NGFDA Virtual Fall Festivall 2020 November 19th, 20th & 21st 2020 Listed By Instructor
Abbreviations HD-Hammered Dulcimer, MD-Mountain Dulcimer, BP-Bowed Psaltry, AH-Autoharp, PW-Penny Whistle, Uke-Ukelele, All-All Instruments
Sessions are shown: Day (T-Thursday, F-Friday, S-Saturday & Session Number
Levels 1-Beginner, 2-Advanced Beginner, 3-Intermediate, 4-Intermediate Advanced, 5-Advanced, All-All Levels TITLE Inst. Level Session Workshop Description Anne Lough From "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" to "The Sow Got the Songs for the Young and AH Level 2 T-2 Measles," lets have fun playing and singing some Young at Heart delightful, happy and timeless children's songs. Music is to be shared and is especially fun and Tunes for Two or More HD Level 2 T-6 fulfilling when played in "perfect harmony!" Enjoy two and three part arrangements and some fun rounds. Learn some delightful traditional Christmas tunes collected in the Southern Appalachians. Some are fun An Appalachian Christmas MD Level 2 F-2 and joyous, some plaintive and haunting and all will harken to a simpler time. Who says dulcimers are just "D" instruments! Drawing from fiddle tunes, hymns and airs, find out how easy Exploring DGD Tuning MD Level 2 F-4 and fun it is to play in G and keep the bright, full, open sound of the dulcimer. "What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine," as we join our dulcimers to the congregational voices that have Favorite and Beloved Hymns MD Level 2 S-1 sung and worshipped with these dearly loved and time honored hymns for many generations.
Music from the Medieval and Renaissance Eras is Early Music MD Level 3 T-8 expressed beautifully on the mountain dulcimer. Explore a few of these ancient and fascinating tunes. We know how music can touch our hearts. Bring a tear to the eye and a stirring of the heart as you learn Heart Songs MD Level 3 F-6 some beautiful songs of love, devotion and faithfulness! Wow, how did you do that? Impress all you friends Playing in Minor Without the and fellow players with your skill in playing a variety of MD Level 3 S-3 Capo minor tunes in several different keys without re-tuning or using the capo. Bill Collins
1 Novice and up Tuning your bass string down to low A gives you the closest thing to a bagpipe that you can get on a dulcimer. Using the two lower strings as octave “Bagpipe Tuning” for drones and playing tunes in A Mixolydian produce an MD Level 2 T-4 Dulcimer exciting sound. In this workshop, we’ll learn “Skye Boat Song,” and “Scotland the Brave,” plus explore how to improvise and ornament to add to the Scottish flavor of your playing.
This workshop teaches you about three dozen tricks for applying musical color and adding attention-getting musical spice to your dulcimer performances. Some Cheap Tricks! (The "Wow" require a bit of technical finesse, but many are MD Level 3 T-6 Factor) surprisingly easy ways to make your listeners think you are pretty hot stuff: hence the designation “cheap tricks”!
Like jigs and reels, hornpipes are one of the main categories of Celtic dance tune rhythms, and they are great fun to play. In this workshop, you’ll learn to flat- pick a number of great hornpipe tunes and develop an Hornpipes for Mountain understanding of “long-short-long-short” that makes a MD Level 3 F-1 Dulcimer hornpipe a hornpipe. You’ll also learn why the hornpipe is an “endangered species” and how to apply hornpipe rhythm and ornaments appropriately. DGD and DAD; capo required.
The Icelandic langspil is a Scandinavian cousin of the Appalachian dulcimer: both are diatonically fretted zithers featuring drone strings. So it seems appropriate to try to arrange Icelandic folk tunes for Icelandic Folk Tunes for dulcimer, despite the challenge some of these MD Level 3 F-3 Dulcimer unusual melodies present for the instrument. These workshops all introduce different tunes, some of which use unfamiliar scales and harmonies. DAD; capo required!
In this workshop, participants will learn several jigs (6/8 time signature) and at least one slip jig (9/8 time signature). The workshop also covers ornamentation techniques (grace notes, triplets, rolls, and rhythmic Playing Irish Jigs MD Level 3 S-2 variation) that will give this music an authentic Celtic sound. Some basic flatpicking technique will also be covered. DAD and DGD
Bing Futch
2 Learn this one easy trick for turning your strum from “meh” to “magnificent”! We’ll run through special A Groove In The Hand (Is cadences that will give you hands-on experience with MD Level 2 T-4 Worth Two In The Bush) a number of different grooves. Then, I’ll show you the secret of the groove and we’ll apply it to a number of popular jam tunes to see what a difference it makes. 2016 International Blues Challenge Finalist Bing Futch offers up this fun and fascinating class on playing authentic Mississippi Delta Blues on the mountain dulcimer. Three chords and heartbeat rhythms lead Mountain Dulcimer Delta MD Level 2 F-6 to us adding layer upon layer of new elements, all Blues while strumming and playing the blues! Bing won the "Best Guitarist" award in the solo-duo category at the International Blues Challenge while playing the mountain dulcimer! We'll have a good time with classics as well as recent hits from films like "Mary Poppins", "The Jungle Book", "Beauty and the Beast", "The Little Disney Dulcimer Dreams MD Level 3 T-6 Mermaid" and "Frozen" as well as take a look at some of the music from the various theme parks. Along the way, we'll learn techniques to help you play these tunes "in a most delightful way!" Once you've gained some experience with flatpicking, you'll want to broaden your musical horizons and begin to explore fingerpicking. We'll use some pretty Mountain Dulcimer - MD Level 3 F-4 tunes that sound great when fingerpicked and I'll Fingerpickin' Good show you some patterns for each song you play. We'll also get into some techniques that will help you put a "pinch" of pizzaz in your songs! Alright, you’ve been working very hard at this mountain dulcimer thing and you feel pretty good about where you are and how far you’ve come. But Mountain Dulcimer - Taking It you’ve hit a plateau and you’re not sure what to focus MD Level 3 S-4 To The Next Level on next. Does this sound like you? Looking for a little inspiration? This workshop will cover all the basics, from self-analysis and critique to good study practices. Avast, matey! There be pirate songs ahead! We'll explore swashbuckling on the high seas with a selection of tunes that will bring out your inner Jack Mountain Dulcimers of the Sparrow. These be easy songs, savvy? So say "yoo- MD Level 3 S-6 Caribbean hoo" to a hearty "yo-ho!" and learn to use strumming and flatpicking to navigate the cursed course of chords and melody that come straight from Davey Jones' Locker. Arrrgh!
