The Mbira Workshop

Crafting and Tuning of the African Mbira taught by Kevin Nathaniel

The mbira is an ancient African instrument which is played with the thumbs and/or fingers, according to particular technique. The mbira consists of a box-shaped sound board to which several keys are attached. As the keys are struck, their vibrations produce sounds that are similar to those of the piano or guitar. Because of the calming, enchanting sound of the instrument, the mbira continues to win the hearts of peoples of all nations, centuries after the mbira was originally created. Using a few simple tools, some basic materials and a little love and care, mbira making and playing can be a truly inspirational experience for music lovers of all ages and levels of technical skill.

The Workshop
Workshops are tailored for various age groups and musical ability. All tools and materials can be provided by the instructor. In each workshop students will craft, tune, and learn basic playing technique. Each student can be sure at the end of the workshop that they will have a working mbira of lasting beauty to enjoy.

The Nyungwe Nyungwe
Mbira Workshop
This is one of the most ancient mbiras of Africa, dating back more than 2,000 years. It is believed by many in the field to be the mother of many mbira styles in Africa. The workshop requires a minimum of five sessions, each lasting 4 hours.

The Eight Key Mbira Workshop
Construct a beautiful eight-key mbira, also known as the kalimba. This workshop requires a minimum of one hour-and-a-half session.

Kevin Nathaniel
Scholar of the House Yale graduate Kevin Nathaniel has been studying, playing, and building mbiras since 1982. He worked closely with legendary Zimbabwean mbira master Ephat Mujuru, as well as with masters Dumisani Maraire and Zeleka Jenkins. He is a founding member of Spirit Ensemble, a group that pioneered the use of mbiras on the New York world music scene. He has composed and recorded mbira for several productions including the audio version of Alice Walker’s Possessing the Secret of Joy, and the film Beloved, starring Oprah Winfrey. His workshops and lecture demonstrations have been presented at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Guggenheim Museum, The Juilliard School, The University of Michigan, and several other institutions. Visit Kevin’s interactive mbira at www.PBS.org/africa.

Contact Kevin Nathaniel Hylton, 212.969.0847,
or email kevinmbira@hotmail.com

Other Instrument Workshops
The following is a list of workshops that are both fun and educational and can be geared to practically any age. Many of the workshops can be taught using recycled or “reuse” materials.

Rattle Construction
Make the African caxixi or kesse kesse rattle. Students will construct a pair of rattles from paper supplies. The workshop lasts from 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Materials are provided by the instructor. Playing technique will be taught.

Drum Construction
Students construct drums from either recycled cans or paper products. The workshop lasts from 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Materials are provided by the instructor. Be prepared to do some drumming at the end!

Leg Rattle Construction
Create leg rattles for rhythmic dancing. Using recycled film containers, students construct leg rattles which will dramatically accent their steps. The workshop requires 2 or 3 hours.