Mbira Masterclasses with Forward Kwenda and Friends

by Forward Kwenda, Andy Fowler, Caution Shohnai, Bezil Makombe, Ambuya Tembo, Pasivillias Tandi, Nyamasvisva + Many More!

Shona Mbira Masterclasses - Learn Traditional Mbira Songs Online with Zimbabwean Mbira Masters.

MASTERCLASS OVERVIEW:

• Enjoy 30 - 120 minutes of HD video mbira master lessons and performances inside every pack - All filmed ‘hands-in-view’.

• Learn to play kushaura & kutsinhira parts, bass and highline variations, and solo improvisation for five traditional Shona mbira songs.

• Taught by Shona mbira masters Forward Kwenda (main teacher), Nyamasvisva, Ambuya Tembo, Bezil Makombe, Caution Shonhai, and Pasivillias Tandi.

• Every intensive Includes accessible mbira tablature + song structure analysis from author Andy Fowler.

• Choose from Mbavarira, Nhemamusasa, Nyamaropa, Shumba and Taireva.

Our online mbira lesson packs can be enjoyed as stand-alone mbira intensives, as a five-part course that you can complete in your own speed, or as a way for you to sample the style and quality of material provided over at our The World’s Largest Mbira Master Video and Notation Archive - ‘Mbira Online’.

We started that project under the name ‘Mbira Masters Community’ so you’ll see this branding on your PDF mbira tablature downloads. Month 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 on the front pages show the order they were originally released(Nyamaropa, Mbavarira, Taireva, Nhemamusasa then Shumba). You can choose to work through the mbira master classes in any other order though.

MBIRA ONLINE

Head on to Mbira Online to choose from a wider variety of traditional mbira songs and musicians (updated monthly), contribute towards a regular income for all of the musicians on our team, and steer the direction of our biggest project: Mbira.Online - the world’s largest mbira masters video and notation archive.

“I am blown away by the material, it’s so great! Started learning right away. Thank you so much!”

— Hendrik Brueck, Germany

“It’s as close as you can get to learning mbira other than actually being in Zimbabwe learning from true masters. Highly recommended!”

— Jim Pugliese, NY

“The image and sound quality is quite amazing! Nicely done. Plenty to chew on!”

— Michael Swenson, US

MASTERCLASS ACCESS:

• Although our preferred mbira notation / mbira tablature style is ‘pitch’ notation, you can switch between notation styles with a couple of clicks at sympathetic-resonances.org - a ‘Quick-Start Guide’ is included for free with your download files.

• For authenticity, each mbira musician plays their preferred tuning. A link is provided for a free pitch/transposing/looping browser plugin so you can enjoy playing along with your mbira instrument.

• Artists use nyamaropa tunings for the majority of recordings in each pack. Mbavarira is more suitable for gandanga/mavembe/nemakonde/phrygian instruments.

• Visit the mbira magic store for all our mbira books, subscriptions and masterclasses.

• Once you’ve paid for your mbira masterclass, check out your bonus files and downloadable resources, head back here with your password, click your song and dive in!

• Learn mbira online and access our complete archive of mbira videos and tablature at Mbira.Online

Learn How to Play Mbira in 9 Easy Steps : [FREE Online Lessons Video/PDF Downloads]

Want to learn how to play mbira?

You’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about learning to play mbira in 9 easy steps - because it’s not always possible to have 1:1 lessons with an mbira master (FREE online course and downloadable resources below - special content for beginners and advanced players). Here we go!

How to Play Mbira in 9 Easy Steps:

Full details, videos and download links below - Good luck!

1. Get a quality mbira, in a tuning you’ll love.

2. Learn how to hold and play the instrument painlessly.

3. Listen to recordings of mbira songs and choose your favourites.

4. Learn to play them by ear or using Mbira Tab.

5. Practice alone, with others, and along to our FREE practice tracks.

6. Master the three-beat feel and start your songs from different points in the cycle.

7. For mbira mastery, you’ll need to learn about mbira chords and the 7 Master Progressions.

8. Now you can try out note substitutions and improvisation exercises.

9. Introduce these into your playing to unlock infinite possibilities!

---

1. Get a quality mbira, in a tuning you’ll love.

Visit the ‘How to Buy Mbira’ page to find a beautiful instrument that will keep you inspired. You’ll also learn about:

• The most common mbira buyer mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Popular tunings and how to choose your first mbira.

