Roda 4 All!
mission
To learn how to play Brazilian choro music in the spirit & tradition of the “roda de choro.” To build community through sharing in the joy of music making in a relaxed, fun and supportive environment.
The first hour is a "slow jam,” led by Al Bergstein, with some tips & tricks for those new to Roda de Choro, and for those wanting to hone their roda skills. The following two hours are open for more advanced songs and tempos!
As Jovino Santos Neto mentioned in the 2025 Choro Workshop in Port Townsend, one thing that connects all choro musicians is a great volume of shared repertoire. There are dozens of choro “standards.” To get started, check out our Roda 4 All full song list for songs we play regularly, and a shorter list of songs to start with if you’re new to choro. (don’t forget to bring a music stand)
Download the Tips & Tricks for How to Roda
resources
Here’s a LINK to Al’s digital collection of charts. A good place to start is the Chediak three-volume collection, which can be downloaded to use on a tablet (or purchase them HERE). Or, you can print songs from the Roda 4 All song list to get started.
A fun way to practice choros and improve your sense of “feel” is practicing to backing tracks. There are many choro “play alongs” on youtube, and Choro Playbacks has some very nice backing tracks for sale. Another practice tool I've found to be helpful: any youtube video can be slowed down in 5% increments by adjusting the playback settings. For even more playback speed adjustability (1% increments) and the option to loop sections of a song, you can use https://looptube.xyz (copy and paste the youtube url).
Of course, listening to classic choro recordings is the ultimate way to become acquainted with this wonderful music!
upcoming rodas
Sunday, July 6
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Finnriver in Chimacum, WA
Sunday, August 10
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Finnriver in Chimacum, WA
Sunday, September 14
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Finnriver in Chimacum, WA
save the dates:
Sunday, October 12
time & location tbd
Sunday, November 9
time & location tbd
Sunday, December 14
time & location tbd
want more roda de choro?
Seattle Roda de Choro is nearly every 4th Sunday, 2:00 - 4:30 at Couth Buzzard Book Store. MORE INFO
Roda 4 All - “start here” songlist:
Benzinho
Brejeiro
Chorinho na Gafieira
Cochichando
Doce de Coco
Eu Quero é Sossego
Feira de Mangaio
Flor Amorosa
Migalhas de Amor
Murmurando
Naquele Tempo
Noites Cariocas
Receita de Samba
Vibracoes
Vou Vivendo
Roda 4 All - full songlist:
Assanhado
Benzinho
Bole Bole
Brejeiro
Cadencia
Caminhando
Chorinho na Gafieira
Cochichando
Corta Jaca
Diabinho Maluco
Doce de Coco
Eu Quero é Sossego
Feira de Mangaio
Flor Amorosa
Migalhas de Amor
Murmurando
Naquele Tempo
Noites Cariocas
Receita de Samba
Santa Morena
Sensível
Sonhando (Amin)
Vibracoes
Vou Vivendo
Roda 4 All - new songs:
Bola Preta
Machucando
Paraquedista
pics from past rodas :
