That I am blown away by Havana with its rich culture and hold the highest admiration for Cubans we’ve met, is testament to the amazing itinerary and program, Morningside Music Tours and its partner, Havana Music School organized. I am a professional jazz musician (pianist/vocalist) that joined the Cuban music workshop so I could woodshed my montunos. The week-long trip was intense. Mornings comprised of ensemble and individual lessons (including a beach percussion class); the afternoons a variety of cultural activities—from a cigar experience, salsa class, horseback riding in a farm to city tours on foot and via classic car; the evenings almost always included phenomenal live music. For the final evening, the ensemble class performed a “concert” or more correctly, was a feature in a music jam. First of, a review is incomplete without a big kudos to the founders of both Morningside Music Tours in the US (Dan) and Havana Music School in Cuba (Miguel). Dan not only chose a great partner institution in Cuba, but also sent advance music material to work on in preparation for the music lessons. He also made every effort to accommodate requests of the group and organized a virtual meeting to prep participants on what to expect. Once in Cuba, Miguel, took over and was over and beyond helpful in negotiating our way around WIFi issues, money exchange and other details. What was great was that Miguel and his staff have a strong familial bond which is rare and beautiful to see in a business; and even more unusual is how they welcomed us into their family. The love is and was palpable. Any business that treats its members with respect and love will always get my vote, but here are other reasons I thought the trip exceptional and why you should book through MorningSide Music Tours: -Selection of restaurants and venues were excellent! I am also a culinary educator and was impressed by food quality in many of the restaurants we went to and wowed by the artsy and edgy ambience in most, which are among the best I’ve seen anywhere. -Havana is one giant cultural immersion. The level of musicianship is phenomenal since musicians are classically trained from when they are 7 years old. Be prepared for a visual and aural blast. We met (and jammed with) some really amazing cats! Great selection of live music in both intimate and concert-like settings. -good variety of cultural activities -pleasant accommodations and staff in casa particulares -there is no sugar coating the problems most Cubans face every day; the severe lack of basic supplies, the lack of income. Being able to engage more personally with Cubans helped me understand more the effects of geopolitics on the people, what it means in the every day sense, and also how we can help Cubans. People coming to Cuba, spending on activities and supporting local trade are good ways to get money directly into the hands of people especially through trusted outfitters like Monrningside Music Tours and Havana Music School. -Music school teachers, staff and guides are exceptional. Mila, Yaimara, Pompa, Ale, Olivia, Mauris. I am particularly happy with my individual lessons with Maestro Juan Pompa who helped me refine montuno playing. I am in deep admiration of the Cuban people, its artistry, resilience and openness, and am grateful to Dan, Miguel and those at Havana Music School for showing me the real Cuba. Muchas gracias! Ya los extraño.
By Maria Elenita D for Ultimate Havana Experience for Dancers, Musicians and Music Lovers on 13 Jun, 2022
All in all this was a great trip and an outstanding opportunity to learn Afro-Cuban songs and rhythms. I really enjoyed traveling with and playing music with the people on the trip, and our Cuban instructors and tour guides were incredible. In the evening we saw some wonderful music at jazz clubs, restaurants, and at the Havana Jazz Festival. It seemed like everywhere we went, in restaurants and on the street, there was music playing, and it was a blast being able to get up and play along with them, The afternoon activities were great also, including the trip to Vinales, the tour of Old Havana, and car ride in the antique cars. And I can't say enough good things about the food. On this trip we stayed with Cuban families. I enjoyed talking with our hosts and learning about their lives. I would also say that I really enjoyed the city of Havana.
By Eric S for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 29 Jan, 2020
This was the emotional high point of any trip I’ve ever taken ~ built around music, with such warm, expressive, bright Cuban musicians leading our every move, and touring us around fabulous Cuba, dining on exquisite cuisine in lush, beautiful settings. I could never have imagined how fabulous Cuba could be, its beautiful, colorful architecture, magnificent flora everywhere, and so hope to return soon, especially with Dan, who has perfected this trip after five years of honing its details, and so well knowing how to handle the people aspects of a group traveling together. Our Casa particulares was lovely, my suite mates on the trip ideal and caring, and the women who cooked our breakfast and brought us every convenience ~ so thoughtful and responsive. Here’s to next year!
