Caxixi Shaker Course with world-class percussionist Renato Martins
The Caxixi is a beautifully expressive Brazilian shaker capable of far more nuance and dynamic control than most percussionists realize.
Crafted from a woven reed basket with a flat gourd bottom and filled with internal seeds, this unique instrument produces a highly diverse palette of frequencies depending entirely on your physical angle and striking velocity. This curriculum features the precise technical framework developed by world-class percussionist Renato Martins, teaching students how to cleanly isolate soft, ambient washes off the wicker sides from sharp, high-frequency cross-stick clicks driven straight into the gourd bottom.
Historically rooted across West Africa and South America—where it traditionally accompanied ancestral ceremonies, singers, and the berimbau—the Caxixi is treated in this course as a precision timekeeping engine. You will step deep into its unique sound world, develop elite wrist isolation, and learn the advanced coordination mechanics required to integrate the shaker into contemporary multi-instrument setups to expand your rhythmic independence.
Watch the Caxixi Shaker in action
Get a quick look at the sound, articulation, and creative
shaker approach you’ll learn inside the membership.
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EXCLUSIVE BONUS: Private 30-Minute 1:1 Diagnostic Session with Renato Martins
Full access to all 5 core courses: Cajon with Brush, Udu Drum, Caxixi Shaker, Creative Percussion, and Hand Cajon (arriving October)
Admission to live monthly masterclasses & guest workshops
Instant access to all future lesson drops and rhythm loops
All downloadable PDF notation charts & community access
Cancel anytime
Flexible plan — no long‑term commitment
Full access to all 5 core courses: Cajon with Brush, Udu Drum, Caxixi Shaker, Creative Percussion, and Hand Cajon (arriving October)
Admission to live monthly masterclasses & guest workshops
Instant access to all future lesson drops and rhythm loops
All downloadable PDF notation charts & community access
Cancel anytime
What you will learn
Become a more creative and expressive percussionist by mastering the unique textures, articulations, and rhythmic possibilities of the Caxixi shaker.
Inside this precision curriculum, you will master:
📐 Ergonomic Positioning:
Master the correct playing posture and hand positioning to maximize your speed and endurance while preventing wrist fatigue.
🧺 The Precision Grip:
Learn the exact grip mechanics required to maintain absolute control over the basket framework during high-velocity tracks.
💨 Wicker Wash Isolation:
Command horizontal wrist velocity to isolate smooth, soft, and controlled ambient tones off the reed sides.
⚡ Gourd Click Dynamics:
Discover how to snap internal seeds flat against the hard bottom plate to create sharp, cutting, high-frequency timekeeping grids.
🔄 High-Low Synthesis:
Weave contrasting sound variations and striking angles together seamlessly within fractions of a single beat.
🇧🇷 Brazilian Rhythm Grids:
Apply your technical fundamentals directly to traditional groove development and authentic regional loop structures.
🔀 Multi-Instrument Independence:
Execute rigorous coordination exercises to train your body to hold a steady pulse on the shaker while your other limbs tackle secondary targets.
🗺️ Modern Setup Integration:
Learn how to seamlessly combine the Caxixi shaker into contemporary drum kit, session percussion, or live acoustic environments.
COURSE CURRICULUM
