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Mark Holdaway

How to Use the EZ Numbers Book… With the B11 Kalimba

The EZ Numbers Book uses numbers above the lyrics to 63 well-known songs to help you learn to play the songs very simply. This looks simple… but exactly how do I translate these numbers to, say, a B11 Kalimba? There are two details to be aware of: first, a 6-Note Kalimba (or an 11-Note Kalimba) cannot play the same music that a 17-Note Kalimba can play. (On the flip side, a 17-Note kalimba will probably be able to play everything the 6-Note or 11-Note Kalimba can play.) So, the EZ Numbers Book is split into different sections, based on how many, and which notes you need to play it. The

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

Using Our 17-Note Materials for 21-Note Kaimbas

Hey, did you get a 21-Note Kalimba, only to discover that there aren’t any books for it? The 21-Note Kalimba Tuning is typically just like the 17-Note Kalimba… with four extra notes in the middle, below the low C = 1. People often think that this kalimba is in the key of F. However, to be in F, you would want to have Bb (B flat) notes, instead of B. So, what are those low F, G, A, and B tines doing right in the middle? Well, they are mainly used for harmony, chords, and accompaniment… all relatively advanced concepts. F is the 4 of the key of C, and

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

New eBook: Just the Tips, coming in July 2023

If you preordered this ebook and you are waiting for it… your wait is almost over. I have been making good progress on this book while I’m in England. I go out for a kalimba walk in the cool green woods here, and I think of five more things to write about. Then I come home and write about them. I am currently at well over 100 pages. These are gems of wisdom gleaned from my over 37 years of kalimba experience. (Yes, I bought my first Hugh Tracey Kalimba 37 years ago this month. And I started Kalimba Magic 18 years ago this month.) But rather than tie these

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

American-Made Goshen Kalimbas, Western and African Tuned

We still have a few more Goshen Kalimbas. These are high quality, American-made kalimbas, suitable for beginners or for people who just want a pretty instrument that plays beautiful sounds. Here are the Goshen Kalimbas we sell. Goshen 8-Note Box Kalimba: Goshen 8-Note Student Karimba Goshen 9-Note Student Karimba      

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

From African Mbira to the Modern Kalimba – A Hugh Tracey Story

Have you ever wondered how we got the modern Chinese kalimba from the traditional African Mbira Dzavadzimu? The answer runs right through Hugh Tracey, who lived 1903 – 1977, studied the traditional African instruments, and made his own version of the instrument: the Hugh Tracey Kalimba. Check out this video I made to explain: Learn more about the history of the kalimba here.  

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

365 Days to Kalimba Mastery Volume II – Available Now

Get your phone-screen-sized, 220 lesson download: 365 Days for the 17-Note Kalimba in C, Volume II [Editorial note: this ebook has been a long time in coming. I originally advertised this book would be out by November 1 2022. It took longer than that. But it is here today – February 20, 2023. Most of the sound recordings are not done as yet, so when you touch or click on the sound icon today, On the one hand, this collection of kalimba lessons is my life’s work. But I also know that this collection just touches the surface of what I have to give. Contents of 365 Days / Volume

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

Kalimba Programs in the Libraries

Before Covid, I used to do kalimba performances and presentations in the libraries. Now, I’m coming back with these five classes of performances that I will be looking to book in 2024. I have a great deal of kalimba expertise, and I can tailor my performance to your audiences, but here are five basic shows that I am ready to do for you: The History of the Kalimba – Presentation, Performance, and Hands On Activity The first kalimbas were made from palm fronds in western Africa about 3000 years ago. When the iron age reached southern Africa 1300 years ago, kalimba tines were one of the first uses for the

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

Mark Holdaway Kalimba CDs Available as Download

  These two CDs reflect the time when I was highly focused on my Hugh Tracey Alto and Hugh Tracey Treble Kalimbas. These are fully orchestrated band songs, with kalimba usually one prominent voice among other instruments: guitar, mandolin, recorder, bass, and drums. There is some pretty inspired music here, and it is available now for the first time as a digital download. From Two Thumbs Up: Robert’s Dream: From Two Thumbs Up:Kicked by the Snow: Get Two Thumbs Up Download CD Between the D & L: The Dark and the Light CD Between the D & L: Morocco CD Between the D & L: Where is the Rain? Get

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Blog
Mark Holdaway

New Book Coming: “Just the Tips: Wisdom for Any Kalimba”

Hey, I am just being myself. I am able to capture kalimba music in tablature and detailed notation. I can show you exactly what you need to do to achieve some particular music. My tablature based books can teach you amazing things, in great precision. But that is not the only way to learn to play the kalimba. There are a whole bunch of high level concepts that can help with your kalimba playing. Very simple things, like: play on one side for a while… then on the other side for a while. Or: if you can’t find the note you are looking for… look on the opposite hand of

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