African American Mbira Project

How It Works

The African American Mbira Project (AAMP) introduces, supports and perpetuates the music of the mbira within the African American community. Our intention is to increase the diversity of practitioners by centering the African American community. AAMP offers two 10-week mbira workshops each year, starting in early spring and early fall.

The mbira is a unique musical culture conceptualized by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. However, due to historical and systemic processes, mbira is one of the only forms of African music in the US to exist largely outside of the African American community. Therefore, our focus is to enable more African Americans to gain access to this tradition by providing students with their own instrument and introducing them to classic mbira repertory.

Through a combination of online weekly group classes, special Cultural Enrichment Programs, individual support, and in-person events, each member will be stewarded through practical hands-on experience with the instrument.

Learning opportunities are enhanced by in-person workshops on another form of mbira, the nyunga nyunga, which are open to all.

Our ultimate goal is to foster a community of mbira enthusiasts who will also be the foundation for future generations of African American mbira players, and to support and encourage the greater community to engage in this ancient tradition.

Your Instrument

The AAMP will provide each registered participant with an mbira. Though these mbira are the property of the AAMP, participants can keep their instruments for the duration of the time that they remain in the project. If a participant is no longer interested in the AAMP, they must agree to return the mbira. Students also have the option to purchase their instruments outright.

Participants will submit a small deposit for the use of their instrument. This amount will be refunded to the student once the mbira is returned to the AAMP, or can be used as a downpayment for the purchase of the instrument.

Upon our receipt of your application, each participant will be entered onto our Slack workspace. This is where you will gain access to your Zoom links for your classes, workshops and other special events, as well as announcements from us. It is also where you can be in touch with each other for the purpose of comparing notes or setting up your own practice sessions. A survey will then be taken to determine the best time for us to schedule your classes.

Tuition

Tuition for the AAMP is $150. This will include all classes (10 weekly meetings either in person or on Zoom @ $15 per class), Slack workspace activities and special presentations.

Payment Options:

Online via Square
Check (payable to MUCID), mailed to: MUCID 4200 Park Blvd. #279, Oakland CA 94602
Cash (paid in person at MUCID or mailed to MUCID 4200 Park Blvd. #279, Oakland CA 94602)

Schedule

Please contact us for information about obtaining your instrument, project tuition and other details: africanamericanmbiraproject@gmail.com.

Spring Session: February 9th through May 11th, 2026. Ten meetings. (Meeting days and times will be determined via survey, and there will be a break from April 4 – 13th.)

The DARE program is a production of the African American Mbira Project, an initiative to perpetuate the music and tradition of the mbira within the African American community of the US.

Supported by

The mbira is a mystical form of music from Zimbabwe and is considered to have the power to provide comfort and healing to all who experience it.

UPCOMING

Registration is open for the Spring 2026 session of the African American Mbira Project (AAMP). Community nyunga nyunga workshop dates will be announced shortly. We are always open to welcome new learners.
Please complete your online Registration Here:

Or download you application below: