Classes are intimate and limited to seven students, allowing for individualized attention, so reserve your spot today! All classes are $100 per month and include access to the studio during Open Studio Times (open group rehearsals).

Adult Beginners Classes

No musical experience? No problem! In these classes, you will learn the fundamentals of marimba and have FUN creating music as we cultivate community through this rich art form.

Pick one:
Mondays 8:15-9:15PM
Thursdays noon-1PM
Thursdays 1:15-2:15PM
Thursdays 8:15-9:15PM

Adult Intermediate Classes

Ready to deepen your understanding of this music? In these classes, you will have the opportunity to learn the more intricate and ancient traditional music that has sustained the Shona people of Zimbabwe for over 1000 years.

Kids Classes

Perfect for kids 8+ years! A wonderful way to enrich your child's education.
Thursdays 5:30-6:30PM

Email us with any questions and to reserve your spot in class!

Online Lessons

For you mbira and guitar players out there, did you know that we offer online lessons so you can learn to play Zimbabwean music from the comfort of your home? Check it out!

We're also thrilled to announce two new partnerships with organizations that are working (and playing) hard to the foster the love and community that is so important in enriching our lives:

Community Outreach

The Amala Foundation

We are donating 10% of the class fee from any student that tells us they are involved with or have been referred to from the Amala Foundation. We love the work they are doing with youth around the world and right here in Austin, and are honored to support them.

Whole Life Learning Center

This is a school in South Austin that is doing great work with kids ages 5-13. We love the support and freedom that they are offering the youth there. Whole life was founded by Michael Carberry and his wife Caroline. Michael is one of the founding members of Kupira Marimba. We are donating 10% of the class fee from any parent or student of the school back to the school.

Community Marimba Jam and Potluck - Every Last Sunday!f

All are invited! Please join us on every last Sunday from 4-7PM at our monthly Marimba Jam and Potluck! Everyone is invited!

• Joel expertly conveys the spiritual/historical, theoretical, and technical concepts of Zimbabwean music while tailoring his instruction specifically for classically trained music students.
• -John Lane, Assistant Professor of Percussion, Sam Houston State University
• Our students felt a connection with everything you did, and have been talking about discovering MUSIC again. That is a gift to them that I can never repay you for.
• -Dr. Gary Westbrook, Director of Athletic Bands, Tarleton State University

If you are inquiring about ongoing marimba classes, please contact Joel here.

Joel Laviolette and Rattletree Marimba are honored to present traditional Zimbabwean mbira and marimba music to schools and learning institutions within the US and beyond. If you are interested in more information on the various programs and workshops we offer, please fill out the contact form below, and we'll get in touch with you.

In Zimbabwe, music is an important aspect of everyday life. There is no seperation between performer and audience. Joel works to bring this holistic musical understanding to his workshops, and he prides himself on tailoring his instruction to any skill-level. He has worked with students of all ages-from Kindergarten to Doctorate students and professional musicians.

Teaching Highlights:

• PASIC 2009
• Sam Houston State University
• Tarleton State University
• Fort Lewis College
• University of New Mexico (performance)
• Austin Community College (performance)
• Texas A&M (performance)
• Texas Christian University (performance)
• Many, many grade schools
• Zimfest Workshops: '99, '01, '02, '03, '05, '09
• Camp Tumbuka
• 15 years of private and group instruction

Two Popular Sample University Workshop Agendas:

Joel Laviolette solo Workshop:

• Solo workshops can be any combination of private or group lessons in mbira, Zimbabwean marimba, or Shona style guitar.
• Often, Joel will do a one hour presentation on the mbira music of Zimbabwe followed by a demonstration of the mbira melodies being put onto the marimba orchestra.
• That can be followed by a 1-2 hour hands-on marimba Master Class.
• That may be followed by an evening concert where the students get an opportunity to play the music they have learned in the workshop.
• This may be followed by a solo mbira performance by Joel.

Joel Laviolette Workshop and Rattletree Marimba Performance:

• All of the above applies, and in addition, Rattletree Marimba performs a full marimba set instead of a solo mbira performance by Joel.

We understand that every situation has unique needs. Let us know what you are looking for, and we'll be happy to coordinate with you. Above are examples of one-day workshops. Joel is available for multi-day clinics at a reduced rate.