Thumb Piano (Mbira) - coconut, painted

The Painted Coconut Thumb Piano Mbira is a hand-crafted coconut-shell thumb piano with metal tines that produce gentle, bell-like tones. It’s ideal for Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Adult and SEND learners for calming improvisation, soundscapes and mindful music-making.

The colourful coconut shell is carefully smoothed and painted, then fitted with a wooden top and steel keys. Each thumb piano mbira can be tuned within a comfortable range by sliding the tines in or out, so you can match it to a song, drone or backing track. Because the notes are arranged in a simple repeating pattern, it’s very forgiving – pupils can explore repetitive riffs without worrying about “wrong” notes.

This small African thumb piano mbira works well from supported Early Years through to Adult learners, for classroom composition, storytelling, sensory work and solo mindfulness activities.

Designs are individually hand-painted, and there is also a natural coconut-shell version if you prefer an unpainted finish. The handcrafted instruments are as easy on the eye as they are on the ear, making them attractive additions to both music trolleys and wellbeing corners.

The handcrafted thumb piano mbira music instruments are beautifully decorated to make it as easy on the eye as it is on the ear. Another natural coconut shell version of the African Mbira musical instrument is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mbira a thumb piano?
Yes. “Mbira” is a traditional African lamellophone where metal keys are plucked with the thumbs and fingers. Many people use “mbira” and “thumb piano” interchangeably, especially in classroom contexts, although specific African mbiras have their own names and tunings.

What is the difference between a kalimba and a mbira?
Both are thumb pianos with metal tines, but “kalimba” often refers to modern boxed or flat-board instruments, while “mbira” is a broader African family that can include gourd resonators, different key layouts and regional tunings. For school use, this painted coconut model offers an accessible, durable take on that tradition.

For SEN settings:

When you purchase this product you get free access to a wide range of downloadable SEND teaching resources. Please visit our SEND resources page to see the range - free resources have a purple "FREE" label alongside.

The EAN of this product is 5060344030960