• Different mbira makers (with photos and contact details) and instruments for sale.

How to choose and buy your first mbira >>

---

2. Learn how to hold and play the instrument painlessly.

Take a look at mbira master Forward Kwenda demonstrating a basic part for Tadzungaira before we explore some useful ‘holding and playing the mbira tips’ (with pictures) - so you can avoid the most common injuries (like blisters and tendonitis) and concentrate on your playing.

Subscribe on YouTube for mbira lessons and mbira master performances.

Useful tips for holding and playing the mbira:

• Forward shows how your right pinky (little finger) should go through the hole - from the front to the back of the instrument.

• The left thumb plays the two left registers. The right thumb and index finger play the right hand register (thumb for the lowest three notes and index finger for the rest).

• All of the other fingers/thumbs reach around the sides of the instrument and hold gently. The left pinky is sometimes placed underneath the instrument for support.

• Use your nails and only a slight amount of flesh to pluck the keys. If your nails are short or weak you can use nail hardener, banjo picks, or home made wire mbira picks as shown below.

Excerpt from the FREE ‘Discover Mbira’ multimedia mbira course - download your copy here

Extra Do’s and Dont’s - for injury free playing:

• Do hold the instrument gently - you’ll be more relaxed while you learn.

• Do allow your knee or a neck strap to take some of its weight (or a table, but this will change the sound!).

• Don’t tilt the instrument - this puts extra weight in your hands and also strains your pinky finger. Try to keep your mbira as near to vertical as possible - but without putting your wrists in an awkward position.

• Don’t grab around the instrument too far - this will make it harder for your fingers to reach the keys.

• Don’t tense up and tighten your grip every time you play a tricky part - it will make learning more difficult and painful.

Holding and playing the mbira: Summary

Support the instrument with your fingertips and a gentle touch - make small adjustments to find a comfortable position where you can reach all the keys.

---

3. Listen to recordings of traditional songs and choose your favourites.

Traditionally, the song Karigamombe was taught first. Nhemamusasa is probably the most popular beginners’ choice today because it sounds so pleasing on nyamaropa tuned instruments (check out the ‘essential mbira buying’ video above for more info about tunings).

You might like to visit our YouTube channel to hear a few different songs, or head straight to the next point for some FREE nhemamusasa mbira tab (an easy way to learn and play the music).

Like most of the material on this page, the tab comes from your FREE ‘Discover Mbira’ pack - which contains everything you need to learn Tadzungaira too (the two most popular mbira songs searched for online!).

Choose a song or variation that inspires you and you’ll be motivated to get past any tricky parts. Choose something less inspiring and you’ll lose interest quickly.

---

4. Learn to play songs by ear or using mbira tab.

Everyone has a different learning style. Some people learn mbira best by listening to recordings. Others prefer a visual aid like video or notation/tablature. We cover all the options here so nobody feels left out.

If you’re unfamiliar with reading music and/or want a simple ‘way in’ to learning mbira, we recommend ‘pitch notation’ (the seven-note system) used in the Nhemamusasa Mbira Notes here.

Unlike ‘position notation’ (numbering the middle keys ‘1’ and counting outwards) it quickly teaches you which notes are related and opens up some really helpful ways of thinking about the music which will help you enjoy improvisation (see point 7).

---

5. Practice alone, with others, and along to FREE our free practice tracks.

The joy of playing mbira increases when it’s shared. Awareness of how different parts fit together will also add an extra dimension to your playing when you’re on your own.

To find local mbira players visit the Mbira Education Group on Facebook and ask if there’s any mbira players near by. You can also search in your area tagged posts first to see if someone in your neighbourhood has reached out before.

You’ll definitely benefit from practicing alone, but there’s some common timing mistakes that the next point will help you resolve.

For a head-start with traditional mbira timing, download the hosho practice tracks in your FREE Mbira Essentials pack. These will help get you up to speed for when you do hook up with other players - and there’s loads of other goodies inside that will help you get further towards mbira mastery (point 7) - notes, octaves, chords, progressions, blank tab, and much more!