By Elsa S for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 27 Jan, 2020
This was the musical trip of a lifetime! Always wanted to travel to Cuba to soak in the music and the culture first-hand --and this was the way to do it. The planning, accommodations, meals, lessons and special events were handled extremely well. The highlight for me was getting the chance to hang out with Cuban people, whether making music together or simply riding in one of those cool taxi cabs. I'd make this trip again in a heartbeat!
By Rebecca C for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 27 Jan, 2020
Highly recommend! We had an awesome time. Just the music lessons alone would have made the trip worth it -- getting to learn from and play with Cuban percussionists was out of this world! Throw in great company, beautiful weather, amazing food, live music everywhere and jazz shows every night ... could you ask for anything more? If you are thinking about going on this trip, you should stop thinking, and just go! I guarantee your future self will thank you.
By Alice L for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 26 Jan, 2020
The Morningside trip to Cuba was a life-changing experience! Words to describe will simply not do it justice- the experience in itself was priceless! Met wonderful people all around- our fellow traveling companions and all our Cuban friends who were our guides, music instructors, and casa particulares hosts. We all felt right at home and well-fed. Wished we did a bit more walking to burn off the food! The trip was well-organized and exciting every day- immersed in crash courses of music lessons and Latin ensembles to captivating live music performances every evening! Should I mention the flan and mojitos were out of this world? Oh, and there were trips to experience the beautiful Cuban architecture and landscape from Havana to the Vinales Valley. Not often do you get to ride in colorful vintage cars daily! To sum it up- returned from Cuba with a burst of energy that will be surrounding me - the people, the music, and the scenery in vivid memory. The organizing team was brilliant and considerate to everyone's needs. Sign me up again, please!
By Padma N for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 25 Jan, 2020
Fantastic trip: played music and took lessons with Havana Music School instructors, played with many fine musicians from the US and Cuba, enjoyed sites, marvelous lunches and dinners, a trip to Vinales to visit the caves and a tobacco farm, the Havana Jazz Festival, heard excellent music in clubs, hotels, restaurants, on the street. Accommodations were wonderful, our location had easy access, travel accommodations were easy, transfers were well organized. Excellent trip, everything I could have asked for.
By John F for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 25 Jan, 2020
This was a superb trip. The accommodations were charming, clean, and comfortable; the meals were delicious, the music was A-list, and the people who organized it were attentive to every detail (from a lost cell phone to a forgotten passport). For those who wanted to participate in everything offered, there may have been a bit too little sleep -- things were so exciting it was hard not to stay up late. However, the choice is yours, and resting a bit more was perfectly acceptable. Everyone was friendly and truly professional. All of us in my group had a terrific time, and we can't wait to go back again. I have no reason to give such a glowing review, except that I'm utterly grateful to have had this extraordinary opportunity. There wasn't a single moment I wasn't completely immersed in wonder.
By Constance L for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 25 Jan, 2020
Fantastic trip. So well organized. Didn't have a single problem with accomodations, restaurants, or jazz clubs. Turned everything I ever thought about Cuba on its head. Some of the most warm, generous, happy people I've ever met.
By Joseph B for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 20 Jan, 2020
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.
By Shelley D for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 15, 2023
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?
By MICHAEL B for New Orleans Music Experience on Sep 07, 2023
As musicians with a lifetime interest in playing jazz music, it was absurd that we had never visited New Orleans. Dan organized an excellent line up of music venues and restaurants and also organized two playing sessions with local musicians. The accommodations he found for us were perfect. New Orleans is a city of musicians. We came home inspired and appreciative.
