This CD of mbira-style hosho at various speeds is intended for mbira, marimba, and hosho students to practice along with. We also included one track of 'kutsinhira hosho' style, which can be played by a second hosho player, or as variations when there is only one hosho player. [Total time: 66:35]

Kariga mombe ('Undefeatable') is typically the first song the new student learns. You may wish to start out practicing together with the same part you are playing, also trying the track with hosho, to hear where the beat fits with your part. Then, try practicing together with the part you are not playing, until you can hear the two parts meld. As you become comfortable playing the parts, try the faster tempo tracks. Tuning: nyamaropa. [Total time: 62:21]

Kuzanga's dictionary definitions are 'to act in a relaxed manner because...danger is suspended' and 'to live happily and free from fear'. Other meanings ascribed to this piece include 'family debate' and 'jealousy between wives'. The kushaura and kutsinhira parts to this piece are the same, with the kutsinhira part starting one note later than the kushaura. Tuning: nyamaropa. [Total time: 68:16]

Nhema musasa. 'Cutting (branches) for a temporary shelter', is probably the most popular mbira piece in Zimbabwe, with many different kushaura and kutsinhira parts. Only one version of kushaura, and kutsinhira, are included here. [Total time: 79:57]

Nyama musango means "Meat in the forest." In the simplest version of the piece, the kushaura and kutsinhira parts are the same, with the kutsinhira starting one note later than the kushaura. The main hosho beat falls on the bass notes of kushaura, the hosho "swoosh" (after the main beat) falls on the bass notes of kutsinhira. As you become comfortable playing the piece with and without hosho, and in kushaura and kutsinhira positions, try the faster tempo tracks. Of course, this is only one version of this mbira piece, there are many other versions! Tuning: nyamaropa. [Total time: 56:27]

Nyamaropa is one of the most important, and most ancient, Shona mbira pieces. You may wish to start out practicing together with the same part you are playing, also trying the track with hosho (gourd rattles), to hear where the beat fits with your part. Then, try practicing together with the part you are not playing, until you can hear the two parts meld. As you become comfortable playing the parts, try the faster tempo tracks. Tuning: nyamaropa. [Total time: 61:32]

Learn greetings and manners, and how to interact with your mbira teacher - important things like "Could you play slower"! We recorded author and master teacher Patience Chaitezvi saying each of the items in the book. We suggest using a program like iTunes to easily repeat over an over any phrases that are difficult for you. e-edition: Text (pdf file) and Audio (mp3 files) delivered by email. For print edition, see Catalog No. 35001 Recorded August 2008 at Berkeley, California. Musician: Patience Chaitezvi.

Learn greetings and manners, and how to interact with your mbira teacher - important things like "Could you play slower"! We recorded author and master teacher Patience Chaitezvi saying each of the items in the book. We suggest using a program like iTunes to easily repeat over an over any phrases that are difficult for you. Print edition: Printed text and CD delivered by mail. For E-edition, see Catalog No. 35000 Recorded August 2008 at Berkeley, California. Musician: Patience Chaitezvi.