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