By Valerie W for New Orleans Music Experience on Sep 06, 2023
I recently returned home from a trip to Brazil with Morningside Music Tours. Our host from US was Dan Fox and in Brazil was Mila Schiavo. It was billed as a trip that would be an immersion in the Brazilian culture and musical studies with master teachers. It was all of that and more! Master Percussionist Mila Schiavo set up classes with other Master musicians and related activities with the locals, that have to be experienced to be believed. We spent an evening with at a top Samba School as they begin to prepare for Carnival 2024. We went to night clubs where Jobim, Joao Gilberto, etc. got their start. The class teachers are high level professional musicians and professors, who give excellent instruction and are beautiful people. To be able to go out in the evening after a day of classes, to hear this same music being performed in night clubs and large neighborhood gatherings, with everyone singing along and dancing is surreal! It was magical and soul inspiring! We were also given the opportunity to perform, in a beautiful, supportive atmosphere. Importantly, the organization provided by Mila Schiavo and Dan Fox was top notch! I always felt safe and knew what to expect. The other students were wonderful, talented people, that became dear friends. I’m inspired to study, sing, play, and travel back to Brazil again and again…..
By Kathleen K for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 06, 2023
This was a truly fabulous trip, well organized from start to finish. Our Brazilian hosts were not only warm and generous with their time but were amazing musicians and instructors. Our evenings were filled with the most beautiful music that the typical tourist would have had difficulty accessing and that made the trip a truly unique experience. I can't recommend it highly enough.
By Joseph M S for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 04, 2023
Once again, Morningside Music Tours hit it out of the park with The Brazilian Music Experience. Expertly organized and immensely educational, we had a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the musical styles of samba, choro, bossa nova by doing classes during the day and then going to music venues at night to hear the styles in context. The instructors all spoke excellent English and we were transported safely to all the places we needed to go. Kudos to Dan Fox and Mila Schiavo for a great partnership that yielded a great experience! I am definitely going back and would highly recommend this trip for anyone interested in an immersive experience of Brazilian music styles.
By Katherine S for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 03, 2023
If you want a truly authentic immersion of Brazilian music and culture, you must sign up for this trip. Every day of the week in Rio de Janeiro was fabulous and packed with fulfilling adventures of music styles, ensemble classes, and percussion or voice workshops. So thankful to all the instructors who were passionate expert musicians and enjoyed teaching all of us. My exposure to Brazilian rhythms went from 5% to 100% within a week...and it went by so fast! We were able to learn a different style of music each day and see themed live performances every evening in great venues, putting our learnings into 'practice.' Spectacular to experience interactive community performances in samba music/dancing and participating in our jam sessions. If the musical part wasn't enough for the week, we also had a breathtaking city tour of Rio & Corcovado, and some time to shop in the local markets. Many thanks (Muito Obrigada!!) to Dan Fox and Mila Schiavo for their dedication and creativity in putting together a wonderful trip. Only wishing we had longer than a week to experience all the music and culture that Brazil has to offer. So much knowledge to gain. Beautiful people and places. Cannot wait for the next trip :).
By Padma N for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 03, 2023
This was a fantastic trip, full of amazing food and even more amazing performances! Every day was jam-packed with activities, and it was wonderful to learn all about the different styles of Brazilian music. I particularly appreciated how we learned about a specific style in the morning and then got to see a live performance of that same musical style in the evening, as it helped solidify what we learned and showed what it looked like in context. Only real criticism I have are the classes themselves seem to run too fast through the material, but that's understandable given the amount of ground they had to cover in a week. Overall, I highly recommend everyone take advantage of this trip if they can and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!
