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Introductory Classes for Adults + Teens

We believe that rhythm and music are an inherent part of human nature and that each of us has an ability to uncover this nature. We believe that YOU have musical ability and ARE a musical person. We are committed to giving you an opportunity to experience music and its many uplifting, joyous, and healing qualities–no matter your age or previous experience.

We offer classes for all ages and levels of ability. In general, adult students start in our introductory classes and progress with their class through our skill and song levels. At various points in this process, there will be opportunities for additional growth; as ability and experience grow in each student, so do the opportunities.

Play Marimba! with Randy McIntosh
Introductory Adults + Teens | Mondays 7:30-9 pm
2021 8-week Winter Session | weeks of Jan 18-Mar 8 | $222

Come play Zimbabwean marimba! Learn music in a safe and supportive setting where you’ll become part of a team whose success depends upon listening and cooperation. You’ll be playing a song or two by the end of the session and, most importantly, you’ll grow and change in ways that will surprise you! Zoom participation is available for students who do not feel comfortable attending in-person.

Custom Marimba Workshops with Randy McIntosh
Weekday and weekend times available |Suggested 90-minute session
Up to 8 students, ages 6-96 | Multigenerational groups encouraged
$200 per hour @ Kutandara
$300 per hour @ your location in Boulder County

Experience Zimbabwean music with your family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers for a fun, energizing, and connected experience. Workshops can be tailored for any occasion and can serve as a powerful team building experience. Your group can come to our studio in Boulder or we can bring a workshop to you. Workshops can be designed for any age of participants ages 6-96!

In this class, all levels are welcome, including adults and teens. We will begin with a brief discussion and practice of making the 3 basic sounds of the drum: slap, tone, and bass. Then we will jump right into playing traditional conga rhythms of Cuba. Most of what is taught will be drawn from the lineage of Los Munequitos de Matanzas. Scott received permission to teach this repertoire from elder Jesus Alfonso (RIP), while studying with him in Cuba in 2010. We will learn first and second accompaniments, as well as breaks and bell/clave patterns, and some root lead parts. The cultural context will also be discussed. Zoom participation is available for students who do not feel comfortable attending in-person

In this class, all levels are welcome, including adults and teens. We will begin with a brief discussion and practice of making the 3 basic sounds of the drum: slap, tone, and bass. Then we will jump right into playing traditional rhythms of Zimbabwe, as Scott learned at Chris Berry’s Blue Tribe School, as well as in Zimbabwe. We will learn first and second accompaniments, as well as breaks and bell patterns, and some root lead parts. The cultural context will also be discussed. Zoom participation is available for students who do not feel comfortable attending in-person.

Introductory Classes for Kids

Children are welcome to begin learning marimba in our group classes when they turn 6 or have completed kindergarten. Beginning youth students are grouped by age to ensure peer-to-peer contact and age-appropriate skill development. Children start in either Twiza/Giraffe (approx. ages 6-8/grades 1-3) or Nzou/Elephant (approx. ages 9-12/ grades 4-7).

In the Giraffe class, we are getting introduced to the marimbas. We are learning the names of the marimbas, their relationship to each other, and the names of the notes on each one. We can even play our main note (C major) chords! We are learning how to hold our mallets correctly and strike the keys properly.

In our opening circle, we are exploring the beat and duple beat, and learning to clap rhythms and step to the beat. When we play marimba songs together, we are learning how to fit our parts together in non-syncopated songs, and play basic parts in sync with the group. We even know the lead soprano’s role in the ensemble and can respond to its calls. That’s pretty amazing!

(This class is designed for 6-8 year old students who have had one year or less of marimba instruction.)

In the Elephant class, we are learning how to hold our mallets correctly and strike the keys properly. We are learning how to fit our parts together in non-syncopated songs, and play basic parts in sync with the group.

We are starting to be able to execute basic arrangements with the concepts of layering in, layering out, call and response introductions and endings, breaks, and ending signals. We are learning how to play our parts strongly

so that we can listen to other parts in the ensemble, and play through mistakes rather than stopping and starting over. We are getting good!

(This class is designed for 9-12 year old students who have had less than a full year of marimba instruction.)

Custom Learning Pods with Amy Stewart McIntosh and Randy McIntosh
Weekday and weekend times available
Up to 8 students, ages 6-8 or 9-12 | Mixed ages possible
$225 per 90-minute session @ Kutandara
$375 per 90-minute session @ your location in Boulder County

Please email to inquire about your group of young learners!

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