What’s hosho? check out the handy video demonstrations from nyamasvisva in point 6….

---

6. Master the three-beat feel and start your songs from different points in the cycle.

Mbira songs tend to blend together four-beat chords with a three-beat feel. This ‘parallel process’ adds to the music’s appeal, but it can be disorienting for new mbira players. In this section, we’ll take a look at a simple trick that will help you find a way-in to traditional timing, answer your questions about hosho (and the difficult patterns these maracas-like shakers play), and explain why you should practice entering a song from different points in its cycle.

Traditional Timing Trick

The nhemamusasa variation in point 4 has groups of notes that clearly match up with the four-beat chords of the song (see point 7). Because of this, many players accidentally end up playing it with a four-beat feel.

This Traditional Timing Trick video from Andy’s Learn How to Play Mbira series on YouTube shows a neat way to adapt the the song that will help you find a way-in to traditional timing. Subscribe to the YouTube channel and look out for ‘pairs’ videos for similar useful ideas.

Hosho + Mbira

The timing trick creates pairs of notes that emphasise ‘The Beat’. These match up with the short sharp strike in Nyamasvisva’s hosho videos below - ‘The Beat’ is also reinforced with a ‘clap’ to help you play along (extracted and looped in your Mbira Essentials play-along hosho tracks).

Shoosh-Style Hosho Video

Spicy-Style Hosho Video

To help you play each song in time, Mbira Magic resources mark ‘The Beat’ with a small grey tab under the corresponding notes.

Cycles and Starting Points

Mbira music is cyclical, but everyone has to start somewhere…

Many songs and variations have points that sound or feel like a start or beginning. Different teachers and master players might even demonstrate or enter a song from the same place. However, once you’ve learned to play a variation, be careful not to get too attached to a single start point.

By learning to enter a song from different points, you’ll open up new ways of perceiving the music - and this will open up more creative opportunities in your playing.

---

7. For mbira mastery, you’ll need to learn about mbira chords and the 7 Master Progressions.

True - there’s loads of awesome mbira players out there that haven’t ever thought about chords or progressions. However, most non-Zimbabwean players haven’t grown up surrounded by the music (which is built upon a fascinating and deceptively simple system). For us, learning this system is a way to fast-track your playing - rather like taking language lessons before going on holiday.

Ready to get fluent in mbira?

Everything here starts with the seven, simple note names covered earlier: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Download the Mbira Essentials pack to grab all the FREE support information you’ll need for this section: Mbira Note Names / Chords / Progressions / Nhemamusasa Tablature / Blank Tab / Hosho Tracks + More.

Mbira Chords

All our chords are roots, thirds and fifths - most easily understood for Chord One, which contains notes 1 (root), 3 (third) and 5 (fifth). All the other chords are similarly built (notice how every note jumps up one step for each chord):

• Chord Two contains notes 2, 4 and 6

• Chord Three contains notes 3, 5 and 7

• Chord Four contains notes 4, 6 and 1 (notice we’re now counting up into the next octave / round of seven notes)

• Chord Five contains notes 5, 7 and 2

• Chord Six contains notes 6, 1 and 3

• Chord Seven contains notes 7, 2 and 4

Generally, chords are thought of as a group of notes all played at the same time. In mbira music, they’re better thought of as possible note options during a period of time. Traditionally, roots and fifths are preferred, and each chord typically lasts for four beats.

Mbira Song Progressions

The majority of mbira songs can be understood as expressions of one of seven main progressions (series of chords), or modes.

The easiest progression to remember is 1, 3, 5, 1, 3, 6, 1, 4, 6, 2, 4, 6.

Twelve chords, each four beats long make a forty-eight beat song cycle - remember the three-beat feel too!

The other six progressions/modes are all transposed versions (see the essentials pack).

Check out the fascinating illustrations in Discover Mbira to see some of the fractal-like patterns hidden within these seven progressions.

Nuances

The ‘rules’ presented here aren’t fixed. There’s plenty of ways they’re broken. However, these guidelines give us lots of useful ways in to the music before understanding its deeper nuances.

