Mbira lessons all over the world
Online lessons in traditional Shona mbira music of Zimbabwe are now available anywhere in the world. Erica Azim, who has played Shona mbira music for over 40 years, and taught mbira to thousands, is offering online mbira lessons in any tuning. The photo above shows what you will see filling the screen of your computer or tablet (your phone may be too small to see well).
Advantages
- Wherever you are located, have an mbira lesson with an experienced teacher.
- Individual private lesson, going at your own pace, learning material appropriate for you.
- Have a lesson in the tuning of YOUR mbira (a variety of options are available).
- Get feedback from the teacher on your playing.
- After your lesson, you will be sent a short audio recording of what you learned by email or text.
one of Erica’s nyamaropa tuning mbiras However, you may NOT video-record your lesson. You can always video yourself playing during or after the lesson.
Disadvantage
- The student and teacher cannot play the kushaura and kutsinhira parts together, so come to an MBIRA Camp or weekend workshop to work on that.
What do I need to have an online mbira lesson?
- A good internet connection
- A computer, laptop, iPad or tablet with email and browser access – you will see Erica’s mbira and hands filling most of your screen. She does not need to see you.
- A smart phone could be used, but might be too small to see well
- Headphones, earbuds, or speakers for your device are recommended, so you hear really well
- An mbira in most common pitches of nyamropa tuning, and/or mavembe tuning. But inquire if you prefer to use any tuning shown at the bottom of this page.
More about getting started with online lessons
- First submit the Online Mbira Lesson Enrollment Form, with or without payment.
- We have transitioned to FaceTime because Skype has ended service BUT you will be able to use it from any device – Apple devices are NOT required and we will send you an invitation that works from any browser on any device.
- If using FaceTime from an iPad or Mac computer, Erica will call you with FaceTime when it’s your lesson time.
- If you are not using an Apple device, Erica will send you an email invitation to your lesson. You open the email and click the green button, enter your name (any) and continue, click green Join button and Erica will be able to start your lesson.
- Contact us to schedule either a regular lesson time (once a week, once every 2 weeks, once a month, etc.), or a single lesson.
- Please pay for your lesson when submitting the enrollment form, either with Zelle (preferred because they don’t take out fees, but only works in the US), or pay through the website with a credit or debit card, or PayPal account.
- Lessons are one hour long: you will be taught for 55 minutes, then Erica will make an audio recording of all you learned and email or text it to you during the final 5 minutes.