By Robert R for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Aug 30, 2023
I recently had the absolute pleasure and privilege of joining Dan Fox and Morningside music tours for two very exciting, incredibly fun and musically rewarding rewarding tours, Cuba and NOLA. Cuba had always been on my bucket list. It was my first trip with Dan and I could not have been more impressed and pleased. Every element of the trip was coordinated and worked out and as smooth as possibly could be. From the tours, to the many great restaurants, to the sightseeing and then finally to music education. As well as seeing local performances, that were absolutely astounding we had wonderful, hist oric tours, amazing meals at one great restaurant after another and of course, some free relaxed time to do as we pleased. I have been a full-time performing musician my entire life and was impressed by how the music education portion that Dan put together was completely fulfilling and rewarding. It also appealed to every level of musician from young, inspiring students to professionals like myself. I would highly recommend anyone interested in the best possible travel opportunity for musicians and performers of any level to book a trip with Morningside music tours as soon as possible, you won’t be disappointed.
By Mark G for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
Every day we saw amazing performances of Cuban musicians from hard core Latin jazz, to traditional Cuban unplugged music, to full Cuban big band orchestra.
Every day I had an extended lesson with a phenomenal Cuban percussionist who also played piano as if you combined Chucho Valdes, Rubén González, Keith, Herbie, Chick and Bill as well. He taught with a wisdom and patience that amazed me. It absolutely changed my perspective on the clave and Latin music.
Every day we practiced as an ensemble preparing for our final concert, which included fellow traveler musicians and Cuban music teachers.
The Cuban people demonstrate how people should live and love one another, with a generosity that will touch your heart. They don't have much in the physical world, but give art and love as if they had everything.
By Brad S. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
I went on three Morningside tours to Cuba. My goal was to begin to unravel the mysteries of Afro-Cuban rhythms and I attained my goal. The Cuban bass player and percussionists we worked with at the Havana Music School knew and made clear what they were talking about and demonstrating. I left with a much better sense of the bass tumbao and was able to play the timbale cascara and clave simultaneously. A performance with the faculty percussionists was icing on the cake. The food as great, the accommodations clean & comfortable and the '51 Chevy we traveled in was interesting.
By Jim G. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
The friendliness of the tour guides, the drivers and other staff surpassed my highest expectations. We had the opportunity to attend The International Cuba Jazz festival at the national theatre and also other performances at The jazz café. Music was everywhere, Havana is a very musical city with street performers and on restaurants and bars. Our group had the opportunity to perform at a jazz café where we shared the stage with the instructors of the school. Some of them performed at the international jazz festival. Being able to play and interact with up and coming musicians of such high caliber was a life changing experience.
The food was of the highest quality served in fancy restaurants with and impressive atmosphere. We toured to other areas of the city including the Malecon and historical buildings and iconic places, riding in classic 1950s American cars which are kept in mint condition. We attended an arts and crafts market with very reasonable prices and so many works of art. If I had another chance to go to Cuba I wouldn’t miss it for the world!
By Leo C. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
I saw the itinerary for the non spouse activities and thought it wasn't very exciting...ho hum..boy was I wrong. Who would have thought a cemetery tour would be so interesting? The English speaking tour guide made it very fun! ..all sorts of strange stories and events left us asking for more! The private art gallery was amazing and the fine arts museum was my absolute favorite - So much talent. The non-spouse events are less than 3 hours each morning, then we met up with the musicians for lunch and the afternoons were all together tours. Would go again in a heartbeat!
Andrea S. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
A great trip - put together extremely well. The Brazilian Music Experience and Morningside Music Tours combined to create a fantastic musical and cultural experience !!
Larry B. for Brazilian Music Experience June 2024
By Maria Elenita D for Ultimate Havana Experience for Dancers, Musicians and Music Lovers on 13 Jun, 2022
All in all this was a great trip and an outstanding opportunity to learn Afro-Cuban songs and rhythms. I really enjoyed traveling with and playing music with the people on the trip, and our Cuban instructors and tour guides were incredible. In the evening we saw some wonderful music at jazz clubs, restaurants, and at the Havana Jazz Festival. It seemed like everywhere we went, in restaurants and on the street, there was music playing, and it was a blast being able to get up and play along with them, The afternoon activities were great also, including the trip to Vinales, the tour of Old Havana, and car ride in the antique cars. And I can't say enough good things about the food. On this trip we stayed with Cuban families. I enjoyed talking with our hosts and learning about their lives. I would also say that I really enjoyed the city of Havana.