Nhemamusasa Examples

In the two videos below we take a look at nhemamusasa and improvisation around its chords (Master Progression Four: 4, 6, 1, 4, 6, 2, 4, 7, 2, 5, 7, 2)

Left-Hand Liberation - an easy way into improvising with chords.

3 handy ways to learn complete mbira chords : analytical, practical, or beautiful

Further Song Examples

Visit Mbira Online to see traditional songs demonstrated by a number of top mbira players. Each song there is shown against its chords and beat, revealing how different players and variations interpret those elements differently.

---

8. Now you can try out note substitutions and improvisation exercises.

We cover loads of creative options in three, FREE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ resources that will build your mbira skills and understanding step-by-step. Together they’ll take you on a beautiful musical journey with endless possibilities!

• Start with the FREE Discover Mbira pack (focused on Nhemamusasa and Tadzungaira).

• Next up, we invite you to take your playing deeper in the Mbira Deep-Dive (FREE improvisation and fascinating song structure videos - bonus subscriber resources available).

• When you get to video 14, check out Forward Kwenda’s FREE Nhemamusasa Masterclass - you’ll find traditional examples and a summary of everything you’ve learned so far.

1st : Discover Mbira

2nd : Mbira Deep-Dive

3rd : Forward Kwenda - FREE Nhemamusasa Masterclass

Please reach out with any questions along the way!

---

9. Introduce these into your playing to unlock infinite possibilities!

Congratulations - you now have the magic in your hands!

Still want to go deeper?

Join us at Mbira Online for constant inspiration, endless video lessons and spellbinding performances (all with tablature/notation), and create an income for Zimbabwean musicians that are keeping the tradition of mbira alive.

Learn How to Play Mbira : FREE Online Video Course

by Forward Kwenda and Andy Fowler

Learn How to Play Mbira Online - Fast, Fun and FREE Video Tutorial Course

• Get Deep inside the Shona mbira songs Nhemamusasa and Tadzungaira + learn traditional improvisation

• FREE Downloadable multimedia Support Pack with Beginner and advanced examples from Forward Kwenda

• Dozens of creative starting points with endless possibilities - so you can develop your own mbira playing style

“Really thrilled. I want to thank you for the incredible video series.”

— JJ, US

No mbira instrument yet? Learn how to choose and buy your first mbira + meet our trusted mbira makers here.

Beginner Mbira Video lessons 1-7 (below) cover:

Learn Mbira Notes • Play Mbira Octaves • Discover Ancient Shona Song Structures • Understand Mbira Chords • Play Basic + Intermediate Parts for Nhemamusasa + Tadzungaira • Make Note Substitutions + Explore Basic Mbira Improvisation

1) learn Mbira notes and octaves fast with the easy, popular and super-useful ‘seven note system’

2) Discover the ancient song structure of traditional shona songs Tadzungaira and Nhemamusasa

Grab the FREE, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated, Multimedia ‘Discover Mbira’ Pack designed to support you as you work through these videos [40+ page PDF • Audio • Video support files + Bonus Content*].

3) Understand mbira chords and How to make your first note substitutions

4) Learn a basic, but important right-hand part for tadzungaira and nhemamusasa

“Another thank you message cluttering your inbox! Thank you so much for what you’ve put together!”

— VW, US

5) why cascades of notes appear in shona mbira music & how to play them

6) Endless Creative exploration! your first right-hand improvisation exercise

“Hi Andy,
Loving the deep dive. You are a great teacher. I really appreciate the structure of those lessons in teaching both the playing and the theory.”

— Shawn, US

7) Get a taste of the ‘Mbira Deep-Dive’ (video 8 onwards) - Enjoy Endless left hand freedom and creative possibilities!

What’s next?

