Originally from Southampton, New York, multi-instrumentalist Ted Falcon plays violin, mandolin, guitar, and piano with passion – but it was in Brazil that he found not only his musical home, but also the love of his life. He grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, just 90 minutes from New York City, and between 2007 and 2016, he lived in Brasília and São Paulo, immersing himself in Brazilian culture, mastering Portuguese, and diving deep into the rich world of choro and forró.
“I first visited Brasília in 2006 to meet harmonica player Pablo Fagundes, whom I had met in NYC that same year while releasing my first Brazilian music album, Memories of Home,” says Ted. “Soon after, I met my future wife and moved to Brasília.”
- A Deep Dive into Brazil’s Choro Scene
Ted’s early travels through Brazil took him to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where he experienced thrilling choro jam sessions (rodas de choro) and large music festivals. But it was Brasília that truly stole his heart.
“The quantity and quality of choro rodas with high-level musicians in Brasília amazed me. I played so much choro in Brazil’s capital!” he recalls fondly.
What struck Ted even more was the informality of the Brazilian choro scene—where music was played among friends in bars, accompanied by beer and laughter. That’s a big contrast to the United States, where such sophisticated music is typically reserved for concert halls and more formal settings.
- Comparing the U.S. and Brazil as a Musician
Having also lived in New York City and Los Angeles, Ted notes that professional opportunities for musicians—especially in recording, TV, film, and events—are more abundant in the U.S. He frequently receives offers to work across multiple formats.
“In L.A. and NYC, there’s a lot more production happening in film, TV, and music recording. But in Brazil, there are government funding programs that give artists a real chance to produce original work—even if the bureaucracy and competition are challenging,” he explains.
- Inspirations & Roots
Ted cites Hamilton de Holanda, Yamandu Costa, and Armandinho Macêdo as his biggest Brazilian instrumental influences, and among singers, his favorites include Caetano Veloso, Clara Nunes, Djavan, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil, and Milton Nascimento.
He began playing piano at age 5, and at age 6, he fell in love with the violin. His father, Marvin Falcon, was a professional guitarist who worked with Harry Belafonte and Miriam Makeba—music clearly runs in the family.
- Teaching and Performing in Los Angeles
Now based in Los Angeles, Ted continues to perform live shows—including forró nights with his band Os Forrozeiros. He also teaches at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a school founded by Flea, bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
He brings deep teaching experience, having taught string instruments at the Clube do Choro in Brasília and as an assistant professor in the World Music program at Whittier College.
In 2019, he founded the Los Angeles Choro Club—a space to bring together local musicians and recreate the feeling of a Brazilian roda de choro, helping to ease the saudade of Brazil.
- Albums, Books, and Worldwide Tours
Ted Falcon is as prolific as he is passionate: 11 independent albums; 7 published books; and tours in Europe, Japan, Brazil, and the U.S.
In 2023, he released Tô Chegando, an album recorded in São Paulo and Los Angeles featuring 14 original tracks. The album was highly praised by critics in the U.S. In June 2024, Ted joined Brazilian band Forróçacana for an 11-city tour across the U.S. and Canada – a major highlight of his musical journey.
- A Life of Collaboration and Recognition
Over the years, Ted has worked with some of the world’s most respected artists: Performed with David Grisman, Mike Marshall, Rod Stewart, and Hermeto Pascoal; Recorded with Ben E. King, Suzanne Vega, and Terry Gibbs; Participated in tribute recordings for Weezer, The Cure, and Linkin Park; Appeared on hit TV shows like Young Sheldon, Judging Amy, Charmed, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
- A Bridge Between Cultures Through Music
Ted Falcon’s story is more than just a musical journey—it’s a powerful example of how art transcends borders. By embracing the rhythms and soul of Brazil, he not only expanded his own creative expression but also became a cultural bridge between North and South America. Whether performing in a Brazilian roda de choro or teaching the next generation of musicians in Los Angeles, Ted continues to honor and spread the beauty of Brazilian music across the globe. His path shows us that passion, curiosity, and openness can create connections that resonate far beyond any stage.