3 Jay Ungar's classic and emotional piece has been captivating folks since 1982 when it was composed and it gained a new generation of appreciative fans when it was featured as the theme song to the 1990 "Ashokan Farewell: A Study PBS series "The Civil War." This lovely tune is quite MD Level 4 T-8 In Song" simple to play and we'll approach it with a simple arrangement using partial strums in pure chord- melody style. We'll also work on smoothing techniques to make this piece sound as sweet as it can! A beautiful song any time of the year, but since the holidays are always just around the corner, it's a good time to begin practicing some tunes that you can play for friends, family, church, hospice or at your busy Repertoire Building - "O Holy MD Level 5 S-2 weeks of Christmas gigs! Simple in basic concept, Night" but requires a delicate touch to play and make it look easy. I'll show you the tricks to getting this arrangement under your fingers and ready to perform! Take notes as I show you how to play some of the most magical Disney songs ever written. Easy accompaniment to timeless tunes from "Mary Ukulele Disney Uke Level 2 F-2 Poppins", "The Lion King" and even the Disney parks! Bring your mouse ears, your ukulele and note- taking tools as we analyze and demystify the magic of Disney music! ( Ukulele Study In Song - "Over Nuff sed. A low-G string helps to make this song from The Rainbow/What A Uke Level 3 T-1 Bruddah Iz sound just right. I'll teach you the strum Wonderful World" pattern and chords for this beloved medley. Brett Ridgeway Afraid to play in public? Terrified to Jam? Does the thought pf perform in front of people make your heart pound and hands shake?? I was the poster child of fear in public performance. The shakes, nausea, nerves…I get it. But I learned how to break the Overcoming the Fear of All All Levels T-6 debilitating, paralyzing grip of fear and I guarantee Playing/Performing that if you apply these simple principles and ideas, you can too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkMiWCiADKA&f eature=emb_logo ALL LEVELS ALL INSTRUMENTS
4 Have you ever practiced and practiced and felt like you were just spinning your wheels and getting nowhere? Many people waste HOURS of time and effort practicing their instrument, and don’t realize their practice methods often serve as a roadblock toward reaching the end-result they desire. This workshop will teach you some proven techniques and Practice Smarter, Not Harder All All Levels F-4 tested guidelines, teaching you exactly HOW to practice for the most efficient and effective results! Why waste hours practicing harder when you can practice smarter? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njq6J39MH_A&list =PL-sgANzdpUYkgvCn0YbsS6tKitJW0S6Zh&index=1
ALL INSTRUMENTS/ALL LEVELS
In this workshop, you will understand how to play without relying on what is written on a musically- prescribed piece of paper! In this workshop, you will learn to “mix it up” learning to improvise and embellish on the fly. If you play any tune ten times through, you Canoodling Your Noodle! HD All Levels T-4 will learn the techniques to play it ten different ways. This will change how you play and give you a new- found freedom.Quit playing with your eyes, and start using your noodle! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR5i4N4Yrjc
This is not a "tune" workshop, but rather the tune is the tool by which we will learn embellishment ideas and techniques. This traditional hymn consists of five The Five Note Hymn HD Level 2 S-2 notes, and quickly learned so the focus and attention can be directed to the embellishments! As a plus, by the end of the workshop you will have a performance ready piece with several ways to play it! Fingerpicking is easy to learn and provides a gentle undulating and flow. Using simple picking patterns you will learn exactly how to arppegiate tunes and chords with a smooth rising and falling turning a simple melody line into a beautiful, expressive, and purely acoustical and interesting piece. Put your pick aside and let your fingers feel the music. You will Finger Picking So Simple MD All Levels F-2 learn how to make your music reflect emotion and dynamics as well as learn some simple hand exercises to keep your fingers and hands limber and flexible! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMUfj0UowF0&fe ature=emb_logo ALL LEVELS
5 Tired of playing fiddle tunes like a funeral dirge? Not able to keep up? Playing fast is not a matter of talent, but a method of practice. I have taught these techniques to all ages and all skill levels on many instruments…AND THEY WORK! " This workshop will teach you to play smoothly, quickly, accurately Let Your Fingers Fly MD All Levels S-5 and Yes…like your fingers are playing all by themselves! This is not a strumming workshop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v2d40dgO4Q&lis t=PL- sgANzdpUYkgvCn0YbsS6tKitJW0S6Zh&index=4 ALL LEVELS
Music tells a story; it should convey emotion. There is a difference between playing notes and making music. Emotion is the life-blood of any song. In this workshop, you will learn, not only concepts, but also hands on practical techniques, how to phrase and shape your music. Your music is an expression of Playing WIth Emotion MD Level 1 T-1 you…learn to emote and share that inner you! This is a hands-on workshop! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- M3FcPi2QbY&list=PL- sgANzdpUYkgvCn0YbsS6tKitJW0S6Zh&index=8
ALL INSTRUMENT-ALL LEVELS Butch Ross Learn the basics of playing dulcimer, theory and Rock-n-Roll Beginners MD Level 1 T-4 technique using fun tunes from the golden era of rock- Bootcamp Part 1: Rhythmm n-roll. Beginner and up Rock-n-Roll Beginners Learn the basics of playing dulcimer, theory and Bootcamp Part 2: Chords and MD Level 1 T-6 technique using fun tunes from the golden era of rock- Progressions n-roll. Beginner and up Learn the chords and progressions that make Cabbage for Christmas MD Level 2 T-2 Christmas tunes so fun (and easy to learn). Advanced Beginner and up Advanced Beginner and up - They say if you remember the 60s you weren't there. That’s ok Songs of the 60’s MD Level 2 S-1 though, we’ll have the tab. Some singing, some chord melody, all fun. Bring a capo. Learn the chords and progressions that make Cabbage for Christmas MD Level 2 S-6 Christmas tunes so fun (and easy to learn). Advanced (Repeat) Beginner and up Or how to make friends with the fiddler. Fiddle players A Tunes (or how to make MD Level 3 T-8 love to play in A learn some good ones with this friends with the fiddler) workshop. You'll need a capo. Intermediate and up. Like the title says, come learn how well pop and rock Songs of the 70’s MD Level 3 F-5 songs from this decade fit with the mountain dulcimer. Capo required. Intermediate and up
6 We'll break down playing the dulcimer to its core components and rebuild from the ground up. Learning Dulcimer Finishing School - MD Level 3 S-4 strumming, fingering adding notes and in the end we'll Part 1 take simple tunes and turn them into fun and interesting arrangements. Intermediate and up
We'll break down playing the dulcimer to its core components and rebuild from the ground up. Learning Dulcimer Finishing School - MD Level 3 S-8 strumming, fingering adding notes and in the end we'll Part 2 take simple tunes and turn them into fun and interesting arrangements. Intermediate and up. Learn a couple of fun tunes from the best Christmas special ever. Learn new ideas for picking, tuning and A Charlie Brown Christmas MD Level 5 F-7 voicings, all while impressing your grandkids (ok maybe just your kids). You’ll need a 1.5 fret and be willing to retune. Yes, the dreaded Bb is in here. But learn how these 3 Hard Chords The Will Uke Level 3 F-3 three Barre chords can open up a whole new world to Change Your Life your playing. Carol Crocker So now you have a mountain dulcimer, and may have learned the dulcimer National Anthem, Boil Them Cabbage. In this workshop you will learn to play It's More Than Boil Them several traditional dulcimer tunes. Included in learning MD Level 1 T-7 Cabbage these tunes will be a review of reading dulcimer tablature, basic mountain dulcimer fingering tips, and strumming skills that will allow you continue to expand your playing beyond this workshop.
Have you heard a great new fiddle tune, but don’t have the tab for it? This workshop is for all levels. We No Tab! Learn to Play That will explore a few techniques for picking out simple MD Level 2 F-1 Tune by Ear melodies by ear, and how to find them on your dulcimer. No tab necessary for this workshop.
For advanced beginner and up, come learn Shape Note hymns arranged for the mountain dulcimer. Shape note music is an American four-part harmony, Shape Note Hymns for acapella singing tradition. These wonderful hymn MD Level 2 F-3 Mountain Dulcimer tunes translate well to the mountain dulcimer. In addition to learning about shaped note singing, we will learn multi-part arrangements of shape note hymn tunes arranged for mountain dulcimers. This workshop is for all levels. Your group has been invited to play at a local senior center next month. What shall we play? In this workshop we will share Tips for Programming and MD Level 2 S-2 programming ideas and tips on how to formulate your Playlist Through the Year playlist for the next time you have the opportunity to volunteer at an adult center, hospital, or community event.
7 Christmas is coming! In this workshop we will learn a couple of traditional early American Christmas songs. An Early American Christmas MD Level 3 S-5 It’s still not too late to add these tunes to Christmas performance playlists. Some three finger chords will be used. Many of us know the spiritual He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands. There are many more that are just as fun and beautiful. We will learn to play a few as Beautiful Lesser Known MD Level 4 T-3 well as some of the background history. Some three Spirituals finger chords will be used. Also, we will use the 1 ½ fret if you have one. If not, there are alternate chords and frets for those who don’t have it. Dave Haas Get ready for some fun! Learn how to hold, tune, strum, fret the dulcimer, read dulcimer tab, play backup chords, and participate in a jam session - all You Can Do This! MD Level 1 F-3 while learning great songs you already know! Add the "big finish" and "big ending" to complete the experience! DAD Learn how to simplify and improve your strum to make your tunes more musical. Learn how to I’m Past Beginner – Now MD Level 2 T-7 improve your left hand fingering to more your play What? more smooth and fluid. Learn easy backup chords in two positions on the fretboard. DAD. Improve your play of slow songs by plucking the strings - one at a time - in a smooth and melodic style. The Art of Playing Slowly – Learn left and right hand techniques which facilitate MD Level 2 F-7 Getting Started smooth playing. Build your repertoire by incorporating these techniques to popular melodies you already know. DAD Learn the names of shapes of chords along the entire length of the fretboard. Learn fingerings that allow you Chords, Chords, and More to change between chords shapes while keeping MD Level 3 T-1 Chords! most of your fingers on the strings. Learn how to simplify chords to play fast tunes more smoothly. DAD. Learn how to use both natural and “artificial” harmonics (chimes) to complement your play. Learn the skills needed to produce these harmonics, and The Harmonics Workshop MD Level 3 T-3 how harmonics can be used to spice up the tunes you already know. Learn tips and practice exercises to improve your delivery of harmonic notes. DAD. Praise God with these prayerful and popular hymns. Learn left and right hand techniques to improve your playing of both slow and fast songs. Learn how to Hymns of Faith MD Level 3 T-5 play slow arpeggios as a way to backup hymns that are played or sung. Build your repertoire of popular hymns. DAD
8 Praise God with these prayerful and popular hymns. Learn left and right hand techniques to improve your playing of both slow and fast songs. Learn how to Hymns of Faith (Repeat) MD Level 3 F-1 play slow arpeggios as a way to backup hymns that are played or sung. Build your repertoire of popular hymns. DAD Learn how to use a capo to play both chords and Playing in Different Keys – It’s MD Level 3 F-5 melodies in the key of G, A, and Em. Playing in the Easy! key C will also be discussed. A capo is needed. DAD You are able to play slow songs by plucking the strings - one at a time - and are ready to improve your skills. We will learn several popular tunes and learn The Art of Playing Slowly – MD Level 3 S-7 how to provide backup accompaniment to others who Intermediate are playing or singing slow songs. Learn left and right hand techniques which facilitate smooth playing. DAD
Learn these wonderful and challenging fiddle tunes that are sure to spice up any jam session. Improve Highly-Addictive Fiddle Tunes MD Level 4 S-5 your playing of fiddle tunes and faster songs. Learn left and right hand techniques that facilitate smooth play. A capo and smile are required! DAD Learn “Vincent” (Starry, Starry Night) in both the lower “Vincent” "Vincent" (Starry, and octave regions of the fretboard. Learn how to Starry Night) – Advanced MD Level 5 S-1 add introductions and endings, and provide Arpeggios accompaniment for others playing or singing slow songs. A capo is required. DAD Ehukai Teves Just got a dulcimer ? Let me marinate you in the many ways to enjoy this instrument. Beginner mountain dulcimer MD Level 1 S-1 Chords....theory....what is Tab...... which way to hold...... picks ...... finger picking...... in DAD tuning...... sting sizes.....questions answered Learn how to use the 1 1/2 fret to add to your arsenal The 1 1/2 fret WHY it is of musical variety as well as MD Level 2 T-6 important and how to use it making the most use of the extra road bump turned missing note that you will never want to be without.
