Please note: Mbira classes are for mbira dzaVadzimu unless specified. Nyunga nyunga and matepe mbira classes are listed at the end of the mbira category.

Introduction to Mbira
Erica Azim
#3 Fri. 3:30-5:30 pm
Your first mbira lesson! You will learn how to hold the instrument, listen to mbira, and basic concepts. Then learn the kushaura (lead) part to Kariga Mombe (‘Undefeatable’). If you are thinking about learning mbira but have never tried it, this workshop is for you.
Level: Introductory
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. Instruments will be provided.

Mbira Ear Training Singing
Erica Azim
#8 Sun. 12:30-2 pm
See Singing.

Beginning Mbira: Kariga Mombe
Cosmas Magaya
#2 Fri. 1-3 pm
Cosmas will teach the kushaura and, time permitting, the kutsinhira to Kariga Mombe, which means ‘one who knocks down a cow.’
Level: Introductory/Beginning
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Instruments will be provided. Audio taping OK.

Beginning Mbira: Mukatiende
Cosmas Magaya
#9 Sun. 4:30-6:30 pm
Cosmas will teach a simple but hauntingly beautiful kushaura part to Mukatiende, as well as the kutsinhira for those who are able. Mukatiende means, ‘Wake up and let’s go!’
Level: Beginning
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. Instruments will be provided.

Beginning Mbira: Nhema Musasa
Forward Kwenda
#8 Sun. 12:30-2:30 pm
Learn a different version that’s easy for beginners, along with variations (cool high lines!) too.
Level: Beginning
Class Limit: 15
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Intermediate Mbira: Mahororo
Cosmas Magaya
#8 Sun. 12:30-2:30 pm
Mahororo is a song played at the beginning of a bira. It enables the intermediate player to achieve a full and confident sound. Cosmas will teach kushaura and kutsinhira and how to connect them. Time permitting, some variations and high lines will be added.
Level: Intermediate
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. Instruments will be provided.

Intermediate Mbira: Nyamaropa
Cosmas Magaya
#6 Sat. 3:30-5:30 pm
Cosmas will teach both kushaura and kutsinhira to this classic mbira song, and how to connect them. If time permits, he will add some high lines.
Level: Intermediate
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Intermediate Gandanga Mbira
Forward Kwenda
#9 Sun. 4:30-6:30 pm
Learn the kushaura (lead) and kutsinhira (intertwining) parts to Dande, and variations as time allows.
Level: Intermediate
Class limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. Gandanga tuning instruments will be provided.

Kutsinhira Development
Erica Azim
#2 Fri. 1-3 pm
Use the traditional piece Mukatiende (aka Bukatiende, Mukai tiende) to explore various styles of kutsinhira parts.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Students must know at least one kushaura and one kutsinhira part to Mukatiende. No exceptions, please.
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. Instruments will be provided.

Mbira Orchestra
Chris Berry
#8 Sun. 12:30-2:30 pm
Today in Zimbabwe, a few groups are utilizing an ‘mbira orchestra’ that includes up to 8 differently pitched and tuned mbiras. The resultant sound is full and exciting.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Ability to play at least ten mbira songs
Class Limit: 15
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Intermediate Mbira: Nhemamusasa Kushaura
Musekiwa Chingodza
#3 Fri. 3:30-5:30 pm
Learn the kushaura part to Musekiwa’s version of Nhemamusasa. In addition to the basic kushaura line, a high line will be taught, as well as other variations as time permits. This version is very different than the standard Nhemamusasa, so those who already play Nhemamusasa are welcome!
Level: Intermediate
Class Limit: 15
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Intermediate/Advanced Mbira: Nhemamusasa Kutsinhira
Musekiwa Chingodza
#6 Sat. 3:30-5:30 pm
Expand your knowledge of the song Nhemamusasa with Musekiwa’s version of the kutsinhira part to the song. This version can be played to accompany either the standard kushaura line or the version Musekiwa will teach at Zimfest.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Class Limit: 15
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Intermediate/Advanced Mbira: Chipembere Nhimutimu
Forward Kwenda
#3 Fri. 3:30-5:30 pm
Learn the kushaura part to this piece, on gandanga tuning, from Forward’s Svikiro CD. Kutsinhira will also be taught, if time permits.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Prerequisite: Experience playing gandanga tuning.
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. Instruments will be provided.

