For two weeks this summer, students from Southern Utah University's percussion program swapped the red rocks of Cedar City for the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro.

They weren’t just sightseeing—they dove headfirst into brazilian music traditions alongside faculty and peers from Utah Valley University.

With guidance from seasoned musicians at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, students experienced the roots of samba, bossa nova, and more, giving their music study abroad trip a powerfully immersive twist.

Standing in Villa-Lobos Concert Hall, students felt the pulse of Rio’s music culture during collaborative performances with local and international artists.

The heart of the learning came outside academic walls, on bustling city corners where live music is a given nearly every night.

Concerts, masterclasses, and impromptu jam sessions blurred the lines between teacher and pupil, fostering an environment where everyone shared and absorbed knowledge about the rhythms shaping global percussion.

It was in these moments that the boundaries of language melted away, replaced by the universal beat of drums, shakers, and spirited laughter.

One SUU student described the “electric joy” of rehearsing side-by-side with Rio musicians, where tradition and innovation clashed to make new music together.

Evenings spent watching local groups inspired U.S. students to rethink their own musical journeys, trading a focus on solo virtuosity for collaboration and community.

“Every instrument matters in these ensembles,” remarked one senior, “not just the flashy solos, but the rhythms beneath it all.”

Trying unfamiliar Brazilian percussion instruments reminded some students what it means to be a beginner again, challenging their skills and assumptions about music education.

This willingness to step outside comfort zones resonated throughout the exchange, shaping how students view not only music, but also themselves and their place in the world.

Faculty echoed this sentiment, noting that these experiences are impossible to replicate in a traditional classroom setting and infuse authenticity into the program back in Cedar City.

For SUU’s percussion program, these music study abroad opportunities are more than resume builders—they’re gateways to deeper understanding, lasting friendships, and the living legacy of Brazilian music traditions.

As the students returned home, their suitcases were a little heavier with new rhythms, cherished memories, and a new sense of what it means to be a global musician.