Māori koauau with manaia

Description:

Māori Kōauau with manaia

Info about kōauau

Kōauau are the most common type of Māori flute, and traditionally were made from various woods, kelp or bones. They range in length from about 10cm to 38.5 cm. 

They usually have have three finger-holes, known as wenewene. The sounds are further manipulated with slight movements of tongue and lips.

Kōauau are used in entertainment, but also for healing and grieving and to ease pain. The music of kōauau always had words and an expert player could make these heard through the instrument.

Source: Te Ara - Māori musical instruments >>

How to play a kōauau

Now, there's a challenge. Kōauau are a beautiful part of Māori culture. However, it is not easy to play a Māori kōauau. Have you heard someone play the koauau? The sounds are quite haunting, and really beautiful - you 'feel' the kōauau when you hear the kōauau. Check out this YouTube video: Te kū te whē by Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns.

Here are some tips to get you started! Making your first sound:

• Start with all the finger holes covered, it's much easier that way!
• Shape your lips and tongue as if you're making the lowest whistle sound you can.
• Then, hold the kōauau at an angle against the outer edge of your lips and gently move it into that stream of air.
  
  The two things to play around with are the angle of the instrument and how far toward the centre of your lips you hold it. Start from the outer side and slowly swivel it toward the centre while blowing. If nothing happens, nudge it a little more toward the centre and try again. Essentially, you're sealing about two-thirds of the mouthpiece against your lips and finding that sweet spot angle.
  
  It's a similar technique that works on bottles. Have fun!

Size kōauau with manaia