New advanced video Lessons every week, Enter the Mbira Deep-Dive (Video 8 onward)

Get Discover Mbira (FREE) here

• FREE multimedia pack designed to accompany your journey through and beyond these mbira video lessons

• 40+ Page PDF / Downloadable Audio / Play-Along Video

• Tadzungaira song lyrics / meanings

• Tablature for more variations of the Shona Mbira songs Nhemamusasa and Tadzungaira

• Further Improvisation exercises

• Fascinating mbira information and illustrations unavailable elsewhere

Get Mbira Essentials (FREE) Here

• Everything you wish you had when you first started playing mbira

• Play-along hosho tracks

• Printable mbira tablature

• Mbira notes, Octaves, Chords

• System of Mbira / Seven Shona Mbira Modes

• Trusted mbira maker profiles, photos, prices + contact details

Subscribe on youtube here

• Get notifications of new video lessons as soon as they’re released

• Make comments and lesson requests or likes and shares to show your support.

• FREE mbira master video tutorials + performance examples from www.mbira.online The World’s Largest Mbira Master HD Video + Tablature/Notation Archive

1:1 Mbira Video Lessons : with Andy Fowler

by Andy Fowler

Personalised Mbira Lessons for All Abilities. Get 1:1 Mbira Video Lessons with Andy Fowler + Deepen Your Mbira Playing Today.

• Fun and fascinating mbira lessons

• Develop your mbira playing skills

• Deepen Your understanding of traditional mbira music

• Start from scratch, or build on Your prior learning

• Includes Personalised printable resources

• Your pace and Your goals

• Money-back Guarantee*

More student reviews below!

*Love your first lesson or get your money back!

• I’m super-confident that you’ll love learning mbira with me.

• When we’re 20 minutes in I’ll ask how it’s all working out - then you decide whether or not to stay and pay!

• No pressure - no problem!

Learn mbira with Andy Fowler, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated Mbira author & inclusive education consultant with 1000’s of hours teaching experience (all abilities and backgrounds!).

Traditional Zimbabwean Mbira Music - Demystified

“Another thank you message cluttering your inbox! I had been learning mbira from someone (who is an excellent player and teacher) but preferred to teach without all the theory that you present so clearly...learning all the theory helped me learn this all so much more easily! It’s a fractal! I always could feel that in the song but could never verbalize that there was something geometric about the music. So thank you so much”

— Victoria, US

“Hi Andy,
I want to thank you. I have always wanted to understand improvisation better and now I feel more confident about my instrument.”

— Jana, US

Learn to Play Mbira Book : Traditional Songs and Improvisation

by Forward Kwenda and Andy Fowler

Learn to Play Traditional Shona Mbira Songs and Discover The Secrets of Improvisation Inside Learn to Play Mbira : Traditional Songs and Improvisation

• Beginner parts for 10 Shona Mbira songs*

• Accompanied buy Forward’s experiences and song meanings

• Creative and empowering mbira improvisation intensive

• Online ‘Play-along’ tracks included so you can easily switch between different tunings -and- your preferred style of notation / Tablature

• Timing tips and tricks, accessible song-structure information and fascinating Illustrations

• Jargon free - you Just play the music and learn to improvise

“Your passport to Mbira Dzavadzimu: the mbira of 
the ancestral spirits. Journey into its intricate rhythms 
and melodies guided by step-by-step explanations, 
colorful illustrations, and audio samples. There’s 
a path here for every ability and learning style.”

— Sheree Seretse, Ethnomusicologist / Performer, Seattle, WA

*Includes Shona Mbira Songs: Karigamombe | Mahororo | Chaminuka | Chipembere | Mbavarira | Taireva | Nhemamusasa | Nhemamusasa Yepasi | Mukatiende | Bangidza

Traditional Shona mbira songs and Improvisation - at your fingertips

Published in 2019, Learn to Play Mbira : Traditional Songs and Improvisation has been praised by experienced mbira players around the world.

“An excellent resource! Inspiring songs and clear 
presentation make this book suitable for every player. 
If you want to learn traditional songs and improvisation 
I strongly encourage you to check this book out.”

— Nicky Bernardi, Percussionist, Costa Mesa, CA

“I wish I had this book when I began playing years ago! Andy has a gift for taking something rather complicated, and presenting it in simple accessible terms.”

— Seth Geddes

The Best of Both Worlds

Coming together for the first time, world-famous performer Forward Kwenda and mbira author Andy Fowler bring you Zimbabwean mbira music and crystal-clear presentation.

Forward shares ten Shona mbira songs with the meanings and experiences he associates with them.