Learn the easy method for playing chords on the mountain dulcimer to accompany your singing, play along with other instruments in different keys and the Dulcimer Chords for Any Key MD Level 3 T-2 theoretical knowledge to understand why. Play songs in different keys as well as understand the relationship of chords and melodies without looking, re-tuning or using a capo. For all levels. Chords for the Mountain More chords in the home -middle -outside technique MD Level 3 T-4 dulcimer Part 2 using different fingerings Technique to finding chords and melody lines in order How to figure out a new tune to play tunes you want to learn on the mountain MD Level 3 F-2 in order to play it dulcimer including writing simple tableture to remember a tune and work out the best way to play it.
9 Playing rhythm chords to old The chords you need to play rhythm back up to old time music for Mountain MD Level 3 F-4 time music in order to hold the band together, keep Dulcimer tempo and add support Why do they call it the Blues and why is it so much Playing the Blues and fun? Find out why people play the blues, how they improvising on the Mountain MD Level 3 S-3 play it and how you can enjoy it too.12 bar blues chart Dulcimer and the patterns to play over them to squeeze the most blues out of it. For all levels
Have you hit a plateau in your dulcimer journey? New Mountain Dulcimer Master MD Level 4 F-6 destinations are available let me be your travel Class guide...... tips tricks and questions answered...... Play the instrument that is fun, enjoyable and the beginning of a lifetime of music. Get the beginners Ukulele easy as 1 2 3 Uke Level 1 F-8 steps to chords that allow you to play songs to accompany your singing. Playing the blues on ukulele and the easy way to Blues for Ukulele Uke Level 3 S-5 understand how to improvise with scales that squeeze the music out of it Elaine Conger An interesting and informative session tracing the use of this well-loved tune as it has been used over the course of history from its 17th century Irish beginnings to its use throughout American history for political “Old Rosin the Beau:” A Song MD Level 3 T-1 causes and much, much more. Pete Seeger has Traipse Through Time dubbed it the "Universal Folk Song" because of how much the tune has been parodied. Participants will receive at least three different tabbed versions of the tune. The bass dulcimer, which is tuned the same as a standard (DAd), is a wonderful accompanying instrument in addition to being able to hold its’ own as a solo instrument. Its primary and most practical use It’s All About the Bass MD Level 3 T-5 in the dulcimer community, however, is in mimicking Dulcimer! the techniques used by the upright or electric bass player, which is the alternating bass line for the bulk of the traditional dulcimer repertoire. Your jams will now sound complete!
Partner songs with Elaine & Larry Conger featuring parts for standard and bass dulcimer; DAd tuning; capo required. This arrangement cleverly combines “Wade in the two American spirituals into one arrangement. “Wade Water”/”Motherless Child:” A MD Level 3 F-1 in the Water” features the standard dulcimer playing Duet for Standard & Bass the melody while “Motherless Child” uses the bass Dulcimer dulcimer as the melody. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
10 You’ve obtained adequate knowledge of the alternating bass pattern that’s so useful in the bulk of the dulcimer repertoire. Now you’re ready to take your It’s STILL About the Bass bass dulcimer playing to another level by learning MD Level 3 F-3 Dulcimer! what to do if the song calls for a different bass line, such as the walking bass pattern, or what to do if you just have chord symbols dictating what you play. DAd tuning; 1+ required. An interesting and informative session tracing the use of this well-loved tune as it has been used over the course of history from its 17th century Irish beginnings “Old Rosin the Beau:” A Song to its use throughout American history for political Traipse Through Time MD Level 3 F-5 causes and much, much more. Pete Seeger has (repeat) dubbed it the "Universal Folk Song" because of how much the tune has been parodied. Participants will receive at least three different tabbed versions of the tune. The bass dulcimer, which is tuned the same as a standard (DAd), is a wonderful accompanying instrument in addition to being able to hold its’ own as a solo instrument. Its primary and most practical use It’s All About the Bass MD Level 3 S-3 in the dulcimer community, however, is in mimicking Dulcimer! (repeat) the techniques used by the upright or electric bass player, which is the alternating bass line for the bulk of the traditional dulcimer repertoire. Your jams will now sound complete!
Partner songs with Elaine & Larry Conger featuring parts for standard and bass dulcimer; DAd tuning; capo required. This arrangement cleverly combines “Wade in the two American spirituals into one arrangement. “Wade Water”/”Motherless Child:” A MD Level 3 S-6 in the Water” features the standard dulcimer playing Duet for Standard & Bass the melody while “Motherless Child” uses the bass Dulcimer (repeat) dulcimer as the melody. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
You’ve obtained adequate knowledge of the alternating bass pattern that’s so useful in the bulk of the dulcimer repertoire. Now you’re ready to take your It’s STILL About the Bass bass dulcimer playing to another level by learning MD Level 3 S-8 Dulcimer! (repeat) what to do if the song calls for a different bass line, such as the walking bass pattern, or what to do if you just have chord symbols dictating what you play. DAd tuning; 1+ required.
11 A standard/bass (both DAd; 1+ required) duet with Elaine & Larry Conger. This bluesy version of a Gospel classic can be a bit challenging due to the number of notes, syncopations and shuffling rhythms. “Just a Closer Walk with The standard part utilizes several hammer-ons and Thee:” A Duet for Standard & MD Level 4 T-3 pull-offs to smooth out those rough spots. Bass Bass Dulcimer players will be given allternative ways to play the accompaniment. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes. A contemporary version of the well-known Irish folk tune, Slane, better known in our hymnals with the text “Be Thou My Vision” or “Lord of All Hopefulness.” Be Thou My Mixed Meter MD Level 4 T-7 The rollicking, up-tempo arrangement will make the Vision song new to you again and challenge your rhythm skills. Participants will receive a solo as well as duet arrangement. A standard/bass (both DAd; 1+ required) duet with Elaine & Larry Conger. This bluesy version of a Gospel classic can be a bit challenging due to the number of notes, syncopations and shuffling rhythms. “Just a Closer Walk with The standard part utilizes several hammer-ons and Thee:” A Duet for Standard & MD Level 4 F-7 pull-offs to smooth out those rough spots. Bass Bass Dulcimer (repeat) players will be given allternative ways to play the accompaniment. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes. A contemporary version of the well-known Irish folk tune, Slane, better known in our hymnals with the text “Be Thou My Vision” or “Lord of All Hopefulness.” Be Thou My Mixed Meter MD Level 4 S-1 The rollicking, up-tempo arrangement will make the Vision (repeat) song new to you again and challenge your rhythm skills. Participants will receive a solo as well as duet arrangement. Erin Mae From bum-diddy and beyond, Erin Mae will get you Bum Diddy: Right Hand strumming your dulcimer with consistency and MD Level 1 T-8 Masterclass precision. Plus, you'll learn the tune "Rock the Cradle Joe". Erin Mae will teach you a couple of her favorite A A Tunes MD Level 2 S-8 tunes, to help you explore beyond the key of D on the mountain dulcimer. A capo is required. Erin Mae will introduce you to having ALL the frets, show you different methods for reading tablature and Intro to Chromatic Mountain standard notation, and teach you moveable chord MD Level 3 T-4 Dulcimer shapes and scales. You are welcome to check it out even if you don't have a chromatic dulcimer yet, just to see what all the fuss is about.
