In 2025, MBIRA offers four 4-day Mbira Camps in Berkeley, California, as well as weekend workshops. The Mbira Camps will be taught by Zimbabwean master musician ‘Samaita’ Vitalis Botsa and Erica Azim. Samaita has his work visa and plane ticket and will be here! Sessions will each be limited to 10 students per session. Camp sessions will be Friday evening through Tuesday afternoon:
Session 1: August 15-19, 2025
Session 2: August 22-26, 2025
Session 3: September 5-9, 2025
Session 4: November 7-11, 2025
Mbira Camp Day
The typical Mbira Camp day includes:
- mbira lessons in the morning;
- a break after lunch;
- optional related activities in the afternoon such as mbira singing instruction, hosho lesson, mbira dance class, cultural presentation, taking turns to play duets with a teacher, etc.; and
- the full group gathering in the evening for mbira playing.
Also, campers often play together in 2’s and 3’s informally, outside scheduled sessions. Activities and meals take place outdoors.
Taking breaks is encouraged when needed. However, allowing yourself to be a bit overwhelmed opens you to learning in a less-controlled way, soaking it up way a child learns. At camp, mbira students often find themselves making incredible progress with aspects of the music they were stuck on in other learning contexts, such as lessons.
Mbira lovers at every playing level are encouraged to attend, and previous Mbira Camps have included new-first-timers, beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. New beginners may purchase an instrument from MBIRA in advance to use at Camp, or choose one at Camp.
Cost and enrollment
The non-refundable deposit to hold your place in Mbira Camp is $400.
Total cost of Mbira Camp is:
- $800 if full payment is received by July 1st (all sessions)
- $850 if full payment is received after July 1st (all sessions)
- $160 additional for private room with bed (only 2 available each session).
- Full work-trade available for preparing meals for the session, contact us if interested.
Your fee includes all meals, instruction, and activities. Sleeping bag space in a shared room is available for no additional fee. Additional fee for private room with bed.
Advance enrollment for Mbira Camp is required. Enrollment is on a “first come” basis, so pay your deposit (or full fee) as soon as possible – your place in camp is not reserved until your payment is received. The balance of payment is due no later than your first day of Camp (but note $50 discount for early full payment). You can choose to pay with Zelle from your online banking or bank app (preferred because no processing fee taken out!), or through the website after submitting your enrollment form. Payment is non-refundable, unless another student takes your place ( there may be a waiting list).
Camp Recording Policy
You may audio record your individual and group lessons (audio ONLY, please, NO VIDEO allowed but of course you can video your own hands). You may not copy your recordings for anyone who did not attend the camp.
Questions
More Mbira Camp information, including schedule, “to bring” list and directions will be sent to enrolled Campers. Questions? Contact us.
