Music Tool

Lumina Kalimba
Visualizer & Practice App

A falling-note visualizer synced to MIDI. Enjoy the light show or use it to support your real instrument practice.
Relaxing, intuitive, and free.

Launch App
Lumina Kalimba Logo

User Guide

Welcome to Lumina Kalimba!
This is a web application designed to help you practice the Kalimba (Thumb Piano) or simply enjoy the music visually.
Hit the keys when the falling "Notes (Lights)" reach the line, just like a rhythm game.

🎵 3 Play Modes

Open the [⚙️ Settings] menu on the top left to switch modes.

Listening Mode

Auto-Play

The app plays the Kalimba sounds automatically synced to the notes.
Perfect for checking the melody and rhythm before practicing.

Touch Play Mode

Tap to Play

Auto-play is muted. Tap the keys on the screen to produce sound.
Enjoy playing the Kalimba on your smartphone or tablet.

Real Instrument Mode

For Practice

All app sounds (including tap sounds) are muted.
Use this mode to practice with your own physical Kalimba while following the visual guide.

🛠 Controls

  • 1. Menu Tap the [⚙️ Settings] button to open the menu. Tap outside or [× Close] to exit.
  • 2. Select Song Choose from the "Song Selection" list.
    ・Presets: Classic songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
    ・Your File: Load your own MIDI (.mid) files.
  • 3. Landscape Mode For smartphone users, use the [📱 Landscape] button in the menu to rotate the view 90 degrees for a wider keyboard.
  • 4. Key Width Use the slider on the right to adjust the width of the keys.
    Match it to your screen size or the spacing of your real instrument.

🎹 Screen Guide

Falling Circles (Notes)
This is the timing guide. Play the key when the circle hits the bottom line.
Key Markings (Notation)
  • Numbers: 1(Do) to 7(Ti). Corresponds to C Major scale.
  • Dots (・): Octave indicator. (One dot = +1 Octave, Two dots = +2 Octaves).
Key Colors
Red = C (Root)
Blue = Guide
No Sound?
  • Silent Mode (iPhone): If your device's physical Mute/Silent switch is ON, the browser may mute audio. Please turn it OFF.
  • Tap the Screen: Browsers require a user interaction to start audio context. Try tapping a key once.
  • Check Mode: Ensure you are not in [🔕 Real Instrument Mode].
Open App & Play

About Kalimba

Also known as the "Thumb Piano," it's a healing instrument gaining worldwide popularity.
Here are some facts to know before you play.

Roots of the Music Box

Originating in Africa as the "Mbira," the modern Kalimba uses metal tines plucked with thumbs. Its structure is very similar to a music box. The sound contains high-frequency overtones and "1/f fluctuations" (pink noise), which are said to induce relaxation and alpha waves in the brain.

Hollow vs. Flat Board

There are two main body types:

  • Hollow Body (Box): Has a sound hole like a guitar. Resonates loudly and allows for "wah-wah" effects by covering the holes.
  • Flat Board (Solid): A single solid piece of wood. Quieter but has longer sustain (note length) and a clearer tone. Good for night practice.

Easy "C Major" Scale

The standard 17-Key Kalimba is tuned to C Major, which corresponds to the white keys of a piano.
Since there are no black keys (Sharps/Flats), "there are no wrong notes". Even improvising randomly tends to sound like a beautiful melody.
Lumina Kalimba simulates this 17-key layout.