Private Lessons

Randy is Kutandara Center's music director. Randy graduated from Colorado State University in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in music, and from the University of Colorado in 1996 with a master's degree in music composition. Randy's love of Zimbabwean music inspired him to write and arrange his own Shona-style compositions. Randy is the Center’s composer and musical visionary.

Randy has taught at the University of Colorado, Metropolitan State University, New Vista High School, and the Colorado School of the Arts.

Randy offers 55-minute lessons in marimba, hosho, mbira and drumming.

Amy is Kutandara Center's program director. Amy began studying African music in 1994 with master instructors both from Zimbabwe and the United States. Amy is adept at many African instruments, but especially loves marimba and hosho (gourd rattles) and plays both with style and grace.

Amy reminds students and instructors alike that music is not only about notes and rhythms, but about relationships among people working together toward a common goal.

Amy offers 55-minute lessons in marimba, hosho, mbira and singing.

Ashley loves playing marimba, hosho, mbira and singing. She has been studying with Randy McIntosh, Kutandara Center Music Director, since his first group marimba class in 2000. She has studied mbira with Sekuru Cosmas Magaya, singing with Ambuya Beauler Dyoko, and additional marimba work with visiting artists such as Paul Mataruse. She was an original member of the Center's student perfromance class Musangano and currently plays with the Center's school performance group Mhuri and serves as a substitute when needed with Kutandara. Teaching is Ashley's way to give back to the community all that has been given to her over the years. When Ashley is not playing music, she enjoys her day job as an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist.

Ashley offers 55-minute private lesson on marimba.

Jesse Larson fell in love with Zimbabwean marimba music when she first attended Kamp Kutandara at the age of eleven in 2003, and has been an avid marimba player ever since. She has performed for many years with Tamba!, Musha Marimba, and Kutandara. She has been an assistant instructor in adult beginner classes and the youth class Shumba, as well as acting assistant director in the youth band Vana Vedu from 2010-2012. Her warm personality and ability to relate with all students has made her well known around Kutandara Center. She has also been a counselor at Kamp Kutandara from 2007-2012 where she has motivated and encouraged young participants in their musical endeavors.

Jesse loves teaching almost as much as performing, and works well with students of all ages and musical levels. Her love for this music permeates all she does.

Jesse offers 55-minute private lesson on marimba.

If you're taking consistant lessons with Amy or Randy regularly over time, consider a 10 lesson punchcard!  We offer a 10% discount for buying lessons "in bulk".  Another way to look at it is Buy 9, Get 1 Free (just like those coffee punchcards . . . ). Cards expire 6 months after the first lesson.

If you're taking consistant lessons with Ashley or Jesse regularly over time, consider a 10 lesson punchcard!  We offer a 10% discount for buying lessons "in bulk".  Another way to look at it is Buy 9, Get 1 Free (just like those coffee punchcards . . . ). Cards expire 6 months after the first lesson.