Module title Mbira playing: Technique & Repertoire

History & Context

Rhythm, Dance & Hosho

African Music Diaspora

Playing, Singing & Shona Studies

Term 1 Introduction to mbira playing

Pan-African History

Body, Land, Ancestry

Mbira music on an International Stage

Playing, Singing & Shona Studies

Term 2 Mbira playing Spirit mediums & healing

Rhythms in mbira music

Mbira music on an International Stage

Playing, Singing & Shona Studies

Term 3 Mbira playing Presentation skills, students requests

Hosho Mbira music on an International Stage

Playing, Singing & Shona Studies

Term 4 Mbira playing Mbira music on an International Stage

Traditional Zimbabwean Dance

Mbira music on an International Stage

Playing, Singing & Shona Studies

Term 5 Mbira for performance

Research project

Contemporary translation & personal expression

Mbira music on an International Stage

Playing, Singing & Shona Studies

Term 6 Zimbabwe in Devon Camp. Final Presentations & Reflections

Zimbabwe in Devon Camp. Final Presentations & Reflections

Zimbabwe in Devon Camp. Final Presentations & Reflections

Zimbabwe in Devon Camp. Final Presentations & Reflections

Zimbabwe in Devon Camp. Final Presentations & Reflections

MODULE 1: Mbira Playing: Technique & Repertoire

This module works to develop the students mbira playing practice, introducing techniques and traditional repertoire including kushaura and kutsinhira variations. The module is repeated throughout the course and will be tailored to the students needs according to their ability and experience.

The final term focuses on mbira for performance.

MODULE 2: History & Context

Africa overview - Pan-African HistoryPre-colonial Africa, The impact of Colonialism and trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

This theory-based module has a number of components, each including a reading list and set essays/presentations.

Reading includes:The study of Ethnomusicology: Bruno NettleZimbabwe’s Colonial Legacy –Racism & The Land Question: D.GaziSoldiers in Zimbabwe’s Liberation War: Ngwabi Bhebe & Terence RangerBlood on the Wattle: Bruce Elder

Spirit mediums & healing- ZimbabweThe power and importance of Spirit mediums and communication with the Ancestors in Shona culture and Mbira music. This component includes reference to other traditions where music is used to communicate with the Ancestors eg Vodou Haiti, Candomble.

Reading includes:Guns and Rain: Guerillas and Spirit Mediums in Zimbabwe (Persepctives on Southern Africa): David LanThe Soul of Mbira: Music and Traditions of the Shona People of Zimbabwe: Paul Berliner Of Water and the Spirit Malidoma: Patrice Some

Presentation skills/Students requestsThis component includes extra sessions from guest lecturers on the skills involved in presenting mbira music in an academic setting. There is also extra time allowed in this component for student requests in order to deepen their understanding of any of the material covered up to this point.

Research projectStudent led research project in an area of interest agreed with the tutor, working towards a final presentation at the end of the module.

MODULE 3: Rhythm, Dance & Hosho

This module has five accumulative components, each building from the one before. There will be a reading list, a film showing and essay / presentations set.

Body, Land, Ancestry Finding intimacy with body, land and ancestry. This is the place where all art including music, rhythm and dance, arises from. This component is best taken in two longer sessions for full emersion in the material covered.

Rhythms in Mbira MusicUncovering and exploring the rhythms within mbira music through body percussion, mbira playing, voice and movement. This component aims to give the student an indepth understanding of the rhythmic textures of mbira music from the inside.

HoshoBuilding on a rich understanding of rhythm, this component focuses on hosho (traditional Mbira percussion) technique and rhythms.

Traditional Zimbabwean DanceMusic, rhythm, dance and song are intimately connected. In this component the student will learn traditional Zimbabwean dances to embody the rhythm, swing and playfulness within mbira music.

Contemporary translation & personal expressionThis component explores contemporary expression through rhythm, dance and movement.

MODULE 4: African Music Diaspora

This module will take students on a musical journey tracing the movement and displacement of African people with their Roots Music from as early as Slavery time to the Western world today. Students will explore a melting pot of different sounds which have influenced the beloved genres of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk, Classical, Reggae, Salsa, Cuban, Latin American etc…

We will also look at the role of the Media, Recording, Music Technology and Music Buisness Studies as well as Film Making and Broadcasting which will form a link to Chartwell’s radio show that is broadcast every Monday from 7pm till 9pm at Soundart Radio titled African Music Diaspora.

The module will contain written essays, debates, discussions, seminars and conferences and will allow students to listen to a lot of early recorded music and watch archive films and videos.

Mbira music on an International StageSessions include mbira notation, mbira guitar style, transcribing music to other instruments, working with western instruments and musical collaborations.

Essay title: “What is World music?”