Preserving the nyunganyunga mbira tunes through teaching and learning of performance using Sibelius 7

Abstract

The study focused on preserving mbira tunes byusing transcription with Sibelius 7. The researcher purposively selected (7 females and 8 males) music students to play the transcribed ‘Bungautete’, ‘Chigwaya’, ‘Guva rangu’ and,‘Nhemamusasa’ on the nyunganyungambira. Action research and the computer-assisted method guided the lessons. The study followed UNESCO’s decree on Safeguarding cultural heritage aiming to protect the world’s intangible cultural heritage through upholdingpractices, uses,andexpression of knowledge that communities recognise as vital to their culture. The advent of computers in music education offersadvantages to music educators and students to use emerging technologies in class. The nyunganyungambira in recent years gained recognition in primary, secondary and tertiary music education in Zimbabwe and beyond. Materials from the study are useful in teaching the nyunganyungambira to the current and future generations. The study proffersways to preserve and present the tunes in print, PDF, audio, MP3,and MIDI formats as instructional materials. The study affordsknowledge on how to use the software in teaching the nyunganyungambira. It also provides material and knowledge useful in schools, colleges and universities in music education.Further studiesmay be needed to cater for other mbira types.