Next, a popular variation of the mbira song Nhemamusasa acts as the foundation for our accessible improvisation intensive:

Creative step-by-step exercises (with tablature and audio accompaniment) deepen your relationship with traditional music and place ‘the language of mbira’ at your fingertips.

Jargon-free (a few optional references to theory) - you just play the music and learn to improvise.

Look Inside Learn to Play Mbira : Traditional Songs and Improvisation

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The secrets of Mbira improvisation - Demystified

“Informative, insightful and inspiring. This 
gem of a book will deepen your understanding, 
broaden your horizons, and take your playing to 
a whole new level... I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

— Victoria Gater, Musician, Somerset, UK

Mbira Tablature Style: Position Notation (play-back files with quick notation/tuning-switch included).

Join 1000’s of Mbira Enthusiasts Around the World

Fungai Gahadzikwa : Shona Mbira Songbook

by Fungai Gahadzikwa and Andy Fowler

Learn Traditional Shona Mbira Songs and Discover The System of Mbira inside Fungai Gahadzikwa : Shona Mbira Songbook

• Kushaura and kutsinhira parts for 10 Shona Mbira songs*

• 39 variations suitable for soloists and groups

• Entry and transition points show how Fungai teaches and plays each song

• Fascinating Introduction to Shona song structure - chords, progressions, composition and phrasing

• Accessible analysis for every variation provides a springboard for your improvisation journey

*Includes Shona Mbira Songs: Nhemamusasa | Bhuka Tiende | Chipindura | Karigamombe | Bangiza (two styles) | Chipembere | Chaminuka | Mahororo | Fungai's Composition 'Zviroto' ('Dreams')

Traditional Shona mbira songs - at your fingertips

Published in September 2016, Fungai Gahadzikwa : Shona Mbira Song Book quickly won praise from academics and enthusiasts around the world.

“An accessible, innovative and important addition to mbira literature... this book will be invaluable to players of all levels. I strongly recommend it!”

— Dr. Samuel Gould, Grand Valley State University

“A wonderful, informative and inspiring book!”

— Micha Schwarz, Vienna, Austria

A book of two halves…

Mbira author Andy Fowler and gwenyambira Fungai Gahadzikwa begin this first-of-its-kind book with a beautiful collection of Shona mbira songs. Many of these variations originate from Fungai’s rural village in Nhumbe, Zimbabwe.

Learners wishing to deepen their relationship with mbira music will enjoy Andy’s accessible introduction to the system of mbira.

This overview provides an exciting lens through which every variation is explored in the second-half of the book - inviting you to taking your playing beyond static parts and into the infinite and absorbing realm of improvisation.

Look Inside Fungai Gahadzikwa : Shona Mbira Songbook

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Traditional Zimbabwean Mbira Music - Demystified

“I wish that this songbook existed when I started playing mbira! This is, without question, the most thoughtfully put together book of mbira music that I’ve come across.”

— J. D. Golay, Massachusetts, USA

Beautiful variations, insightful commentaries, and an exciting invitation. This is a book for all mbira players.

Mbira Tablature Style: Position Notation (quick notation-switch resource included).

Join 1000’s of Mbira Enthusiasts Around the World

“This is a wonderful book, suitable for anyone interested in mbira... The later sections give a real insight into a mbira master’s working process. Thank you!”

— Steve Butcher, British Virgin Islands

Unlocking Mbira : System of Mbira Workbook

by Andy Fowler

Master Traditional Shona Mbira Music with Unlocking Mbira : System of Mbira Workbook

• Over 60 step-by-step exercises & audio tracks

• Develop advanced mbira playing skills

• Discover Traditional Zimbabwean song structures

• Explore composition & improvisation (Dozens of Examples/etudes)

• printable blank tablature, support resources & fascinating illustrations

The Complete System of Mbira - at Your Fingertips

Published in September 2015, Unlocking Mbira, quickly became the must-have book for mbira dzavadzimu players around the world.

“Fast and effective access to mbira.”

— Hendrik Brueck, Germany

Beginning with a simple variation of the Shona song Mahororo, mbira author Andy Fowler reveals the fascinating structure it shares with many other traditional Zimbabwean mbira songs like nhemamusasa, tadzungiara, taireva, karigamombe and mbavarira.

