Henrique De Almeida is widely known in the drum education world for his work as a Berklee College of Music professor and as the founder/music director behind The Drum Set Coach Academy. His focus centers on structured drum set development—control, coordination, polyrhythms, odd meters, and practical performance application—built for serious students who want measurable progress.
De Almeida’s background reflects broad stylistic ownership, rooted in Brazilian tradition but expanded through professional work across Afro-Cuban, jazz, fusion, funk, rock, and blues settings. Berklee’s faculty profile notes his performance experience with major Afro-Cuban musicians including Giovanni Hidalgo, Hilton Ruiz, and Dave Valentin, as well as touring in Brazil with pop artists, and later playing big band at Berklee with Phil Wilson and Wayne Naus. That same profile highlights his touring work with the USAFA Falconaires and describes additional stylistic chapters including funk work connected to James Brown’s bassist Jimmie Moore, plus Delta blues playing in New Orleans.
As an educator, De Almeida has taught at Berklee since 2011 and has developed published instructional materials used in his curriculum, including multiple books and articles written for drum publications. Sonor’s artist bio notes he was appointed full-time professor at Berklee in 2011, and Vic Firth’s artist profile lists him as an active educator and bandleader with projects including The HenJoSal Trio and additional fusion groups. Berklee Press also documents his authorship and academic role, noting his mentorship of drummers in double bass technique and full drum set development.
Recent activity: De Almeida remains active as a clinician and educational content creator through The Drum Set Coach Academy, publishing ongoing training material and performance/lesson content through his official channels.
Gear: Paiste Cymbals, Yamaha Drums, Vic Firth Sticks,Evans Drum Heads, Earthworks Microphones, Humes & Berg Cases
Sources: Berklee College of Music (faculty profile); Vic Firth (artist profile); Sonor (artist bio); Berklee Press; TheDrumSetCoach.com; Zildjian Education (artist interview).
Update: January 23, 2026
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