By Eric S for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 29 Jan, 2020
This was the emotional high point of any trip I’ve ever taken ~ built around music, with such warm, expressive, bright Cuban musicians leading our every move, and touring us around fabulous Cuba, dining on exquisite cuisine in lush, beautiful settings. I could never have imagined how fabulous Cuba could be, its beautiful, colorful architecture, magnificent flora everywhere, and so hope to return soon, especially with Dan, who has perfected this trip after five years of honing its details, and so well knowing how to handle the people aspects of a group traveling together. Our Casa particulares was lovely, my suite mates on the trip ideal and caring, and the women who cooked our breakfast and brought us every convenience ~ so thoughtful and responsive. Here’s to next year!
By Elsa S for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 27 Jan, 2020
This was the musical trip of a lifetime! Always wanted to travel to Cuba to soak in the music and the culture first-hand --and this was the way to do it. The planning, accommodations, meals, lessons and special events were handled extremely well. The highlight for me was getting the chance to hang out with Cuban people, whether making music together or simply riding in one of those cool taxi cabs. I'd make this trip again in a heartbeat!
By Rebecca C for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 27 Jan, 2020
Highly recommend! We had an awesome time. Just the music lessons alone would have made the trip worth it -- getting to learn from and play with Cuban percussionists was out of this world! Throw in great company, beautiful weather, amazing food, live music everywhere and jazz shows every night ... could you ask for anything more? If you are thinking about going on this trip, you should stop thinking, and just go! I guarantee your future self will thank you.
By Alice L for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 26 Jan, 2020
The Morningside trip to Cuba was a life-changing experience! Words to describe will simply not do it justice- the experience in itself was priceless! Met wonderful people all around- our fellow traveling companions and all our Cuban friends who were our guides, music instructors, and casa particulares hosts. We all felt right at home and well-fed. Wished we did a bit more walking to burn off the food! The trip was well-organized and exciting every day- immersed in crash courses of music lessons and Latin ensembles to captivating live music performances every evening! Should I mention the flan and mojitos were out of this world? Oh, and there were trips to experience the beautiful Cuban architecture and landscape from Havana to the Vinales Valley. Not often do you get to ride in colorful vintage cars daily! To sum it up- returned from Cuba with a burst of energy that will be surrounding me - the people, the music, and the scenery in vivid memory. The organizing team was brilliant and considerate to everyone's needs. Sign me up again, please!
By Padma N for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 25 Jan, 2020
Fantastic trip: played music and took lessons with Havana Music School instructors, played with many fine musicians from the US and Cuba, enjoyed sites, marvelous lunches and dinners, a trip to Vinales to visit the caves and a tobacco farm, the Havana Jazz Festival, heard excellent music in clubs, hotels, restaurants, on the street. Accommodations were wonderful, our location had easy access, travel accommodations were easy, transfers were well organized. Excellent trip, everything I could have asked for.
By John F for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 25 Jan, 2020
This was a superb trip. The accommodations were charming, clean, and comfortable; the meals were delicious, the music was A-list, and the people who organized it were attentive to every detail (from a lost cell phone to a forgotten passport). For those who wanted to participate in everything offered, there may have been a bit too little sleep -- things were so exciting it was hard not to stay up late. However, the choice is yours, and resting a bit more was perfectly acceptable. Everyone was friendly and truly professional. All of us in my group had a terrific time, and we can't wait to go back again. I have no reason to give such a glowing review, except that I'm utterly grateful to have had this extraordinary opportunity. There wasn't a single moment I wasn't completely immersed in wonder.
By Constance L for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 25 Jan, 2020
Fantastic trip. So well organized. Didn't have a single problem with accomodations, restaurants, or jazz clubs. Turned everything I ever thought about Cuba on its head. Some of the most warm, generous, happy people I've ever met.
