Day 1 – Basics + First Melody
Training:
- Learn to hold the kalimba lightly.
- Pluck with thumbnails, not pads.
- Practice alternating thumbs (R–L–R–L).
Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
1 1 5 5 | 6 6 5 – |
4 4 3 3 | 2 2 1 –
Day 2 – Rhythm Control
Training:
- Use a metronome at 60 bpm.
- Practice short vs long notes.
- Try simple pauses between notes.
Song: Happy Birthday
5 5 6 5 1• 7 |
5 5 6 5 2• 1• |
5 5 5• 3• 1• 7 6 |
4• 4• 3• 1• 2• 1•
Day 3 – Smooth Playing
Training:
- Practice legato (smooth transitions).
- Play the C major scale up and down.
- Avoid gaps between notes.
Song: Mary Had a Little Lamb
3 2 1 2 | 3 3 3 – |
2 2 2 – |
3 5 5 – |
3 2 1 2 | 3 3 3 3 |
2 2 3 2 | 1 –
Day 4 – Flow and Balance
Training:
- Alternate thumbs evenly.
- Try “left–right–left–right” scale patterns.
- Add soft vs louder dynamics.
Song: Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
3 3 4 5 | 5 4 3 2 |
1 1 2 3 | 3 2 2 – |
3 3 4 5 | 5 4 3 2 |
1 1 2 3 | 2 1 1 –
Day 5 – Playing with Emotion
Training:
- Practice dynamics: soft → loud → soft.
- Try muting notes by touching tine after pluck.
- Break song into 2-bar phrases.
Song: Amazing Grace
5 6 1• | 3 2 1 – |
3 5 6 | 5 3 2 – |
5 6 1• | 3 2 1 – |
3 5 6 | 5 1 –
Day 6 – Fun with Speed
Training:
- Practice short runs: 1–2–3–2–1.
- Use metronome at 80–90 bpm.
- Try a quick glissando (slide across 3–4 tines).
Song: Jingle Bells
3 3 3 | 3 3 3 |
3 5 1 2 | 3 –
4 4 4 4 | 4 3 3 3 |
3 2 2 3 2 | 5 –
Day 7 – Calm and Performance
Training:
- Practice playing slowly and evenly.
- Let notes ring fully.
- Play all 7 songs in order as a mini-concert.
Song: Silent Night
5 5 6 5 | 3 – 3 – |
4• 4• 3 2 | 1 – – – |
6 6 5 3 | 4 – 4 – |
5 5 6 5 | 3 – – –