Mbira: Zimbabwean Thumb Piano

Every month we hold a workshop where you learn to play the mbira, a traditional Zimbabwean instrument made of iron keys and a wooden board.

What is the mbira?

An ancient folk instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Africa.

It has long played a sacred role, performed at festivals and rituals to communicate with ancestors and spirits, and is said to be the origin of the music box.

Its flat keys are made by hammering iron rods, then fastened to a wooden board with wire and bolts. Every mbira is handmade, so no two are alike.

The sound of the mbira

The mbira is usually played in sessions of two or more. The sounds weave together in intricate ways, giving the music much more depth than a single instrument.

It may look tough, but its tone is as gentle as a music box: soothing whether you're playing or listening.

A signature feature of the mbira is the bottle caps or small iron bars attached to the bottom of the board. They add a unique buzzing resonance when played, bringing a touch of noise to an otherwise purely beautiful sound.

Instructor: Tsubasa Mitsuda

Tsubasa Mitsuda (Leader of the Nagoya Mbira Club)

Born in Nagoya. First encountered the mbira in 2009, bought one online and started playing self-taught.

The following year, met Yuji Matsudaira, who was studying cultural anthropology at the Nagoya University graduate school while playing the mbira, and began taking lessons.

Has performed mainly around Nagoya since 2012,
including many performances with mbira players visiting from Zimbabwe.

Now leads the Nagoya Mbira Club, performing, teaching mbira classes, and making and selling instruments.

Mbira workshop

Everyone is welcome, including those who have never touched an mbira or played any instrument.

Even first-timers can learn to play a simple song, so it's perfect if you've been wanting to try making music.

Participants so far have ranged from children to people in their 80s.

The workshop is held during Mond's opening hours, so café guests can listen in or watch.

Mbira workshop details

• Held monthly
• Duration: 2 hours
• Fee: ¥1,000 (tax included) + one drink
• Dates: please ask us via LINE, email or phone

Reservations & Inquiries

Book in person at Mond, or by email, LINE or phone.
[Phone] 052-750-5188 (+81-52-750-5188)
[Email] mond14@icloud.com

Book easily on LINE

Mond

3-6-19 Chiyoda, Naka-ku, Nagoya
About 6 min walk from Tsurumai Station (Subway / JR)

[Hours] 10:00–18:00 (last order 17:30)
[Closed] Wednesdays & Thursdays