By Joseph B for Havana Jazz Festival for Musicians and Music Lovers on 20 Jan, 2020
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.
By Shelley D for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 15, 2023
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?
By MICHAEL B for New Orleans Music Experience on Sep 07, 2023
As musicians with a lifetime interest in playing jazz music, it was absurd that we had never visited New Orleans. Dan organized an excellent line up of music venues and restaurants and also organized two playing sessions with local musicians. The accommodations he found for us were perfect. New Orleans is a city of musicians. We came home inspired and appreciative.
By Valerie W for New Orleans Music Experience on Sep 06, 2023
I recently returned home from a trip to Brazil with Morningside Music Tours. Our host from US was Dan Fox and in Brazil was Mila Schiavo. It was billed as a trip that would be an immersion in the Brazilian culture and musical studies with master teachers. It was all of that and more! Master Percussionist Mila Schiavo set up classes with other Master musicians and related activities with the locals, that have to be experienced to be believed. We spent an evening with at a top Samba School as they begin to prepare for Carnival 2024. We went to night clubs where Jobim, Joao Gilberto, etc. got their start. The class teachers are high level professional musicians and professors, who give excellent instruction and are beautiful people. To be able to go out in the evening after a day of classes, to hear this same music being performed in night clubs and large neighborhood gatherings, with everyone singing along and dancing is surreal! It was magical and soul inspiring! We were also given the opportunity to perform, in a beautiful, supportive atmosphere. Importantly, the organization provided by Mila Schiavo and Dan Fox was top notch! I always felt safe and knew what to expect. The other students were wonderful, talented people, that became dear friends. I’m inspired to study, sing, play, and travel back to Brazil again and again…..
By Kathleen K for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 06, 2023
This was a truly fabulous trip, well organized from start to finish. Our Brazilian hosts were not only warm and generous with their time but were amazing musicians and instructors. Our evenings were filled with the most beautiful music that the typical tourist would have had difficulty accessing and that made the trip a truly unique experience. I can't recommend it highly enough.
By Joseph M S for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 04, 2023
Once again, Morningside Music Tours hit it out of the park with The Brazilian Music Experience. Expertly organized and immensely educational, we had a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the musical styles of samba, choro, bossa nova by doing classes during the day and then going to music venues at night to hear the styles in context. The instructors all spoke excellent English and we were transported safely to all the places we needed to go. Kudos to Dan Fox and Mila Schiavo for a great partnership that yielded a great experience! I am definitely going back and would highly recommend this trip for anyone interested in an immersive experience of Brazilian music styles.
By Katherine S for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 03, 2023
If you want a truly authentic immersion of Brazilian music and culture, you must sign up for this trip. Every day of the week in Rio de Janeiro was fabulous and packed with fulfilling adventures of music styles, ensemble classes, and percussion or voice workshops. So thankful to all the instructors who were passionate expert musicians and enjoyed teaching all of us. My exposure to Brazilian rhythms went from 5% to 100% within a week...and it went by so fast! We were able to learn a different style of music each day and see themed live performances every evening in great venues, putting our learnings into 'practice.' Spectacular to experience interactive community performances in samba music/dancing and participating in our jam sessions. If the musical part wasn't enough for the week, we also had a breathtaking city tour of Rio & Corcovado, and some time to shop in the local markets. Many thanks (Muito Obrigada!!) to Dan Fox and Mila Schiavo for their dedication and creativity in putting together a wonderful trip. Only wishing we had longer than a week to experience all the music and culture that Brazil has to offer. So much knowledge to gain. Beautiful people and places. Cannot wait for the next trip :).
By Padma N for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Sep 03, 2023
This was a fantastic trip, full of amazing food and even more amazing performances! Every day was jam-packed with activities, and it was wonderful to learn all about the different styles of Brazilian music. I particularly appreciated how we learned about a specific style in the morning and then got to see a live performance of that same musical style in the evening, as it helped solidify what we learned and showed what it looked like in context. Only real criticism I have are the classes themselves seem to run too fast through the material, but that's understandable given the amount of ground they had to cover in a week. Overall, I highly recommend everyone take advantage of this trip if they can and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!
