2010 Spring MUSIC 133S-01
Bulletin Course Description Building and performing one of Africa's most popular musical instruments, the mbira (a kalimba or "finger piano"). Ethnomusicological readings on the instrument's history, role in society, and meaning for musicians. Analysis of musical examples; learning the mbira's repertory and mastering skills common to many forms of African music, including performance of polyrhythms, responsive integration of instrumental and vocal patters, and formulation of unique renditions of pieces through improvisation. Weekly class labs. Course requires no prior experience with music or woodworking. Instructor: Berliner
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title AFRICAN MBIRA MUSIC Department MUSIC Course Number 2010 Spring 133S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Berliner,Paul F Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
Learn to build and perform one of Africa’s most popular musical instruments,
the mbira (known also as kalimba or ‘finger piano’). Ethnomusicological
readings introduce students to the instrument’s history, role in society, and
meaning for musicians. Class periods devoted to discussing readings,
analyzing musical examples, and learning the mbira’s repertory. Students
master skills common to many forms of African music, including performance
of polyrhythms, responsive integration of instrumental and vocal patterns,
and formulation of unique renditions of pieces through improvisation. Weekly
class labs (TBA) teach instrument-building skills. Course requires no prior
experience with music or woodworking.
Textbooks
Berliner, Paul
The Soul of Mbira (paperback) University of Chicago Press:1994
CDS:
Zimbabwe: The Soul of Mbira by Paul Berliner Nonesuch World Explorer
Series #79704-2
Zimbabwe: The African Mbira: Music of the Shona People by Dumisani Maraire
Nonesuch World Explorer Series
Assignments
Weekly reading, listening, performance and instrument-building assignments.
Exams
Grade to be based on
Student grades will be based on class participation (weekly discussion of the
readings, analyses of mbira recordings, etc.), performance exercises throughout
the semester, the construction of a viable karimba-type mbira and final
performance exam.
Additional Information
In the second half of the course we will be joined by a visiting artist from
Zimbabwe, mbira master Cosmas Magaya.
Required attendance: mbira music concert featuring Cosmas Magaya, March,
date TBA.