12 Erin Mae will walk you through several tips for efficient and effective practice, including warm-up exercises, fingering patterns, suggestions for breaking through Powerful Practice Techniques MD Level 3 F-4 the hard places, and techniques to polish up a piece that is almost there. The materials will be geared for intermediate students, but all levels are welcome and may benefit from this class. Erin Mae will pull out a few of her favorite obscure Obscure Advent/Christmas Advent hymns and Christmas carols to give you some MD Level 4 S-6 Music new repertoire for this holiday season. May include re- tuning and using a capo. Erin Mae will give you tools develop your own Write Your Own arrangements of tunes. You'll learn to create several MD Level 5 F-6 Arrangements variations, add embellishments, and make a piece of music your own. Guy George Learn to play while we sing along to the sounds of some of our favorite holiday tunes! We’ll learn the Get Ready for Christmas! HD Level 2 F-4 melody and simple arrangements to play with some classic holiday tunes! Learn to play back-up on the hammered dulcimer while learning techniques for backing up singers, Back-up Playing Made Easy HD Level 3 T-2 other instruments or yourself. I’ll give several suggestions for easy variations to our back up as well. We’ll apply this to a few tunes for practice. Learn a beautiful arrangement of a tune by Gordon Tune & Technique "In the HD Level 3 F-2 Lightfoot. The arrangement gives the tune an almost Early Morning Rain" haunting celtic feel. Be ready to play a wedding or even a church service with this workshop designed to help you plan and Wedding Workshop HD Level 3 S-8 perform most wedding ceremonies. We’ll learn arrangements of classic wedding tunes, including Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Learn a beautiful arrangement of a tune by Gordon Tune & Technique "Mary Did HD Level 4 T-6 Lightfoot. The arrangement gives the tune an almost You Know" haunting celtic feel. Take it from the “ground up” and have fun learning to play this great instrument! All you need is a “D” pennywhistle and we’ll get you started with all the PennyWhistle from the PW Level 1 T-4 basics, and be playing in 2 keys! Contact me ASAP if Beginning! you need a pennywhistle at [email protected]. Enter “PENNYWHISTLE WANTED” in the subject line. Review basic notes and higher register playing technique, and then learn some fun traditional tunes Pennywhistle in a Jam Step 3 PW Level 1 F-8 that can be played in a jam. We’ll learn melody and - Learning Pennywhistle some harmony for tunes. “D” Pennywhistle needed for this workshop.
13 Take it from the “ground up” and have fun learning to play this great instrument! All you need is a “D” pennywhistle and we’ll get you started with all the PennyWhistle From the PW Level 1 S-4 basics, and be playing in 2 keys! Contact me ASAP if Beginning! (Repeat) you need a pennywhistle at [email protected]. Enter “PENNYWHISTLE WANTED” in the subject line. We’ll do a quick review of the basics, adding more notes in the higher register, as well as easy practice Step 2 - Learning to Play the techniques. We’ll start playing easy tunes with music PW Level 2 F-6 Pennywhistle and penny whistle “tablature” so note reading is not necessary. "D" penny whistle needed for this workshop. Expand your playing by adding some chromatic notes Easy Chromatics on a D PW Level 3 S-6 and learning how to play them. Learn some great Pennywhistle tunes with chromatic notes in the melody. Heidi Muller Now that you’ve learned some basic playing skills, get more grounded in steady strumming rhythms as you Keep It Steady! MD Level 1 F-4 learn a few new tunes. We’ll practice strum patterns and coordinating your hands so they work together better. (DAD) Fingerpicking is the perfect technique for slower, prettier songs. We’ll cover patterns like arpeggios and Intro to Fingerpicking MD Level 2 T-8 pinches and help you understand how to read the tab that separates chords into separate notes. Learn to bring more flow to your playing. (DAD)
For players who are progressing beyond the basics, come learn some fun and easy jam tunes and their Toe-Tapping Tunes MD Level 2 F-8 backup chords. Discover fingerings that make it easier to move up and down the fretboard. (DAD)
Would you like new Christmas and winter holiday songs for your repertoire? We’ll go beyond the usual Uncommon Holiday Songs MD Level 3 S-3 carols to learn some lesser-known songs and tunes played with strumming and flatpicking, including My Dancing Day and the Bressay Lullaby. (DAD)
Bill Staines is the legendary American folksinger who wrote River, A Place in the Choir (All God’s Critters), Crossing the Water, and hundreds of other fine songs that sound great with the dulcimer. We’ll sing and play Songs of Bill Staines MD Level 3 F-6 along to three of Bill’s wonderful songs and possibly play a melody version if there’s time. Heidi is the arranger of two Bill Staines tab books, So Sang the River and Spirit Song. (DAD, have a capo handy)
14 Enjoy playing some toe-tapping, old-time music from West Virginia’s fiddle tradition in the keys of D, G and A. Tunes will use strums, slides, hammers, and pulls. West Virginia Fiddle Tunes MD Level 3 S-5 Sources include the Hammons Family, Harvey Sampson and other legendary fiddlers. (DAD, have a capo handy) Learn to flatpick at least two catchy tunes with a touch of swing, including Grasshopper Sittin’ on a Sweet Flatpicking Fun MD Level 3 S-7 Potato Vine and the West Virginia tune, Waynesboro. We’ll cover basic flatpicking technique and how to pick tunes with a syncopated pulse. (DAD & DGD)
Explore the interesting chords and fuller fingerpicking patterns of 4-equidistant strings, whether to play chord melodies or accompany singing. Learn how to 4-Equidistant String MD Level 4 T-2 think through the transition from 3-string and try Fingerpicking picking patterns on two or three songs. Please come with your strings already separated evenly across the fretboard. (DAdd)
We’ll play at least two tunes in parts, fingerpicking through chord melodies and accompaniment, while considering how we connect our chord fingerings to Fingerpicked Duos MD Level 4 T-4 create a fluid performance. The music may be relatively challenging, with frequent chord changes and hammers, pulls, and slides. (DAD)
Old-time fiddle music from West Virginia can be catchy, crooked and archaic. Come learn a few of the West Virginia Fiddle Tunes MD Level 5 T-6 edgier tunes from West Virginia’s best-known, old- time fiddlers like Devil Sol Carpenter and the Hammons Family. (DAD, have a capo handy) Jeff Furman This workshop will focus on basic left hand techniques essential for improving the quality of the sound you produce. We will focus on getting clean notes, hammer-on’s, pull-off’s, slides, and fingering. Improving Essential Left We will focus on learning how to practice and play MD Level 2 T-2 Hand Techniques smoothly and confidently. Even if you are somewhat familiar with these techniques, the detailed review, exercises, and repetition will help you incorporate them more easily into your music and improve the overall quality of your playing.
This workshop will focus on improving the fluidity of your strumming and getting more rhythmic variation in your right hand. We will cover some basic techniques Improving Your Strum and to improve your strum, offer multiple exercises that MD Level 2 F-4 Rhythm you can use to practice these techniques, and will play with some recorded music and with each other to experiment with different rhythms. Be prepared to do a lot of strumming!
15 This class will explore the how, why, where, and when of left-hand fingering position. Emphasis will be on choosing fingering to help you with the smoothness of your playing, the quality of the sound you produce, and achieving better sustain and connection between Improving Your Fingering to MD Level 3 F-8 notes and chords. There is no right or wrong way in Smooth Your Playing fingering, but there may be ways that are better for variety of reasons. We will explore these reasons and also consider comfort and physical issues to help you improve your fingering and help smooth your playing. Please bring a CAPO!