Intermediate/Advanced Mbira: Dindingwe
Ambuya Beauler Dyoko
#5 Sat. 1-3 pm
Learn a traditional mbira piece with original singing by Beauler. A dindingwe is a cheetah. This song is about enemies who don’t want you to survive. They are giving you clean teeth and laughing with you, while in their hearts they are rotten worms!
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Intermediate/Advanced Mbira: Kabadza
Ambuya Beauler Dyoko
#6 Sat. 3:30-5:30 pm
Learn a traditional mbira piece with original singing by Beauler. Kabadza means you must work hard plowing to get food - maize and potatoes - to survive. If you work hard you will reap the benefits for yourself and your children.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Intermediate/Advanced Mbira: Nyama Musango
Forward Kwenda
#5 Sat. 1-3 pm
Learn a special version of this Shona mbira classic!
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Prerequisite: MUST already know Nyama Musango well.
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. Instruments will be provided.

Mbira & Singing Touch-up/Review: Bukatiende, Unozofa, & Taireva
Ambuya Beauler Dyoko
#2 Fri. 1-3 pm
Get help with tricky spots that have presented themselves in the process of working with Beauler’s material from last year’s Zimfest and workshops. Promises to be fun as people pair up on songs and play together with Beauler’s guidance and clarification on fine points of mbira and singing.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Class Limit: 20
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Advanced Mbira: Rwakaenda Na Mambo
Cosmas Magaya
#5 Sat. 1-3 pm
Rwakaenda Na Mambo literally means the song that went with the King. It is a song that was played by Chaminuka’s mbira players on their way to Matabeleland (Bulawayo), where Chaminuka was killed by Lobengula: the king of the Matabele people.
Level: Advanced
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Advanced Mbira Technique
Chris Berry
#1 Fri. 10:30-11:30 am
Learn new and exciting mbira techniques coming from Zimbabwe today. Learn basic playing styles of Garikai Tirikoti and Christian Chidakwa.
Level: Advanced; 5-8 years mbira experience
Class Limit: 15
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Advanced Mbira: Muroro
Cosmas Magaya
#3 Fri. 3:30-5:30 pm
A muroro is an edible wild custard fruit, shaped like a heart or strawberry, which is ready during January and February. It grows on a small little tree. This song is from the Nyamaropa family. It is played when praying to the ancestors for assistance of many kinds, such as to find a job, to bring peace to the home, for quick recovery of a sick person, or to bring rain for the crops. Like these requested blessings the muroro fruit is sweet and a wonderful gift from the wild.
Level: Advanced
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK.

Beginning Nyunga Nyunga Mbira
Michael Breez
#6 Sat. 3:30-5:30 pm
Students will learn a very simple nyunga nyunga piece called Kukaiwa. Within the learning of this piece, explore some basic Shona musical concepts. The material presented is inspired by the teachings of the late Dr. Dumisani Maraire, the composer of Kukaiwa. The focus will be on the instrumental aspects of mbira playing.
Level: Introductory/Beginning
Class Limit: 20
Materials: Bring a high tuned Kwanongoma style nyunga nyunga, or one that is tuned like one, if possible. Audio taping OK.

Introduction to Matepe Mbira
Joel Laviolette II
#5 Sat. 1-3 pm
Learn kushaura and kutsinhira parts to the Kore Kore song Muchengedza Mutonga that Joel learned from Chaka Chawasarira. (This piece is the Kariga Mombe of matepe mbira.)
Level: All levels
Class Limit: 10
Materials: Audio taping OK. If anyone has a matepe mbira, please bring it. Several will be provided.