When you participate in a Kutandara Center class, you learn more than just music. You also learn critical thinking skills, develop higher cognitive skills and increase your ability to analyze and evaluate information. Teamwork and conflict resolution skills develop naturally and you enjoy the healthy, positive activity of music with new friends.
Classes for Kids
Our youth classes provide an opportunity for children to learn music experientially. The large viewing windows in our studios allow parents and children to observe youth classes, so stop by anytime to check out our great programs!
At Kutandara Center, children are sorted into groups according to age ~ to insure peer-to-peer contact and age-appropriate skill development.
Twiza (Giraffes) • Ages 6-8
Drumming • Mondays 4:00-5:00 pm • 15 week ession • $220
Marimba Level 1 • Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 pm • 15 week session • $220
Marimba Level 2 • Thursdays 4:00-5:00 pm • 15 week session • $220
Fall classes begin the week of August 30, 2009; no class week of November 22, 2009
Nzou (Elephants) • Ages 9-12
Drumming • Mondays 5:15-6:15 pm • 15 week session • $220
Marimba Level 1 • Wednesdays 5:15-6:15 pm • 15 week session • $220
Marimba Level 2 • Thursdays 5:15-6:15 pm • 15 week session • $220
Fall classes begin the week of August 30, 2009; no class week of November 22, 2009
Shumba (Lions) Marimba
Shumba is a class in which students learn increasingly complex marimba arrangements and parts. There is an expectation of preparedness for class that for most students necessitates an at-home practice marimba. Shumba students also begin learning performance skills such as stage presence, dancing and MCing. This level may not be as interesting to some students, because rather than primarily learning new material, the focus shifts to refining and developing existing material.
Tuesdays or Wednesdays 4:00-5:15 pm • 15 week session • $270
Fall classes begin the week of August 30, 2009; no class week of November 22, 2009
Youth Marimba Performance Program
Students who are motivated to move through these levels and also have an interest in performance can consider our auditioned youth performance program, which includes the groups Vana Vedu and Shamwari/Tamba!. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity for your child at 303 443 2969 or info@kutandara.com.
Vana Vedu • Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 pm
full year program begins the week of August 30, 2009 • $1345
Shamwari • Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:45-7:15 pm
full year program begins the week of August 30, 2009 • $2015
Tamba! • Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-5:30 pm
full year program begins the week of August 30, 2009 • $2015
Classes for Teens and Adults
We welcome teens into our adult program. If you have questions about which class might be right for you, please call us at (303) 443-2969 or email us at info@kutandara.com .
Introductory Marimba Workshops
Even if you have never played an instrument, you can do it, too! Our 1-1/2 hour introductory marimba workshops focus on giving students a “second chance” (or a first!) at music. No prior musical experience necessary. Participation in an introductory workshop waives your membership fee when you sign up for a full-length class in next session!
Saturday, July 11 from 10-11:30 am • $25 • advanced registration required
Saturday, August 29 from 10-11:30 am • $25 • advanced registration required
Saturday, October 24 from 10-11:30 am • $25 • advanced registration required
Marimba for Teens and Adults: An Introduction
You can do this! Our introductory adult class is fun-filled and focuses on making music as a group. If you have tried a workshop, have more fun with a class! No prior musical experience necessary.
Thursdays 12:30-2 pm • $325
15-week session begins the week of August 31, 2009; no classes the week of November 22, 2009.
Marimba Repertoire Classes
You can do this! Our adult classes are fun-filled and focus on making music as a group. Learn songs, parts and arrangements while deepening your understanding of the cultures from which the music comes.
Kanopeez Marimba • Wednesdays 7:45-9:15 pm • $325
Musangano Marimba • Thursdays 6:30-8 pm • $325
Chapungu Marimba • Tuesdays 7:15-8:45 pm • $325
Woza Marimba • Tuesdays 1-2:30 pm • $325
Hungwe Marimba • Wednesdays 1-2:30 pm • $325
Pungwe Marimba • Tuesdays 7:30-9:30 pm • $435
15-week session begins the week of August 30, 2009; no classes the week of November 22, 2009.
Open Intermediate Adult Marimba Classes
Continue the learning and mixing you had this summer! Choose a primary class and visit other classes to build your skills or do make up classes.
Tuesdays 5:30-7 pm • $325
Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm • $325
Thursdays 7:30-9 pm • $325
15-week session begins the week of August 30, 2009; no classes the week of November 22, 2009.
Musicianship Development Classes
Focus on technique, strength-building, groove, click track work, fluidity and understanding different Zimbabwean marimba styles and how to play each well in a small group setting. If you would like to join an existing group or are interested in forming a new group, please contact us!
Thursdays 2:15-3:45 pm • $585
Fridays 5:30-7 pm • $585
15-week session begins the week of August 30, 2009; no classes the week of November 22, 2009.
Djembe Drumming Classes with Abdoul Doumbia
Beginning/Advanced Beginning
Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm • $220
15-week session begins the week of August 30, 2009; no classes the week of November 22, 2009.
Intermediate/Advanced
Mondays 7:30-9 pm •$325
15-week session begins the week of August 30, 2009; no classes the week of November 22, 2009.
A parent can only hope and pray that the people and activities in their children's lives will be rewarding and make them happy... thank you so very much for all the years of music at Kutandara Center. -
Melinda Evans, Shamwari parent
Thank you for all that you do for Luke in teaching him marimba and helping to instill a love of music in him! -
Julie Waldner,
youth student parent
When we see Kutandara Center directors and instructors with our kids, we are so happy. It is easy to tell that they like the kids, are proud of them and want to engage with them. They provide a healthy environment for kids to grow and they model good relationships with one another and each kid. We can tell that the kids feel like they are special and part of a unique community. -
Jeff Davies, Shamwari parent