Old-time tunes are fun and widely played on the mountain dulcimer. I addition to the tunes, we will also cover concepts and techniques to improve your old- Expanding Your Old-Time MD Level 3 S-1 time sound. We will also play tunes in keys other than Repertoire D so you can play with other instruments (fiddles, banjos, etc,) in the keys in which these tunes are more traditionally played. Please bring a CAPO. This workshop is for those of you wanting to explore playing in different keys and above the 7th fret. We will use the capo and explore string relationships and Playing Above the 7th Fret! MD Level 3 S-3 chord shapes to help make playing above the 7th fret easier and more familiar. You paid for the whole dulcimer, you may as well use it! Please bring a CAPO. This workshop will explore a variety of different types of Celtic music to enhance your skills and repertoire. Celtic Tunes: Beyond the MD Level 4 T-7 We will emphasize rhythmic variations, left hand Notes! techniques, and fingering to capture the mood and feel of these wonderful tunes. Please bring a CAPO. Jody Marshall Think chords are intimidating? Think again! In this class we’ll focus on recognizing easy chord shapes on Where the Chords Are HD Level 1 T-7 your hammered dulcimer, as well as learning how to hear chord changes. Sometimes you just want to play a toe-tapping tune Happy Hammers HD Level 2 F-5 that makes you smile. Come and learn some sprightly melodies that are bouncy, boisterous, and 100% fun!
Christmas music sounds great on the hammered dulcimer! We’ll work on some sweet holiday Christmas Gems HD Level 3 T-3 arrangements, and along the way we’ll use some unique techniques that make the most your dulcimer.
This recognizable, repeating chord sequence lends itself to lots of variations that double as great Riffing on Pachelbel's Canon HD Level 3 S-1 patterning exercises. Plus, you’ll be all set when you get asked to play the Canon at your niece’s wedding!
16 Christmas music sounds great on the hammered dulcimer! We’ll work on some sweet holiday Christmas Gems (Repeat) HD Level 3 S-6 arrangements, and along the way we’ll use some unique techniques that make the most your dulcimer.
Know your basic chord patterns but not sure how to Playing Backup: Waltzes HD Level 4 T-5 use them to accompany others? In this workshop we’ll focus on some specific ways to accompany waltzes.
Know your basic chord patterns but not sure how to Playing Backup: Jigs HD Level 4 F-1 use them to accompany others? In this workshop we’ll focus on some specific ways to accompany jigs.
Know your basic chord patterns but not sure how to Playing Backup: Waltzes HD Level 4 F-8 use them to accompany others? In this workshop we’ll (Repeat) focus on some specific ways to accompany waltzes.
Know your basic chord patterns but not sure how to Playing Backup: Jigs HD Level 4 S-3 use them to accompany others? In this workshop we’ll (Repeat) focus on some specific ways to accompany jigs.
We’ll develop hand-independence skills by starting with some fun exercises to get your hands moving in different directions. Then we’ll apply those skills to Sound Like Two Dulcimers! HD Level 4 S-8 tunes with simple but effective arrangements in which one hand carries the melody while the other hand plays a supporting role. Judy House If you are new to playing the dulcimer or new to jamming, come join in the fun! We will be learning what it means to “jam”, jam etiquette, basic songs you Introduction to Jamming MD All Levels F-2 should know in order to join others in a jam, and have loads and loads of fun and laughs too! I hope to see you there! All hands are different, but if you find a fingering system that works, you should stick with it! Developing a fingering system often feels awkward at Improving your Fingering MD Level 2 T-1 first, because you aren’t used to it, but with time and practice, it will become a habit. Come take a look at some various fingering ideas and start developing your personal system today! Once you start wanting to play more than one string at a time on your dulcimer, it is easier if you know how to form chords in 4 main shapes. Come learn how to The Shape of Things to MD Level 2 T-5 find all the D, G, A, Em, F#m chords, and more, using Come a simple pattern. We will also take a look at fingering techniques for smoother and faster playing of chords. (Advanced Beginner and Up)
17 We often learn how to use a capo and are told where to put it. But, have you ever wished you knew how to play a D song in another key without retuning your dulcimer? In this class we will experiment with capo Keys to the Kingdom MD Level 2 F-5 placement, look for fretboard patterns, and identify major and minor tunes with our ear by using some very familiar tunes written in D. Come get your Keys to the Kingdom! And….Be sure you bring your capo! (Advanced Beginner and Up) In this workshop, we will take a look at some Use your Pick for Something strumming patterns and how to turn a slow chord- Besides Strumming! An MD Level 2 S-4 melody piece into a beautiful flatpicked version, Introduction to Flatpicking adding some variety to your performances! (Advanced Beginner and Up) An introduction to playing in ¾ time, or Waltz Time. We will start with several strumming techniques for the right hand, then take a look at a couple of well- Waltz Across the Strings! MD Level 2 S-6 known songs to change into waltzes and apply the strumming techniques, then finally, learn to play a couple of beautiful waltzes on our dulcimers. (Advanced Beginner and Up) Karen Mueller Whether you're just starting to play the autoharp or want a refresher course, we'll cover all the essentials to get you started right, including: good ergonomics, tuning, chord bars layouts and substitutions, picks, Sound Beginnings AH Level 1 F-2 strum (rhythm) patterns, while learning some fun songs as we go. Any standard autoharp is fine. Try to have it tuned ahead of time, and bring two finger picks and a thumb pick.
We'll break down the essential techniques of melody playing to get you picking some familiar songs right Simple Melody Picking AH Level 2 F-4 away. Keys of C and G. Try to have your harp in tune, and bring two finger picks and a thumb pick. Fiddle tunes are fun instrumental pieces that are popular for jamming. We'll cover some of the most common tunes and discuss ways of learning them Essential Fiddle Tunes AH Level 3 T-6 faster by breaking them down into smaller parts. This will use melody picking techniques and tab that will be briefly explained but should be familiar already. Keys of G and D. Come learn some great old-time songs on autoharp, including some Carter Family songs, while strumming Old-Time Songs AH Level 3 S-1 backup chords and taking melody breaks. Keys of C and G. Come learn some beautiful classical pieces for Classical Themes AH Level 5 S-3 autoharp melody picking. Chromatic autoharp needed.
18 Flatpicking is a name for a variety of styles that use a pick to pluck individual strings on the dulcimer, and includes fiddle tunes, syncopated patterns, and chord- Getting Started with MD Level 2 T-8 melody arrangements. Come learn how to work with Flatpicking the pick in fun new ways, with tunes that demonstrate each approach as well as exercises to practice for smoother and more accurate picking.
Sing and Strum Songs of the Come practice your DAD chords and have fun singing MD Level 2 S-5 '60s and strumming some of your favorite '60s songs! This workshop will introduce you to the techniques used in fingerpicking and reading fingerpicked tab, including good right-hand ergonomics, picking Exploring Fingerpicking MD Level 3 T-3 patterns, and working out chord-melody arrangements, to have you playing beautiful pieces in no time. DAD. Just as the 6½ fret used to be unusual but is now standard on dulcimers, the 1½ fret is becoming more and more popular as players discover the many doors it opens to new possibilities, while not significantly The Wonderful 1½ Fret MD Level 3 S-7 changing the nature of the dulcimer. Come learn about options like: blues, minor chords and keys, mixolydian scales without going up to the 6th fret, playing in C in DAD tuning, plus learn some cool new tunes. Learn how to create a fingerpicked and flatpicked arrangment of a beautiful DAD waltz, starting with a simple strummed version. Flatpicking and fingerpicking techniques will be explained, as well as One Waltz, Three Ways MD Level 4 F-8 how to read the tab for both styles to see how it is similar and different from strumming. Once the strummed chord-melody arrangement is learned, it is easier to work out the other verions. Kirk House For students who are new at playing the bass dulcimer (but who are comfortable playing a standard dulcimer). It is also for anyone just thinking about learning the bass dulcimer. It is not necessary to Intro to Bass Dulcimer - Bass MD Level 1 T-1 bring a bass dulcimer to class; all the exercises can Dulcimer 101 be done on a standard dulcimer. We will look at common rhythms used, how to play a fundamental ‘bass line’ in those songs, and other topics essential to playing bass.
19 For students who are new at playing the bass dulcimer (but who are comfortable playing a standard dulcimer). It is also for anyone just thinking about learning the bass dulcimer. It is not necessary to Introduction to Bass Dulcimer MD Level 1 T-3 bring a bass dulcimer to class; all the exercises can (Bass Dulcimer 101) - Repeat be done on a standard dulcimer. We will look at common rhythms used, how to play a fundamental ‘bass line’ in those songs, and other topics essential to playing bass.
This workshop is based on two foundational principles that I stress to my bass dulcimer students (which are covered in separate workshops for bass dulcimer); Why EVERYONE should play but these are skills that any musician should have Bass Dulcimer! (for ALL MD Level 2 T-7 (and can probably improve on). The first is musicians) maintaining a good sense of rhythm; the second is developing and improving your ‘ear’ skills (hearing chord changes). We will discuss techniques and practice tips that will help you improve these skills.
