Nilo Maia
Professional guitarist with 20+ years experience. Rooted in Brazilian tradition and a living lineage connecting music, culture, and spirituality.
About Nilo
20+ years playing professionally — performing, recording, and teaching across multiple continents, bringing authentic Brazilian musical traditions to students worldwide.
Musical heritage — Son of a renowned studio musician, growing up immersed in the craft of composition, arrangement, and the subtleties of tone and timing.
Spiritual lineage — Raised within a family deeply connected to the Santo Daime tradition within the Umbanda spiritual practice, bringing a unique perspective on music as a bridge between the material and the sacred.
Teaching approach — Focused on rhythm, harmony, deep listening, and presence. Music is not just technical skill—it's about connection, intention, and finding your own voice within the tradition.
Online Guitar Lessons
Personalized instruction designed to deepen your musicality, technique, and understanding of Brazilian guitar traditions.
Foundations & Feel
Master timing, groove, and right-hand technique. Build the rhythmic foundation that makes Brazilian music breathe.
Harmony & Brazilian Vocabulary
Explore chord voicings, harmonic movement, and the rhythmic patterns that define bossa nova, samba, and choro.
Improvisation & Expression
Develop phrasing, tone, and musical vocabulary. Learn to listen, respond, and express yourself authentically.
How It Works
1:1 Zoom Sessions
Live, interactive lessons tailored to your goals and skill level
Flexible Scheduling
Weekly recurring sessions or book as your schedule allows
Personalized Practice Plan
Custom exercises, recordings, and resources between sessions
Brazil Tour — February
Lumiar, Brazil
A Musical & Spiritual Immersion
Join a small group for an intimate journey into Brazilian spiritual traditions at the Mãe d'Água retreat center. Experience the sacred practices of Santo Daime within the Umbanda tradition, explore pristine waterfalls and rivers, share community meals and music, and connect deeply with nature and spirit in the mountain town of Lumiar.
Santo Daime Ceremonies
Sacred traditions and Daime (Ayahuasca) medicine
Nature Immersion
Waterfalls, rivers, and mountain walks
Community Music & Singing
Shared musical experiences and traditional songs
Catered Meals
Nourishing food and community dining at Mãe d'Água
Itinerary at a Glance
- • Morning walks and nature connection: waterfalls, rivers, and mountain trails
- • Catered meals shared in community with time for rest and reflection
- • Evening Santo Daime ceremonies with sacred Daime (Ayahuasca) medicine, singing, and ritual
- • Community music gatherings with traditional songs and shared singing
- • Small group experience at Mãe d'Água retreat center within the Umbanda tradition
Schedule
Book a lesson or reach out to discuss tour details. Choose your preferred method below.
First-time students
New students receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss goals, experience level, and find the right approach for your musical journey.
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Contact
Have questions about lessons or the Brazil tour? Reach out below.
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