Marimba Classes for adults and kids start soon!

For Kids!  Beginning in January 2013, I will be offering two separate children’s classes for ages 5-7 as well as 8-11 years.  The younger group will study the basics of rhythm on both hand-drums and the marimba.  We will learn basic rhythmic values (quarter, eighth, sixteenth notes), perform basic poly-rhythms and explore musical creation through improvisation.  This group will also learn marimba as we absorb the beautiful music of southern Africa.

The elder group (if you can call 8-11 years elder!) will be immersed in the vibrant music of Zimbabwe (as well as South Africa and Congo). The ensemble will learn, absorb and perform pieces that have their roots deep in traditional music as well as the more contemporary, rhumba-based popular sounds of the region.   This is a great opportunity for young musicians to make music in a relaxed atmosphere, to experience the joy of musical expression as a band member and to study on perhaps the most perfect kids’ instrument…the marimba (a large African xylophone).  We will complete our sessions with a performance for family, friends and community.

We will meet weekly over the course of eight weeks. Our 5-7 band will meet for 1 hour (investment=$160), while the 8-11 group will meet for 75 minutes (investment=$170).  (***Exploring the rhythmic and harmonic textures of this music requires the participation of at least 4 young musicians.  Each class will be confirmed once the minimum number of students have enrolled.)

For Adult Beginners!  There is a beginning marimba class for adults spanning eight weeks, culminating in a performance during the last session.  We will be studying Zimbabwean roots music as well as pieces from central and southern African cultures, such as those found in Congo and South Africa.  The marimba is an excellent instrument for learning complex rhythms, creating a rich group sound and also learning the basics of improvisation.  Students will learn to create and combine basic rhythms as well as understand the basics of group arrangement.  All levels are encouraged and welcome to join…no experience necessary!  Total investment for our eight week workshop is $180.  We will meet every week for 90 minutes.

Adult Intermediate Group: (For those who have completed the beginner series.)  Having begun our musical journey with a taste of Shona music (Zimbabwe) and Congolese rhumba, we will now delve deeper into the traditional roots of the marimba by studying mbira-based pieces such as “Nhemamusasa,”  “Taireva,” and “Nyoka Musango.”  We will explore more complex rhythms, melodies and chord structures, expanding on what we learned during our initial sequence.  Thanks to an amazing experience together in the fall, we are aiming to bring our music to a wider audience, performing for other students as well as the larger community.  The investment for this eight-week cycle is $180.

To sign up contact instructor Matt Wasowski: noodlekudzi@yahoo.com