This workshop is based on two foundational principles that I stress to my bass dulcimer students (which are covered in separate workshops for bass dulcimer); Why EVERYONE should play but these are skills that any musician should have Bass Dulcimer! (for ALL MD Level 2 F-8 (and can probably improve on). The first is musicians) (Repeat) maintaining a good sense of rhythm; the second is developing and improving your ‘ear’ skills (hearing chord changes). We will discuss techniques and practice tips that will help you improve these skills.
This class will dovetail nicely into the first Bass Dulcimer class in the series I teach (Bass Dulcimer 101); but each class is complete in itself. Techniques for the Advancing We will explore additional rhythms, beyond playing the Beginner in Bass Dulcimer MD Level 2 F-2 basic “1st and 3rd” beats in 4/4 time. In particular we (Bass Dulcimer 102) will look at how to play bass in 3/4 time (waltzes) and 6/8 time. We will also talk more about the importance of keeping a steady rhythm when playing bass. This workshop will focus on “walking bass” patterns – Common Riffs that I use in both short/simple and longer - and where I use them Playing Bass (Bass Dulcimer MD Level 3 F-6 in the song. Put these into your toolbox and know 203) when to pull them out.
20 Since, in some groups, the bass player is considered the “rhythm keeper,” we will focus on specific things you can do to help keep a steady beat when performing. We will also examine methods you can Keeping the Rhythm (Bass incorporate into your practice time, including MD Level 3 S-2 Dulcimer 201) technologies now available (more than just metronomes). Although this class is aimed at bass players, there is a lot of information that would be useful to any dulcimer player. We will do some listening exercises in this class, focusing on learning to hear when the chords change LISTEN to what's happening (which is a cue for the bass player). We will also talk in a song (Bass Dulcimer MD Level 3 S-4 about some resources you can use, back home, to 202) improve your “hearing” ability. (Note: Although this class is aimed at the bass player, there is information here that any musician should find useful.)
Tab is great, but you’ll find that there is not a lot of tab already written for the bass dulcimer. How can you learn to write your own bass lines? This of course is Writing Your own Bass Lines MD Level 4 S-6 a lengthy subject, but we will focus on the basic (Bass Dulcimer 204) principles involved. This class will give the tools you need to pursue this endless quest. (My mantra: I want to give you *tools* not *tab*) Larry Conger Advancing Beginner – DAD tuning – This workshop takes the traditional strum and drone style a step farther by introducing the basics of chord-melody style. You will use basic two finger chords along with Beyond the Drone MD Level 2 F-8 a combination of strums and individually picked notes to create a more contemporary sound. Familiar songs will be used to reinforce the concepts. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
Intermediate Skill Level – DAD tuning – 1+ fret optional - This classic Elvis song started out as a Civil War era tune that was adapted with modern day lyrics. Arranged for mountain dulcimer in DAD tuning, the arrangement starts in the key of D, then changes Aura Lee (Love Me Tender) MD Level 3 T-2 to the key of G, making for a more interesting presentation. You will need to have a basic knowledge of two and three finger chords in order to be comfortable learning this piece. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
21 Intermediate level – DAD tuning – Used with permission from House of Bryant Publications. This Everly Brothers classic will challenge your use of All I Have To Do Is Dream - a three finger chords and chord-melody style of playing. duet with Elaine & Larry MD Level 3 T-4 Don’t have a duet partner? No problem. One part can Conger stand alone as a solo. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
Intermediate Skill Level – DAD tuning - 1+ fret required – Spend an hour learning a great old blues song, “C.C. Rider.” The song will make use of a shuffling blues rhythm and use the 1+ fret extensively. Dulcimer Blues MD Level 3 T-8 Along the way, the art of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and muted strings will be addressed in an effort to add some zing to the arrangements. Participants will receive the tabs along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
- Intermediate - DAD tuning - Get a head start on your holiday repertoire. Familiar carols will be mixed with the not so familiar ones to add interest. A basic Christmas Repertoire MD Level 3 F-4 knowledge of two and three finger chords will be useful in this class. Participants will receive the tabs along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
Intermediate Skill Level – DAD tuning – 1+ fret optional - This classic Elvis song started out as a Civil War era tune that was adapted with modern day lyrics. Arranged for mountain dulcimer in DAD tuning, the arrangement starts in the key of D, then changes Aura Lee (Love Me Tender) MD Level 3 F-6 to the key of G, making for a more interesting REPEAT presentation. You will need to have a basic knowledge of two and three finger chords in order to be comfortable learning this piece. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
– Intermediate Skill Level – DAD tuning - This class is always a popular one because it provides participants with new material to play in worship and/or devotional settings. Come prepared to learn some familiar hymns and/or gospel tunes in a chord-melody style Hymn & Gospel Repertoire MD Level 3 S-3 with a few interesting twists and turns along the way. Numerous suggestions and recommendations will be offered on how to smooth out the rough spots. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
22 Intermediate Skill Level – DAD tuning - This class is always a popular one because it provides participants with new material to play in worship and/or devotional settings. Come prepared to learn some familiar Hymn & Gospel Repertoire - hymns and/or gospel tunes in a chord-melody style MD Level 3 S-7 REPEAT with a few interesting twists and turns along the way. Numerous suggestions and recommendations will be offered on how to smooth out the rough spots. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
Upper Intermediate/Advanced - DAD tuning – A fun medley of three fiddle tunes – Cluck Ole Hen, Turkey in the Straw and Chicken Reel, filled with hammer- ons, pull-offs, slides, string bends and muted strums. Southern Fried Medley MD Level 4 T-6 Each song can stand alone. However, the idea of a “foul” medley should prove to be a ton of fun. Come expecting to be challenged. Participants will receive the tabs along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes.
Upper Intermediate-Advanced Skill Level – DAD tuning - Requires a 1+ fret and a capo. In this class, you will learn an arrangement of a great old tune made popular in 1964 by Eric Burdon and the Animals. Three verses. The melody is played in two different octaves and the arrangement makes House of the Rising Sun MD Level 4 F-2 extensive use of the 1+ fret and a capo. A challenge for the intermediate level player and perfect for the more advanced player. Participants will receive the tab along with an audio reference track to use for rehearsal purposes. This tune “has been the ruin of many a poor boy.” Come on! You know you want to learn this song! Laurie Alsobrook Inspired by songs of the “Singing Family of the Front Porch Favorites MD Level 2 T-1 Cumberlands,” this workshop offers fun tunes that last for generations! Actually, NOT a Grateful Dead tribute workshop…these songs focus on traveling. You will Keep on Truckin' MD Level 2 T-3 have a chance to practice strumming as well as the chord-melody technique as you develop smoothness in playing. What happens when we play two totally different Two songs in one! MD Level 2 T-5 tunes at the same time? Come and watch the magic happen! This promises to be a class that really rocks - fiddle You Rock! MD Level 2 F-2 tunes, a hymn, and even a waltz will have you rockin!'
23 From fiddle tunes to classical, this will be a Gal-a- palooza of tunes about girls! Join me for fun tunes, All Girl Review! MD Level 2 F-4 like Julianne Johnson and Charleston Gals...and more! These tunes will teach techniques to smooth out your playing; plus it will be fun! Channeling Lawrence Welk's, "a-vun and a-two," some of my favorite waltzes will be presented in this May I have this Dance? MD Level 2 S-3 class, as we use a chord melody style to smooth out our waltzing. Virtual rounds? Yes! This class will "round out" your dulcimer repertoire as we discover the pleasure that Round and Round and Round MD Level 2 S-5 playing in such lovely harmony brings to us. Listed as and... an Advanced Beginner class, all levels would enjoy this session :-) Not familiar with Taize worship music? Originally from a monastery in France, these peaceful, meditative songs can enhance any worship service OR simply be Taize MD Level 3 T-7 enjoyed at any time. Short songs, repeated again and again, give it a meditative character. Level: Intermediate Les Gustafson-Zook Here's a chance to figure out the basics about your autoharp, including care and feeding - tuning, holding, basic rhythm and strums, and online and print Opening the Case - AH Level 1 T-1 resources. Give yourself a great start by learning these basics!
Having performed for children for 25 years, here are Making Music with Kids AH Level 2 T-5 some tunes and tips for keeping your audience engaged and helping everyone have fun! Do you have strumming down and have interest in moving to the next level? We'll work through the basic Beginning Melody Playing AH Level 2 S-1 techniques of getting melody out of the autoharp using pinch/pluck strokes. If you're wondering what all the fuss is about diatonic autoharps, join me to explore what makes a diatonic, Beginning Diatonic Autoharp AH Level 3 F-3 how you can convert your instrument to diatonic and the benefits of playing a diatonic instrument. Get yourself ready for the jam by learning these simple versions of jam tunes to build melody Jamming 101 AH Level 3 F-5 proficiency and to provide an entry point to the post COVID fiddle tune jam sessions. Get ready to be the hit at the Christmas party with Getting Ready for Christmas AH Level 3 S-7 these beautiful, but tricky arrangements of Christmas favorites. If you enjoy walking all over your chord buttons and some great energetic tunes, grab your chromatic harp Learn yourself some Rags AH Level 4 T-8 and come learn some tricky left hand fingering to tear up some rags! They're a stretch, but very fun!
