Ten years ago, Kate Murdoch's musical tastes were strictly classical.

A trained violinist who once played for Brighton and East Sussex Youth Orchestras, she was immersed in a career in classical music management.

But a trip to the Womad festival in 1998, when she chanced upon a group of Tanzanian musicians playing the thumbharp, opened up a whole new world.

She said: "I was totally tranced out by it. The music felt almost familiar to me and I knew I had to find out more."

The next morning the musicians held a workshop and Kate made sure she was there.

She asked the musicians if they took students and was handed a scrap of paper with a Tanzanian address.

A short while later, she found herself on a plane to Africa.

Kate ended up training with the Zawose family for three months and has returned on numerous occasions over the years to expand her knowledge.

She is one of only two westerners to have been taught thumbharp - or ilimba - melodies and songs in the ilimba tradition.

The 38-year-old, who grew up in Brighton and lives in Hurstpierpoint, has formed a close bond with the Zawose family. Her teacher Danny even named his second child after her.

She is using the healing qualities of the music in her work at schools and hospitals, including the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton and the Martlets Hospice in Hove.

Tonight, she will play a relaxing Fringe set with tabla, Indian classical flute player Kalidas and singer Luzmira Zerpa at Unit 5, Farm Mews, Farm Road in Hove.

There will be food, drink and cushions to sit on, with chairs for those who want them.

Tickets cost £6 on the door.

Hear Kate at www.myspace.com/thumbharphealing.