Zimbabwean Mbira (Thumb Piano) | Summer 2023

Good news – the Mbira workshop for 2023 is back! Your teachers Linos Wengara and Tim Lloyd have a lifetime's experience with Zimbabwean traditional music and spiritual culture and will guide you through this introduction to a very special instrument.

When: Sat 24th - Sun 25th June, 10am - 4pm (with 1 hour lunch break)

Where: Room TBC

Delivery: In-person

Level: Beginner, but offers progression & deeper insight for intermediates

Mbira, the national instrument of Zimbabwe, is used in Shona spiritual ceremonies to call upon the spirits passed down through generations, through a repertoire of ancient songs. More recently, it has also found its way into popular music.

In this wonderful course, you will:

- learn some of those ancient songs, progressing to add vocals & variations

- study new ways of hearing melodies & polyrhythms

- discuss the spiritual meanings & culture of Mbira music

Original instruments will be available for use or purchase. 

Born in Zimbabwe, Linos enjoyed much demand for spiritual sessions as a young mbira player. He came to England in 1997 and has since played with artits like Chartwell Dutiro, Stella Chiweshe and Thomas Mapfumo as well as establishing his own groups, and leading regular workshops. Linos will be ably assisted by his longterm collaborator, the talented musician Tim Lloyd.