A comprehensive series of 60+ step-by-step exercises and examples follow, placing the full system of mbira at your fingertips - along with fascinating new insights into this profound and transformational music.

“I’ve come across a few different explanations, but yours is the fullest, the most comprehensive, and the easiest to grasp. Great work!”

— Milena Ivanova, Bulgaria

Look Inside Unlocking Mbira

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Unlock your creative potential

“Unlocking Mbira is perfect for me as I have been trying to create my own variations and improvise within the traditional mbira parts that I know already and have been having trouble understanding the rules/principles. I am confident this book will help a lot and make me a better player.”

— Silas Mosbacher, UK

This beautifully designed book welcomes readers of all abilities into an infinite universe of musical possibilities. Warning… Your life will never be the same!

Mbira Tablature Style: Position Notation (quick notation-switch resource included).

Join 1000’s of Mbira enthusiasts around the world

“Way different than what I’m used to. I’m really liking the chord theory charts. I listened ahead of where I am in the book and I’m really looking forward to learning some of those tricks!”

— Steve Croisant, Detroit, US

Andy Fowler : Author Profile (Founder/Director of Mbira Magic)

Andy Fowler, director of Mbira Magic, works with world-famous mbira performer Forward Kwenda to promote the mbira instrument and its music, and create employment for Zimbabwean mbira musicians.

“Mbira is a perfect metaphor for our universe. It’s full of polarities, self-similarity and ambiguity - and you can’t experience it without being transformed.”

— Andy Fowler

Andy’s professional background spans music and arts facilitation, therapeutic counselling and supervision, and inclusive education consultancy. Mbira Magic brings together his passions for creativity, personal development, accessible information, and of course - the beautiful and endless depths of mbira.

Andy’s popular mbira books and publications include:

• Unlocking Mbira : Chord Progression and System of Mbira Workbook by Andy Fowler - Mbira Magic 2015

• Fungai Gahadzikwa Mbira Song Book : Traditional Shona Mbira Songs by Fungai Gahadzikwa and Andy Fowler - Mbira Magic 2016

• Learn to Play Mbira : Traditional Songs and Improvisation Book by Andy Fowler and Forward Kwenda - Mbira Magic 2019

• Mbira Essentials : FREE Mbira Notes / Notation / Tablature / ‘Colour-Me’ Octaves / Chords / ‘Play Along’ Hosho Tracks / Shona Song Structure Book by Andy Fowler - Mbira Magic 2020

• Discover Mbira : The World’s Most Fascinating Music - FREE Multimedia Introduction to Ancient Zimbabwean Trance Music edited and designed by Andy Fowler- Mbira Magic 2020

Andy’s online mbira lessons / courses / subscription communities:

• Learn to Play Mbira : FREE Video Lessons/Tutorial/Course by Andy Fowler

• Mbira ‘Deep-Dive’ : Advanced Mbira Song Structure + Improvisation Course by Andy Fowler

• Mbira.Online : Mbira Masters Video and Notation Archive by Andy Fowler (director) and Forward Kwenda (main teacher) featuring video tutorials and performances from and a growing team of Shona mbira masters including Caution Shonhai, Nyamasvisva, Ambuya Tembo, Bezil Makombe, and Pasivillias Tandi.

FREE online mbira resources provided by Andy Fowler:

• Mbira Education Facebook Group administrated by Andy Fowler

• Mbira Masters : Video Series published by Andy Fowler

• Mbira Makers, Tunings, Mbira Care & Mbira Buying Advice : Video series by Andy Fowler

• #GlobalCeremony Tadzungaira mbira song project

All of Andy Fowler’s mbira books and courses have received ‘⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘reviews. Here’s what a few academics and top musicians have to say about them:

“Unlocking Mbira opens new doors of creativity for mbira enthusiasts. Thorough, logical, and accessible to players at all levels, this book is a game changer!”

Reviewed by B. Michael Williams Ph.D. Professor of Music, Windthrop University / Associate Editor, Percussive Notes.

