Chartwell Dutiro

WORKSHOPS and PERFORMANCE

CHARTWELL is a singer, composer and instrumentalist who specializes in traditional Shona music. He is regarded as a World-Class Mbira player and uses the instrument as an educational tool, to encompass both traditional and contemporary perspectives, challenge stereotypes and encourage creative engagement.

The workshops introduce the geography of Africa as a continent and Zimbabwe as a country within that continent. They also explore the history of the British Empire in connection with Zimbabwe, as well as the history of the Ancestors, which is central part of the African belief system.

Chartwell draws on his experience of growing up in rural, segregated Zimbabwe to build bridges between culture and make links between contemporary Zimbabwe and life in Britain today. His interactive workshops incorporate music, song and dance.

EDUCATIONAL CONCERT

For larger groups, Chartwell can perform a 45 minute concert in which he introduces young people to mbira music, the instrument and its context. A shorter version can be used for assemblies.

LANGUAGE WORKSHOP

Chartwell translates Shona songs into English to give students a taste of the educational value of bilingualism.

SHONA SONG TEACHING WORKSHOP

Chartwell is experienced at working with all age groups, from primary up to A-level and can adapt the workshop according to ability. Maximum workshop capacity is around 30 pupils. Chartwell can pitch the complexity of the song to the ability of participants. Session may include the understanding of poly-rhythms/ cross rhythms, hand clapping, singing and dance.

GCSE æ A-LEVEL STUDENTS

Chartwell uses degree in Ethnomusicology from SOAS to deepen his students understanding of different African instruments and the music that they make. Using a variety of techniques including poly-rhythms, call and response, polyphonics and hocketing, the workshops explore music from around the World and how artistic collaborations can influence and even create new genres. For Music Technology students, Chartwell can highlight the effect of modern technology on traditional music.

„A fantastic day. The pupils loved the opportunity to engage with someone who was so clearly passionate about spreading the language of music and the culture of his heritage.”

Chris Causon, Music Department, Sprowston High

“Chartwell has a unique ability to engage with children. The two mixed age groups he worked with were totally absorbed in all he said, and the music and dance that they produced was great. A brilliant morning.”

Lit Plater: Deputy Head, Taverham High

MHARARANO - THE MBIRA ACADEMY OF LIFE- THROUGH MUSIC AND THE ARTS

MOTTO

CONNECT, LEARN AND CHANGE…

VISION

The Mbira Academy ideology is built upon the values of connection, learning and change. “Mhararano” which means “the cross roads” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, is an educational movement responding to and connecting with nature and the individual needs of people.

In developing the Mbira Academy we want to acknowledge and support the ancestors, the elders and the younger people, with wisdom and understanding of the life challenges that they face.

MISSION

To build and grow the Mbira Academy to explore community, identity and learning through the mbira.

VALUES

CONNECTING people and their environment
SUPPORTING our planet and all life on it
PRACTISING honesty and ritual
RESPECTING each other, our art and the ancestors
FINDING non-traditional ways of measuring outcomes

AIMS

COMMUNITY

to establish a physical space for the Mbira Academy
to establish a physical space for a sister Mbira Academy in Zimbabwe
to bring people together at the Mbira Academy to share philosophical beliefs and experience ritual, through the languages of music, literature, poetry, storytelling, visual arts, dance, drama and film

IDENTITY

to create a spiritual environment and understand historical influences based on people across the world and in particular Zimbabwe, Africa and to encourage the making of space for change and healing in order for individuals to evolve
to unite people and cultures by opening up geographical, religious and linguistic boundaries
to be aware of the need to find and recognize self-identity and the identity of others
to provide opportunities for Academy members to learn and understand the Shona language
to celebrate the importance of Mbira music, ritual and communion

LEARNING

to teach innovative and interactive education programmes that enable conversation
to find a common language through the arts as a catalyst to bring people together
to be actively conscious of our immediate environment and that of our planet in a caring and sustainable way
to establish the Mbira Academy as a recognized centre for professional learning

OBJECTIVES

COMMUNITY

for people to have the opportunity to become members of the Mbira Academy community
to acknowledge and understand the necessity of the ritual preparation and communal sharing of nutritious foods
to focus on all aspects of communal living and rituals
to be able to fund and invite artists, artisans and performers from around the world to share and combine their skills with us at Mhararano
to be connected with the roots and source of traditional mbira music and culture

IDENTITY

to teach, learn and share the music of the mbira, in community gatherings
to develop multimedia performance, music technology, music business studies, drama and film making
to reach out to, and develop, new international audiences through the creation and recording of music and dance
to be aware of, and engage in, the complexities of international citizenship and politics
to provide a non-discriminatory environment
to challenge habitual and social practice
to encourage personal growth and development
to enable visitors to Zimbabwe to communicate more readily in the indigenous language
to provide a great understanding of traditional Shona music
to teach the importance of ritual through communion, music, song and dance
to give thanks to the Ancestral Spirits and continue the work of the Ancestors

LEARNING

to be aware if, and engage in, the complexities of international citizenship and politics
to develop multimedia, performance, music technology, music business studies, drama and film making
to reach out and develop new international audiences through the creation and recording of music and dance performance
to encourage and support indigenous knowledge and practice in the skills and making of traditional musical instruments and other artifacts and to find funding for the commission of mbiras and other musical instruments for the Academy
to teach, learn and share the music of the mbira, in community gatherings
to develop ongoing and new connections and partnerships with educational establishments
to live n a natural environment in a caring and sustainable way
to explore different types of teaching, using a personal approach and adapting to the needs of individuals and groups
to explore non-western methods of teaching, to find teachable moments which begin to encourage dialogue
to explore emancipation through education

CONTACT DETAILS

Chartwell Dutiro
43 Tudor Road
Newton Abbot
Devon TQ12 1HT
Tel.: 01626 324 988
Email: chartwell7@btinternet.com
Web: www.chartwelldutiro.com