Sign Up NOW! • Schedule • Class Descriptions • How Are Classes Run? • Workshops
Lessons • School Programs • Visiting Artist Program • Camps • Class Evaluation Form

Marimba Classes

Zimbabwean-style marimba classes provide an opportunity for students to learn music experientially. Introductory and Level 1 and 2 students are introduced to traditional and contemporary songs from Zimbabwe and southern Africa. Level 3 through Level 6 students expand their understanding of Zimbabwean culture and music through mbira dzavadzimu-style marimba arrangements, exploring marimba parts and how they relate to the original mbira piece. Private instruction is also available.

Youth Marimba Classes
At Kutandara Center, children are welcome to start learning marimba in a group setting when they turn 6. Youth students are sorted into groups according to age ~ to insure peer-to-peer contact and age-appropriate skill development. We have two classifications for students who are developing their marimba skills and musicianship: the Twiza and the Nzou.

Twiza (Giraffes)
Ages 6-8
Level 1 • Level 2

Nzou (Elephants)
Ages 9-12
Level 1 • Level 2

After a Twiza or Nzou student has successfully completed a number of Level 1 sessions and their teacher feels they are ready for the next challenge of musical development, they may be invited to join a Level 2 class. Changes in class membership occur at summer Kamp or in the fall, but not winter session.

After a student has successfully completed a number of level 2 sessions and their teacher feels they are ready for the next challenge of musical development, they may be invited to join a Level 3 class: Shumba, or they may choose to remain with their peers in their Level 2 class and continue learning new songs, parts, arrangements and skills

Shumba (Lions)
Level 3
Shumba is a class in which students learn increasingly complex arrangements and parts. There is an expectation of preparedness for class that for most students necessitates an at-home practice marimba. Shumba students also begin learning performance skills such as stage presence, dancing and MCing. This level may not be as interesting to some students, because rather than primarily learning new material, the focus shifts to refining and developing existing material.

Youth Performance Program
Students who are motivated to move through these levels and also have an interest in performance can consider our auditioned youth performance program, which includes the groups Vana Vedu, Tamba! and Shamwari.

Drumming Classes

Drumming classes introduce students to traditional and contemporary drumming arrangements from Zimbabwe, southern Africa, West Africa, Haiti, and Cuba. Students learn a variety of drum, bell, and shaker patterns that together form the textured percussive sounds of African and African-influenced drumming. Private instruction is also available.

Mbira Dzavadzimu Lessons

Private lessons are offered for students wishing to deepen their understanding of Shona-style music through the Shona peoples' traditional instrument. Consisting of 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a hardwood soundboard, the mbira dzavadzimu is played with two thumbs and the right forefinger. The resulting polyrhythmic melodies form the structure upon which much Zimbabwean-style marimba music is based.

Singing Classes

Using voices only, singing classes explore songs and rhythms from both Africa and the Caribbean. Students take turns singing songs and vocalizing drum, shaker and bell rhythms. Special attention is given to proper singing technique. Private instruction is also available.

Language Classes

Shona language classes introduce students to simple greetings, basic sentence structure, simple verb conjugation, and general vocabulary, as well as a cultural context in which to place this knowledge. Special emphasis is given to understanding the meanings of lyrics to Shona songs and their cultural significance.

Sign Up NOW! • Schedule • Class Descriptions • How Are Classes Run? • Workshops
Lessons • School Programs • Visiting Artist Program • Camps • Class Evaluation Form