24 What can you do with those half notes in slow songs? Arpeggio Accompaniment to AH Level 4 S-3 Here is a technique to keep those tunes beautiful and your Melody energized, by using arpeggios to support the melody. Lois Hornbostel Beginners & UP. DAD tuning. Lois will teach three easy tunes she learned direct from Jean Ritchie, Frank Proffitt Jr., and fiddler Charlie Acuff. If you don’t SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN know these tunes already you may just love them! TUNES YOU MIGHT NOT MD Level 2 T-1 Tabs will be included, and time-permitting we’ll play KNOW YET, with Lois thru each several times. Hornbostel. . Goin’ ‘Cross the Mountain . Golden Ring Around the Susan Girl . Josie Girl Beginner & UP. DAD tuning. Fingerpicking brings out the dulcimer’s sweetness, and it’s fun to touch the strings for notes! First we’ll find a comfortable position “TICKIN’ THE STRINGS” for your picking hand and fingers. This class EASY FINGERPICKING with MD Level 2 T-3 sequentially simplifies how you can add a simple Lois Hornbostel. picking pattern into a melody. You’ll learn some fingerpicked tunes and get tips on finding new music to use your new skills.
Adv. Beg. AND UP. DAD tuning. After demonstrating “low string action” for playing ease, Lois will lead you through tone-improving left-hand techniques like: Finger placement for clarity, and smooth moves PLAYING WITH “JUICY” between frets. Articulating notes and letting them play TONE & SUSTAIN, with Lois MD Level 2 T-5 out their “full time.” Selecting graceful fingering Hornbostel. placements to save effort and time. Hammer-ons, pull- offs, slides. Playing with legato, staccato, vibrato, and ritardando (from The Godfather?)
Beginners & up. DAD tuning. When playing with others, do you find yourself strumming notes early or behind of them? The playing speed is important, but NEVER “SHAVE” AGAIN - sometimes extra notes or left-out notes (‘shaving’) Counting Time in Strumming MD Level 2 F-1 occurs. Lois has a sure-fire way of using consistent with Lois Hornbostel. strum patterns to fit the music and keep you right on track. Includes a strumming diagram and practice piece. “You’ll never shave again!” Beginners & UP. DAD tuning. Lois will teach three easy tunes she learned direct from Jean Ritchie, Frank Proffitt Jr., and fiddler Charlie Acuff. If you don’t SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN know these tunes already you may just love them! TUNES YOU MIGHT NOT MD Level 2 F-5 Tabs will be included, and time-permitting we’ll play KNOW YET, with Lois thru each several times. Hornbostel. (Repeat) . Goin’ ‘Cross the Mountain . Golden Ring Around the Susan Girl . Josie Girl
25 Beginners & up. DAC tuning. Aeolian Mode is also called the “natural minor” scale. It’s the most haunting of all the modes, and a simple change to the DAC tuning yields beautiful musical spice to your repertoire. THE MAGIC OF AEOLIAN Come tuned to DAC by simply tuning down your first TUNING, with Lois MD Level 2 F-8 string, one step down to C natural.* We’ll play some Hornbostel. easy tab pieces in Aeolian mode. You won’t regret it! * If you need help tuning, visit the NGFDA “Homeroom,” where someone can help you. If you have 2 strings for your first course, tune them both down to C natural.
Adv. Beg. AND UP. DAD tuning After demonstrating “low string action” for playing ease, Lois will lead you through tone-improving left-hand techniques like: Finger placement for clarity, and smooth moves PLAYING WITH “JUICY” between frets. Articulating notes and letting them play TONE & SUSTAIN, with Lois MD Level 2 S-3 out their “full time.” Selecting graceful fingering Hornbostel. (Repeat) placements to save effort and time. Hammer-ons, pull- offs, slides. Playing with legato, staccato, vibrato, and ritardando (from The Godfather?)
Beginner & UP. DAD tuning. Fingerpicking brings out the dulcimer’s sweetness, and it’s fun to touch the strings for notes! First we’ll find a comfortable position “TICKIN’ THE STRINGS” for your picking hand and fingers. This class EASY FINGERPICKING with MD Level 2 S-5 sequentially simplifies how you can add a simple Lois Hornbostel. (Repeat) picking pattern into a melody. You’ll learn some fingerpicked tunes and get tips on finding new music to use your new skills.
Beginners & up. DAC tuning. Aeolian Mode is also called the “natural minor” scale. It’s the most haunting of all the modes, and a simple change to the DAC tuning yields beautiful musical spice to your repertoire. THE MAGIC OF AEOLIAN Come tuned to DAC by simply tuning down your first TUNING, with Lois MD Level 2 F-8 string, one step down to C natural.* We’ll play some Hornbostel. easy tab pieces in Aeolian mode. You won’t regret it! * If you need help tuning, visit the NGFDA “Homeroom,” where someone can help you. If you have 2 strings for your first course, tune them both down to C natural. Mark Alan Wade Start off right with National Champion, Mark Alan Wade! It’s easy to prevent bad habits if you start off with good ones from Beginner Basics & Beyond HD Level 1 S-1 the start or close to it! This class will set you up for success and use a FUN tune to do it! Perfect for Absolute Beginners and Advanced Beginner players alike! Let's play!
26 This workshop is to help you hear and mimic all the little inflections in Irish music that are NOT on the page. We'll learn how to use various simple percussion rudiments to make them happen on a Ornamenting Irish Tunes HD Level 3 F-6 dulcimer. We’ll learn to do cranns, flams, ruffs, and more– all while striving to really play in the Irish style. This class is repeated in another time slot, but I'll teach a different tune each session in case you are a glutton for punishment. This question will answer the nagging question: WHY? Once you learn simple rudiments like ruffs and Practical Applications for rolls, you may ask yourself why you would ever need HD Level 4 T-1 Multiple-Bounce Strokes to know how to play them. THIS class answers that for you and gives you some applications to try in your repertoire. This fun class will show you easy ways to start using your damper pedal. With a little practice, you'll find all Putting a Damper on Things HD Level 4 F-3 kinds of ways to add dampers to your playing AND you'll be able to physically coordinate you feet and hands to do it! This workshop will make your playing more fluid by allowing you to play up and down the scale without Playing Across the Strings MD Level 3 T-5 going up and down the fret board. It's way more efficient to play across the strings. Mark will use a fun tune for practice. A veteran college professor of Music Theory, Mark will breakdown what makes chord progressions work so you can better predict chord changes in your own Music Theory for Dummies MD Level 3 S-5 music. Knowing the rules of the game will clarify what sounds good and why, allowing you to expand your chord vocabulary. This is a beginner's guide to playing the whistle. We'll learn how to breathe for playing a wind instrument, Penny for My Thoughts... PW Level 1 T-7 fingerings, how to tune, articulate, and more! This class is a fun and easy way to start making music on your whistles. Nina Zanetti Mystified by the fingerstyle approach to playing mountain dulcimer? We’ll break it down into three basic skills: right hand technique (how to produce a good tone, how to use different fingers to create Fingerpicking Training patterns, how to bring out the melody notes); left hand MD Level 2 F-1 Wheels technique (smooth chord transitions); and how to decipher fingerstyle tablature. This brief introduction to the “basics” will prepare you to approach simple fingerstyle arrangements with confidence. DAD tuning.
27 Mystified by the fingerstyle approach to playing mountain dulcimer? We’ll break it down into three basic skills: right hand technique (how to produce a good tone, how to use different fingers to create Fingerpicking Training patterns, how to bring out the melody notes); left hand MD Level 2 S-4 Wheels (Repeat) technique (smooth chord transitions); and how to decipher fingerstyle tablature. This brief introduction to the “basics” will prepare you to approach simple fingerstyle arrangements with confidence. DAD tuning. Learn some gentle Celtic tunes that bring out the “softer side” of dulcimer. We will discuss ways of Some Sweet Celtic Airs MD Level 3 F-7 playing smoothly and expressively, we’ll consider the use of ornamentation, and we’ll explore how to use variations to enhance these lovely tunes. DAD tuning.
Learn some gentle Celtic tunes that bring out the “softer side” of dulcimer. We will discuss ways of Some Sweet Celtic Airs MD Level 3 S-2 playing smoothly and expressively, we’ll consider the (Repeat) use of ornamentation, and we’ll explore how to use variations to enhance these lovely tunes. DAD tuning.
