Brazilian drummer Ana Barreiro has built an international career from Berklee College of Music to Los Angeles, performing, composing, and teaching jazz and Brazilian music. Today, she is a respected educator and recording artist in the U.S.
Ana Barreiro is a Brazilian drummer based in Los Angeles
Drummer, composer, and educator Ana Barreiro grew up in Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, where she began playing drums at just 12 years old. Her first musical experiences came through church performances and lessons, shaping her early development.
After studying in São Paulo at the Conservatório Souza Lima, she moved to Boston to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Drum Performance at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
She later relocated to Los Angeles to complete her Master’s in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California.
Collaborations Across Jazz and Brazilian Music
Since settling in Los Angeles, Ana Barreiro has collaborated with a wide range of artists in both jazz and Brazilian music scenes, including:
- Catina DeLuna
- Lado B Brazilian Project
- Otmaro Ruiz
- Andrea Motis
- Thalma de Freitas
- Amy K Bormet
- Scott Hamilton
- Pasquale Grasso
These collaborations highlight her technical skill, adaptability, and international presence.
AmyAna and International Recognition
Ana co-leads the group AmyAna alongside Amy K Bormet.
Their self-titled debut album (2018) featured original compositions from both musicians and led the group to become a finalist at the DC Jazz Prix in 2019.
Compositions, Performances, and Highlights
In 2020, Ana was commissioned to compose three solo drum-set pieces for the American Contemporary Ballet, where she also performed live — receiving strong critical acclaim.
In 2021, her quintet was invited to perform in New York City at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center as part of the Next Faces of Jazz series.
Educator and Mentor in the U.S.
Beyond performing, Ana Barreiro is deeply involved in music education.
She currently:
- Teaches at the Musicians Institute (Bachelor’s program)
- Is part of the faculty at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music
- Works as a drum instructor at the Stanford Jazz Camp
- Participates in Jazz Camp West
Since 2021, she has also been recording and teaching remotely from her home studio, expanding her reach globally.
A Leading Brazilian Talent in Jazz
Ana Barreiro represents a new generation of Brazilian musicians abroad, combining:
- High-level academic training
- International collaborations
- Performance excellence
- Commitment to education
Her journey continues to strengthen the presence of Brazilian women in jazz and global music scenes.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Ana Barreiro?
A Brazilian drummer, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles.
2. Where did she study music?
She studied at the Berklee College of Music and the University of Southern California.
3. What genres does she perform?
She performs mainly jazz and Brazilian music.
4. What is AmyAna?
A musical duo co-led by Ana Barreiro and Amy K Bormet.
5. Is she also a teacher?
Yes, she teaches at multiple institutions in California and internationally online.
