Mbira Ensemble

Course Description

Native to the Shona culture of Zimbabwe, the mbira dzavadzimu (literally, “the mbira of the ancestral spirits”) is a diatonic instrument with 22 to 28 metal keys (lamellae) fixed to a wooden soundboard, which is then wedged to a gourd resonator, used to amplify its resonance. Rattling pieces of metal, bottle caps or shells are attached to the instrument, which in turn produce buzzing sounds when the keys are plucked. The interaction of two or more players, singers, hosho (gourd rattles), and sometimes drummers and rhythmic hand clapping creates a complex and sophisticated musical fabric that requires a shift in musical perspective of the listener and performer.

 Inextricably tied to traditional Shona spiritual beliefs and cultural practices, the mbira and its repertory predate the arrival of European explorers in the 16th century. Some of the traditional songs are said to date back over 1,000 years. The sophistication of the instrument and the music, however, has also led to their adoption and adaptation by contemporary musicians in Africa, Asia, and the West. Repertory will be taught and performed without notation in keeping with the aural tradition of the music.   Although participants will be assigned to either the beginning or intermediate section based on their experience for the purpose of learning repertory, members of the ensemble are welcome to sit in on both sections for purposes of review or exposure to new repertory.  Both sections will include members of the Eastman collegiate mbira ensemble as well. 

The ensemble will introduce students to the basic and intermediate playing techniques of this ancient instrument through performance of traditional songs as well as exposing them to traditional singing practices, hosho playing, and the social and cultural context of the music. Students will be guided to understand the music from the traditional Shona point of view while also integrating it with their own musical understanding.

Last updated: September 15 , 2009