fellow players, and share our collective love for this incredible musical tradition. To bring this music to life, we host a regular roda — an informal, traditional musical circle where everyone gathers to jam, improvise, listen, and build community together. Whether you play an instrument or simply tap your feet to the rhythm, there is a seat waiting for you in our circle!
Our monthly roda is held at Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches (3220 Manor, Austin, TX 78723) every 3rd Saturday of the month at 2pm, after a concert by local choro band, Caros Amigos. With each newsletter we will include two new songs to learn and perform together at the monthly roda. All ages, instruments and skill levels are welcome; basic music reading is recommended.
Also included in every newsletter you'll find Brazilian music history, musical happenings in and around Austin, sheet music downloads, learning resources, instrument sales/classifieds (free posts to anyone interested) and teachers, along with info for our monthly roda (FREE to attend and participate).
FAQs
What is Choro?
Choro (pronounced “SHOH-roh" or "SHO-roo") is a vibrant instrumental Brazilian music style that originated in Rio de Janeiro in late 1800s. Although "Choro" translates to "cry" or "weep", this music generally has a very vibrant and cheerful beat, characterized by the virtuosity and improvisation of its participants. It blends elegant European salon melodies with syncopated Afro-Brazilian grooves, often considered the "father of Samba."
What is Choro (in 7 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOBSFRrqTvM
What is a roda and how do I prepare?
A roda (pronounced HOH-dah) is a traditional, informal musical circle where players gather to jam, improvise, and share Choro music. To prepare for ours, just look over the two songs we announce each month and practice them however you can based on your skill level. Beginners can focus on basic chords or the main melody, while advanced players can prep harmonies or improvisation. At the roda, just jump right into the circle and play the parts you have prepared!
Where do I find the sheet music?
We will feature 2 new songs every month (see below at roda details), but please also visit our free Song & Audio Resource Hub to download sheet music from past sessions. While our main focus each month is learning the two new featured songs, our ultimate goal is to build a full shared repertoire—so we will almost certainly play these older songs as well!
Do I have to read music?
No, but being able to read music helps a lot, and we highly encourage developing your music literacy since Choro has a rich sheet music tradition! However, if you aren't good at reading yet, it is completely okay. Choro is equally rooted in playing by ear and oral tradition. We provide lead sheets for our two monthly songs, but you are entirely welcome to learn them by ear, use tabs, or just follow the chord progressions on the fly. As long as you can learn the tunes using whatever method works best for you, you are ready for the circle.
Do I need to play an instrument to attend the rodas?
No, you are absolutely welcome to just come and listen without playing an instrument, and enjoy the music and be part of the party! Rodas are about community, and we want you to be a part of it!
