Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Kalimba Warm-up Routines:
Your First Notes

After you have done something for your mind, spirit, and body, it is time to actually start playing kalimba. Do you remember in high school - perhaps you were in band, or knew someone in band. There were always hotshot musicians who had killer showoff exercises. They were fast, they were high, they were hard. Maybe they were meant to inspire the player or intimidate the competion.

Your first kalimba notes should probably be the exact opposite of that.

Imagine the kalimba as a little bunny or a shy spirit that tends to hide in its shell. Play a few notes to coax it out. Play a few notes to show your peaceful intention. Play a few notes to make friends with your kalimba.

Of course, your relationship with your kalimba could be completely different from mine. You might want to hit your kalimba with something more reminiscent of a Van Halen guitar solo. But you see the point: figure out what type of relationship you have or want to have with your kalimba, and figure out an appropriate opening phrase or series of notes that embody the stance you want to take with your kalimba when you first pick it up each day.