By Robert R for The Brazilian Music Experience 2023 on Aug 30, 2023
I recently had the absolute pleasure and privilege of joining Dan Fox and Morningside music tours for two very exciting, incredibly fun and musically rewarding rewarding tours, Cuba and NOLA. Cuba had always been on my bucket list. It was my first trip with Dan and I could not have been more impressed and pleased. Every element of the trip was coordinated and worked out and as smooth as possibly could be. From the tours, to the many great restaurants, to the sightseeing and then finally to music education. As well as seeing local performances, that were absolutely astounding we had wonderful, hist oric tours, amazing meals at one great restaurant after another and of course, some free relaxed time to do as we pleased. I have been a full-time performing musician my entire life and was impressed by how the music education portion that Dan put together was completely fulfilling and rewarding. It also appealed to every level of musician from young, inspiring students to professionals like myself. I would highly recommend anyone interested in the best possible travel opportunity for musicians and performers of any level to book a trip with Morningside music tours as soon as possible, you won’t be disappointed.
By Mark G for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
Every day we saw amazing performances of Cuban musicians from hard core Latin jazz, to traditional Cuban unplugged music, to full Cuban big band orchestra.
Every day I had an extended lesson with a phenomenal Cuban percussionist who also played piano as if you combined Chucho Valdes, Rubén González, Keith, Herbie, Chick and Bill as well. He taught with a wisdom and patience that amazed me. It absolutely changed my perspective on the clave and Latin music.
Every day we practiced as an ensemble preparing for our final concert, which included fellow traveler musicians and Cuban music teachers.
The Cuban people demonstrate how people should live and love one another, with a generosity that will touch your heart. They don't have much in the physical world, but give art and love as if they had everything.
By Brad S. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
I went on three Morningside tours to Cuba. My goal was to begin to unravel the mysteries of Afro-Cuban rhythms and I attained my goal. The Cuban bass player and percussionists we worked with at the Havana Music School knew and made clear what they were talking about and demonstrating. I left with a much better sense of the bass tumbao and was able to play the timbale cascara and clave simultaneously. A performance with the faculty percussionists was icing on the cake. The food as great, the accommodations clean & comfortable and the '51 Chevy we traveled in was interesting.
By Jim G. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
The friendliness of the tour guides, the drivers and other staff surpassed my highest expectations. We had the opportunity to attend The International Cuba Jazz festival at the national theatre and also other performances at The jazz café. Music was everywhere, Havana is a very musical city with street performers and on restaurants and bars. Our group had the opportunity to perform at a jazz café where we shared the stage with the instructors of the school. Some of them performed at the international jazz festival. Being able to play and interact with up and coming musicians of such high caliber was a life changing experience.
The food was of the highest quality served in fancy restaurants with and impressive atmosphere. We toured to other areas of the city including the Malecon and historical buildings and iconic places, riding in classic 1950s American cars which are kept in mint condition. We attended an arts and crafts market with very reasonable prices and so many works of art. If I had another chance to go to Cuba I wouldn’t miss it for the world!
By Leo C. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
I saw the itinerary for the non spouse activities and thought it wasn't very exciting...ho hum..boy was I wrong. Who would have thought a cemetery tour would be so interesting? The English speaking tour guide made it very fun! ..all sorts of strange stories and events left us asking for more! The private art gallery was amazing and the fine arts museum was my absolute favorite - So much talent. The non-spouse events are less than 3 hours each morning, then we met up with the musicians for lunch and the afternoons were all together tours. Would go again in a heartbeat!
Andrea S. for Havana Music Experience Jan. 2023
A great trip - put together extremely well. The Brazilian Music Experience and Morningside Music Tours combined to create a fantastic musical and cultural experience !!
Larry B. for Brazilian Music Experience June 2024
