Experience The Vibrant Rhythms
In Los Angeles

Our mission is to immerse you in the vibrant cultural heritage of Samba, where music, rhythm, and passion come together to create an unforgettable experience. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Samba and bring this lively culture to life!

About Us

At Samba Los Angeles, we’re all about immersing you in the heart-pounding world of Samba rhythms and the rich culture that accompanies it. Our mission is to bring the authentic spirit of Brazilian Carnival to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, infusing the city with the energy and passion of Samba.

Our expert instructors and seasoned percussionists are dedicated to sharing their love for this rhythmic art form. From beginners to seasoned musicians, we welcome everyone to join our classes and workshops. You’ll learn the ins and outs of Samba drumming and master intricate beats that define Samba.

Beyond the beats, we foster a tight-knit community where like-minded enthusiasts come together to create music, share experiences, and form lasting friendships. We believe in the transformative power of rhythm and the joy it brings, uniting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures under the universal language of music.

As part of our commitment to enriching the community, we regularly organize performances and events, spreading the infectious Samba spirit throughout Los Angeles. We aspire to showcase the beauty of Samba, from the electric rhythms to the captivating dance, inspiring others to embrace this exhilarating cultural phenomenon.

Stay tuned as we embark on this rhythmic adventure together!

PROFESSOR

Tyler Chen

Tyler Chen is a versatile drummer, pianist, composer, and producer based in Los Angeles. Originally from Salt Lake City, he has spent over a decade performing in a variety of musical settings, from jazz clubs and concert halls to parades and football stadiums. His diverse musical background includes marching percussion with the SLCC marching band and the University of Utah drumline, orchestral performances with the American West Symphony, and jazz gigs with his quintet, Sunnyside Avenue.

Tyler’s passion for rhythm led him to Brazilian music, where he has performed with Samba Fogo since 2018 and founded Samba Los Angeles in 2023, a Batucada group dedicated to bringing authentic Brazilian percussion to LA. He also teaches Brazilian drumming workshops and collaborates with Samba Colorado and Samba Fogo, sharing his expertise with students across the country. Additionally, he provides live drumming for dance classes in collaboration with Ana Malandro at the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center.

As a composer, Tyler draws inspiration from jazz, classical, and pop music. He studied under esteemed musicians such as Kris Johnson, Steve Lyman, Brian Booth, and Courtney Isaiah Smith. His compositions have been performed by jazz ensembles, small groups, and hip-hop artists, earning him the prestigious Jazz Commission for the Utah Arts Festival in 2021. In 2022, he wrote arrangements for the Salt Lake Chinese Choir, and he is currently writing Big Band arrangements for the Cerritos College Big Band for their summer concerts.

In addition to performing and composing, Tyler is an experienced audio engineer, producing and recording music for a variety of artists. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Composition and a certificate in Music Technology from the University of Utah, where he graduated in 2020.

Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Tyler continues to push creative boundaries, blending genres and cultures to create dynamic and engaging musical experiences.