Born in 1952 in one of the most traditional neighborhoods of carioca samba, Oswaldo Cruz, at the age of 4 he stayed between his father's legs, stunning everyone with his ability on the first cavaquinho chords.
He had his dreams rocked by antologic sambas from his greatest idol, his father, known by some as the "Extraordinary Monarco from Portela".
In 1982, he started attending Physical Education College, not finishing the course due to the frequent trips he took integrating singer Beth Carvalho's band.
Mauro developed, as does every cavaquinho player, his own style, which was one of the most influential and which is already part of the history of samba.
Some others with whom Mauro has recorded (the list would encompass almost every known sambista) include: Moacyr Luz, Monarco, Jorge Aragão, Wilson Moreira, Luiz Carlos da Vila and the Old Guard of Portela.