Check Out Tyler Chen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Chen.

Hi Tyler, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a drummer, pianist, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles. My musical journey started in middle school and eventually expanded into classical music, jazz, percussion, and music production. Early on, I became fascinated not only with performing music, but also with understanding how music could connect people and create shared experiences. I graduated in 2020 from the University of Utah with a degree in Jazz Composition and Music Technology, where I developed a deeper understanding of arranging, improvisation, performance, music production, and cultural music traditions.

Over the years, I’ve performed in a wide variety of musical settings including orchestras, musicals, jazz ensembles, Brazilian music groups, parades, dance classes, community events, and cultural performances. I’ve also worked as a composer, arranger, and educator, writing music for ensembles while teaching students of all ages. Through these experiences.

My passion for Brazilian music eventually led me to found Samba Los Angeles in September 2023. What started as a small gathering of people interested in rhythm and Brazilian culture quickly grew into a vibrant percussion ensemble focused on community, education, and performance. Since then, we’ve performed at cultural festivals, private events, community celebrations, and collaborative arts events throughout Southern California. One of the most rewarding parts of building the group has been watching people from different backgrounds come together, learn something completely new, and build confidence through music and rhythm.

Today, my work centers around building community through music—whether that’s teaching students, performing with Samba Los Angeles, composing and arranging music, or creating opportunities for people to experience the joy, connection, and cultural exchange that music can bring. For me, music has always been more than entertainment; it’s a way to bring people together and create meaningful shared experiences.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s been completely smooth, but I’ve been fortunate that the journey has grown steadily and organically. I think the biggest challenge has been learning how to organize and lead a community. Running a percussion ensemble is much more than just making music—it involves coordinating people, scheduling rehearsals, managing communication, handling logistics, and creating an environment where people feel motivated and connected.

Another challenge has been figuring out how to grow the group in a sustainable way. As an artist, you’re constantly balancing the creative side with the business and organizational side. I’ve had to learn how to network, promote the group, build partnerships, and create opportunities instead of waiting for them to happen.

At the same time, those challenges have also been some of the most rewarding parts of the experience. They’ve pushed me to grow not only as a musician, but also as a leader, educator, and organizer.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centers around music performance, education, community building. I’m a drummer, pianist, composer, arranger, and educator, and I specialize in jazz and Brazilian percussion traditions. In addition to performing, I teach students, write music and arrangements, and direct Samba Los Angeles, a Brazilian-style percussion ensemble that I founded in 2023.

A big part of what I’m known for is bringing people together through music and creating an environment where beginners and experienced musicians alike can feel welcomed and challenged. Through Samba Los Angeles, I’ve worked to build not just a performance group, but a real community centered around rhythm, culture, discipline, and shared experience. I’m especially passionate about making Brazilian percussion accessible to people who may have never touched a drum before and helping them discover confidence and connection through music.

What I’m most proud of is seeing the growth of the people involved in the group. Watching members gain confidence, develop musical skills, and become part of something bigger than themselves has been incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud that Samba Los Angeles has grown from a small idea into an active ensemble performing at cultural events, community celebrations, and collaborative arts programs throughout Southern California.

I think what sets me apart is the combination of musical versatility and community-focused leadership. I care deeply about both artistic quality and the human side of music-making. For me, music is not just about performance—it’s about creating meaningful experiences, preserving cultural traditions, and building spaces where people can connect through rhythm and creativity.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is small wins over time creating big wins in the future.
It’s about making good decisions every day creating the environment for success to happen because how you do the small things is how you do the big things.

Pricing:

• $300 annual membership to join the group. Membership includes the official Samba Los Angeles Tshirt and year-round classes, and access to cool events!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sambalosangeles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambalosangeles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sambalosangeles
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialSambaLA
• Other: https://linktr.ee/sambalosangeles