DAN KUSAYA
Avon
Summary
Experienced music educator and performer with a focus on Southern African history and culture. Proficient in constructing and performing traditional African instruments, including marimbas, mbira, hosho, and drums. Demonstrated expertise in music production and creating world music samples for contemporary compositions. Committed to community development and enhancing musical enrichment through innovative music educational projects.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
World Music Teacher
Monroe County Schools, Bloomington IN
Bloomington
08.2023 - Current
- Teach students grade 3-6 marimbas, drumming, singing and dancing. Coordinate multiple bands, communicating with parents, performances at the school and in the community. In charge of a marimba after-school program with an elite group of students. College and high school students also attend the after-school program for their field observations.
Afro Music Artist
World Music Special, IN
05.2021 - Current
- Independent artist using multiple instruments to perform a blend of original compositions and world music, enriched with tales of traditional Zimbabwean songs. These stories offer insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Afro Music Teacher & Community Music Development
Sweet Dreamers Marimba Project, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Mpumalanga
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Created an afterschool program where over 100 students attended for music, dance and English classes. Taught marimba classes as well as managed the other teachers in the program. Organized special events, school concerts, music competitions and music examinations. This included communication with the parents, arranging transportation and management of finances.
Music Production Director
MINANZI MBIRA BAND, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Mpumalanga
03.2014 - 05.2021
- Lead singer and mbira player. Marketed the band and booked events. This involved filling out applications, talking with the event planners, arranging payments, negotiating contracts and organizing tours. Directed all rehearsals to achieve tonal and harmonic balance. Constantly studied and created new innovative styles of music which were then implemented in production with band members.
Marimba Teacher
CMDA ACADEMY, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Mpumalanga
04.2013 - 05.2018
- Taught students how to play Marimba. Organized special events, school concerts, and music competitions. Completed student records and school-related documentation. Worked with students to develop Marimba and dance skills.
Education
High School Diploma -
Chiundu Secondary School
Rusape, Zimbabwe01.2010
Skills
- Proficient in African instruments
- Performance direction and production
- Event organization
- Project reporting
- Staff and student mentorship
- Music instruction
- Vocal techniques for African songs
- Marimba construction
Languages
Fluent in English and Shona. Conversational in several other African languages such as Siswati, Ndebele, Zulu and Sepedi.
Projects
Sweet Dreamers EduMelodies — Registered 501c3 registered nonprofit organization, Sweet Dreamers EduMelodies is committed to transforming lives through education and music. Our vision is to empower every child in rural Zimbabwe to reach their full potential, fostering creativity and learning in a supportive environment.
WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS, PROFILES
- Https://musicspecialdankusaya.com/
- Https://sdeumelodies.org/
Timeline
World Music Teacher
Monroe County Schools, Bloomington IN
08.2023 - Current
Afro Music Artist
World Music Special, IN
05.2021 - Current
Afro Music Teacher & Community Music Development
Sweet Dreamers Marimba Project, Mpumalanga, South Africa
01.2019 - 05.2021
Music Production Director
MINANZI MBIRA BAND, Mpumalanga, South Africa
03.2014 - 05.2021
Marimba Teacher
CMDA ACADEMY, Mpumalanga, South Africa
04.2013 - 05.2018
High School Diploma -
Chiundu Secondary School
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