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 program for kids!
Ages 6-8: Twiza (Giraffe)
Twiza Drumming and Dance
taught by Jonathan Davis
Come move your body to African sounds and make your own music with hands, voices, and African drums. We explore a wide range of music from Africa and learn to move and play together as a group.
Mondays • 4-5 pm • Ages 6-8 • 15 week session begins September 8 • $220
Twiza Marimba
taught by Robyn Morgan and Chris von Lersner
Come make music with hands, voices, and marimbas. We explore a wide range of music from Africa and learn to sing and play songs together as a group. Children must have completed kindergarten or be 6 years old to participate.
Level 1 • Wednesdays • 4-5 pm • Ages 6-8 • 15 week session begins September 10 • $220
Level 2 • Thursdays • 4-5 pm • Ages 6-8 • 15 week session begins September 4 • $220
Ages 9-12: Nzou (Elephant)
Nzou Drumming and Dance
taught by Jonathan Davis
Now that you are older, you can learn more intricate African-style movements. You will learn to isolate parts of your body while keeping time to African music. We will also create more elaborate drumming arrangements with breaks, solos and singing.
Mondays • 5-6 pm • Ages 9-12 • 15 week session begins September 8 • $220
Nzou Marimba
taught by Robyn Morgan and Chris von Lersner
If you are 9 years old, it’s finally time to focus on the marimbas! Students play around with songs from Zimbabwe and southern Africa on the marimbas, while learning key musical concepts. Classes often begin and end with children’s games and songs from Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Level 1 • Wednesdays • 5:15-6:15 pm • Ages 9-12 • 15 week session begins September 10 • $220
Level 2 • Thursdays • 5:15-6:15 pm • Ages 9-12 • 15 week session begins September 4 • $220
More Youth Marimba Opportunities: Shumba, Vana Vedu, Shamwari/Tamba!
At Kutandara Center, children are welcome to start learning marimba in a group setting when they turn 6. Youth students are sorted into groups according to age ~ to insure peer-to-peer contact and age-appropriate skill development. We have two classifications for students who are developing their marimba skills and musicianship: the Twiza (Giraffe) and the Nzou (Elephant). After a Twiza or Nzou student has successfully completed a number of Level 1 sessions and their teacher feels they are ready for the next challenge of musical development, they may be invited to join a Level 2 class. Changes in class membership occur at summer Kamp or in the fall.
After a student has successfully completed a number of level 2 sessions and their teacher feels they are ready for the next challenge of musical development, they may be invited to join a Level 3 class: Shumba (Lion), or they may choose to remain with their peers in their Level 2 class and continue learning new songs, parts, arrangements and skills.
Shumba (Lion) Marimba
Taught by Chris von Lersner and Clint Nieman
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. The class begins to feel like a band!
Mondays or Tuesdays • 4-5:15 pm • 15 week session begins September 8 or 9 • $275
Youth Marimba Performance Program: Vana Vedu, Shamwari/Tamba!
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, Tamba!/Shamwari. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity for your child at 303 443 2969 or
Vana Vedu
Wednesdays • 4-5:30 pm • full year program beginning September 3 • $1010 Shamwari
Tuesdays 5:45-7:15 pm and Thursdays 4-5:30 pm • full year program beginning September 2 • $2015 Tamba!
Tuesdays 4-5:30 pm and Wednesdays 5:45-7:15 pm • full year program beginning September 2 • $2015
Classes for 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
Marimba for Adults: 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.
Small Group Musicianship Building Classes
Musicianship building classes focus on technique, strength-building, groove, click track work, fluidity and understanding different Zimbabwean marimba styles and how to play each well. If you would like to join an existing groups or are interested in forming a new group, please contact us at 303 443 2969 or
Kamba • Thursdays 1-2:30 pm
Hungwe • Thursdays • 2:30-4 pm
15 week session begins September 4 • $585
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