“Clear and Concise, Fungai’s Mbira Song Book goes deep into the workings of mbira songs. From beginners to advanced players, this book allows one to visualise and internalise phrasing, chords and improvisation. I recommend this book highly. ”

Reviewed by Jim Pugliese Composer / International Recording Artist

“An accessible, innovative and important addition to mbira literature. This book will be invaluable to players of all levels. I strongly recommend it!”

Reviewed by Dr. Samuel Gould Music Literature / Applied Percussion / Percussion Ensemble / World Percussion Instructor at Grand Valley State University & Grand Rapids Community College

“An excellent resource! Inspiring songs and clear 
presentation make this book suitable for every player. 
If you want to learn traditional songs and improvisation 
I strongly encourage you to check this book out.”

Reviewed by Nicky Bernardi, ISTANBUL Endorsed Percussionist

“Your passport to Mbira Dzavadzimu: the mbira of 
the ancestral spirits. Journey into its intricate rhythms 
and melodies guided by step-by-step explanations, 
colorful illustrations, and audio samples. There’s 
a path here for every ability and learning style.”

Reviewed by Sheree Seretse, Ethnomusicologist / Teacher / Performer, Seattle, WA.

Andy is also an accomplished artist and illustrator, and eternal rock climbing novice!

Advanced Online Lessons With Zimbabwean Mbira Masters

Page under construction - Handy links here ⤵️

• FREE online ‘Discover Mbira’ course for beginners.

• FREE ‘Mbira Essentials’ PDF download. Contains: mbira notes / octaves / chords / mbira song structures / tunings / notation / blank tab.

• FREE lessons for advanced players.

• Traditional song masterclasses from Forward Kwenda and our team of Zimbabwean Mbira Masters. (HD video with tablature/notation).

• ‘Mbira Deep-Dive’: Song structure and improvisation course taught by Andy Fowler.

• Traditional mbira song books with Forward Kwenda and Fungai Gahadzikwa.

• Mbira improvisation books + 1:1 video lessons with Andy Fowler.

• www.mbira.online - complete mbira video and notation archive searchable by song, artist, tuning and more. Updated monthly.

• Find mbira players near you.

• Mbira Education Facebook group.

Join the Global Mbira Ceremony

For centuries, the mbira music of Zimbabwe has been used as a tool for accessing healing and ancestral wisdom.

In response to the COVID19 pandemic, mbira players around the world selected the song ‘Tadzungaira’ as a united prayer. Our ongoing #globalceremony has brought together participants from across six continents, and you’re invited to join us today - whatever instrument (or software) you play.

How to take part:

• Grab the free multimedia guide

• You’ll learn how to play Tadzungaira on your instrument (deep traditional mbira intensive included), get audio samples to mix, and fascinating song information to use as your creative starting point*.

• Enjoy playing beautiful music and maybe post a video tagged #globalceremony to @mbiramagic

*Anything goes! Our aim is simply for more people to experience mbira music. the FREE guide will take you deep whatever your preferred direction.

“It connects me with all the others who are playing Tadzungaira as a prayer during these days. It is a prayer on a deep level, a level that my words can’t reach.”

— Micha Schwarz, Austria

Global Ceremony Initiated - The first prayer:

Every #GlobalCeremony Video so far:

See 80+ traditional examples of Tadzungaira

Watch 50+ #globalceremony submissions

The Global Ceremony participant guide, ‘Discover Mbira’ offers a thorough introduction to traditional mbira music. We made it in partnership with top Zimbabwean mbira players (gwenyambira), and it’s had ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews!

What’s inside Discover Mbira?

The World’s Most Fascinating Music…

• Designed for everyone from hobby musicians to classical vocalists and EDM composers.

• You’ll learn the traditional mbira songs Tadzungaira and Nhemamusasa.

• Video tutorials / performances / and audio tracks (remix opportunities!) from master mbira player Forward Kwenda.

• Discover the ancient structure that unites Shona Mbira music.

• Supported by Andy Fowler’s ‘Learn to Play Mbira’ and ‘Mbira Deep-Dive’ videos on Youtube.

“Thanks for putting this together and facilitating this collaboration Andy! It is nice to have something to focus on to take a break from the news while sheltering in place.”

— Steve Croisant, US