For experienced players who are already comfortable with basic fingerpicking. This workshop will briefly review different approaches to fingerpicking, and then will focus on how to play fingerstyle arrangements Refining Your Fingerpicking with grace and expression. Topics will include how to MD Level 3 S-6 Skills emphasize the melody line and how to achieve a good tone. As time permits, we can troubleshoot common problems and can briefly explore how to convert tab strumming-style tab into fingerstyle arrangements. DAD tuning.
Ever wish you could master that challenging tune or progress to a more advanced level of playing, but practicing seems boring and ineffective? We’ll explore some effective ways of practicing, including strategies for working through tricky passages, tips on Practical Practicing MD Level 4 F-5 smoothing out rough transitions, approaches for increasing speed, and the importance of mind-set and ease. We’ll also consider ways of preparing for performance and competition, including strategies for preventing memory lapses and minimizing performance anxiety.
The beauty of choral music often involves the complex interweaving of “inner harmony voices”. We’ll use some advanced arrangements to explore how we Three String Choir MD Level 5 F-3 can approach our three-stringed dulcimer as a choir of three independent voices, all contributing to the beauty and interest of the music. DAD tuning. Sharrie George
28 Learn to play the uke in the comfort of your home! Step 1 will teach us basic chords & strums, and a few easy tunes! I’ll show you how to tune your instrument, along with care and proper handling of our Ukulele Fun!! Step 1 - Get to Uke Level 1 T-4 instruments. Music with chord pictures and strum Know (and Love) the Uke! suggestions will be provided with each tune, along with tuning on your own instructions. Workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles with G-C-E-A tuning. Learn to play the uke in the comfort of your home! Step 1 will teach us basic chords & strums, and a few easy tunes! I’ll show you how to tune your instrument, along with care and proper handling of our Ukulele Fun!! Get to Know Uke Level 1 S-8 instruments. Music with chord pictures and strum (and Love) the Uke! suggestions will be provided with each tune, along with tuning on your own instructions. Workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles with G-C-E-A tuning. Learn to play and sing some fun and easy holiday tunes! We’ll learn strums, new chords, even a super Easy Holiday Strums & Tunes Uke Level 2 T-8 easy slow “pick strum” for those beautiful slower on the Ukulele! holiday tunes. This workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles with G-C-E-A tuning.
All levels welcome! Learn to read. tablature for ukulele, and how to play some easy melodies & harmonies. We’ll learn a few tunes with melody and harmony that we will try together - take the parts home to play with another ukulele or any other Play the Melody! Uke Level 2 F-1 instrument. Every tune will have music notation as well as tablature. Chord diagrams and strum suggestions will be provided for those not quite ready to play the melody. Workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles with G-C-E-A tuning Quick review of part 1, then learn and practice basic rhythms, new chords, strums and tunes! Plenty of strum practice, singing, (not required but helpful) and tips for practicing. Music with chord pictures and Ukulele Fun! Step 2 - Uke Level 2 F-6 strum suggestions will be provided with each tune, Rhythm, Chords, and Tunes! along with easy-to-read strum patterns so you can easily practice the strum later! Workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles with G-C-E-A tuning. Add new tunes to our repertoire, and focus now on strumming, how we can change up a simple strumming pattern to add interest to our playing and Ukulele Fun! Step 3 - Strum Uke Level 2 S-4 start working on our sound as a player! We’ll tackle Magic! several different strum patterns and practice them with different tunes! Workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles tuned G-C-E-A.
29 Learn some fun Ukulele Classics and Jam Tunes! Each tune will begin with a “learning flash.” Tunes will be in several different keys; if you aren’t quite ready to Ukulele “Learning Jam”! Uke Level 2 S-6 play along, I’ll have ways you can still have fun and work on strumming or other technique. Workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles with G-C-E-A tuning. Learn how to add “percussive sounds to your strum, Add a little “Drum” to your along with muting techniques, and ways to change up Uke Level 4 T-2 Strum! your sound. We’ll practice these techniques on some easy chord progressions, and maybe a tune or two! Learn a few ways to change the key of a tune to fit our vocal or melodic range. We’ll learn a few different Change the Key to Fit Your “methods” for changing the key of a tune so that it’s Uke Level 4 F-4 Voice easier for you or your melody player to fit to their instrument or voice. We’ll apply to a few fun tunes to sing and play. Try finger-picking on the ukulele! Learn note locations, how to read tablature, get finger exercises, and learn a few easy finger-picking patterns to play while changing chords on your uke. We’ll apply this to Pick A Tune, Any Tune! Uke Level 4 S-2 a few easy tunes for practice. New tunes for those who have taken this workshop before! This workshop is for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles with G-C-E- A tuning. Stephen Seifert I clearly remember my early days as a beginner. I’m Five Things I Wish I Knew as MD Level 2 S-8 going to share with you five foundational skills to help a Beginning Dulcimer Player you make play fun, accurate, interesting music. Flatpicking is playing the melodies across the three strings hitting one string at a time. I've developed a new and effective way of teaching this technique and I want to share it with you. Rather than just sight- Fun Flatpicked Traditional MD Level 3 T-3 reading through complex arrangements, we'll make Fiddle Tunes simple tunes sound fancy with minimal effort. By the end of the session, you’ll know how to convert your favorite single-string melodies to across-the-string hits. Fingerpicking doesn't have to be difficult. We'll smile Simple Fingerpicking Is through a bunch of simple arrangements I've put MD Level 3 T-7 Beautiful together. The techniques we'll cover are essential and quite doable. I'll show you the least you have to know to play The Easiest Way to Play melody and chords at the same time. Chord-melody Melody and Chords at the MD Level 3 F-8 does not have to be complicated. This simple Same Time approach is easy on the brain, hands, and ears.
30 The 1-3-5 tuning allows regular dulcimers to play Playable Fancy Tunes in the chromatic music. In addition to bringing some cool MD Level 4 F-3 1-3-5 Tuning arrangements, I'll show you some tips on how to make your own arrangements in this versatile tuning. Steve Eulberg This class features the Map of the Dulcimer, playing in the “box”, playing horizontally, where are my doubled notes, where are the “weird” notes, principles What I wish I knew when I of hammering and learning songs. With all of these started on Hammered HD Level 1 T-2 conceptual and hands-on tools in one’s belt, students Dulcimer will be equipped to make significant progress in their comfort and skill in playing the dulcimer. PDF Handouts provided. Once I discovered that there were (2) TWO basic patterns for playing the classical Greek modes on the hammered dulcimer, I was able to uncover a great many tunes that were just hiding in my instrument, waiting for me to find them! (Note: knowledge of Modes on the Hammered HD Level 1 F-3 music theory is NOT required for this class, but Dulcimer previous experience at listening and singing or humming songs and tunes is a must.) Students will come away with a firm foundation of how songs work and how they work on the dulcimer. PDF Handouts provided. Using Beethoven’s familiar “Ode to Joy” tune, we’ll explore some examples of hammering exercises that let us play mechanically, but musically at the same time. This features examples from Steve’s new Hammered Dulcimer Joy book/CD. The complete Hammered Dulcimer Joy HD Level 3 T-8 text for this class (both downloadable and physical book/cd) will be offered at a discounted rate for students. Students will develop facility, accuracy, moving toward hammer independence. PDF Handouts provided.
A powerful way to share music is with the children in our lives. I am blessed to get to do this daily as a pre- school music teacher. This will be a chord-based way of playing to accompany singing with clear rhythm, Using Your Dulcimer for MD Level 1 F-5 using the dulcimer to help find your voice. A Chord Singing with Children handout will be provided prior to the class beginning. Featuring Are You Ready to Sing? Students will be equipped to play and sing with the children in their lives. PDF Handouts provided.
31 We will be playing in the traditional style, featuring noter technique and the tunes and tunings that fit well together. The old “slidy” sound with drones is balm Playing Noter Style MD Level 2 S-4 for my soul and a lovely and accessible way to play the music in our souls on the instrument of our choice. DAA and DGd tunings. PDF Handouts provided.
Playing Slide technique on a 4- equi-distant string dulcimer or resonator dulcimer tuned to D-F#-A-d tuning. (instructions and set-up assistance will be offered prior to the class). This will include the Right Hand Patterns on Dulci- MD Level 2 S-6 MacReynolds Roll. PDF handouts provided. The Bro in D-F#-A-d Tuning complete text for this class (both downloadable and physical book/cd) will be offered at a discounted rate for students. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A DULCIMER CLASS BUT THERE WAS NO "other" CATEGORY
I prefer the sound of the close-voicings of the chords in the 1-5-5 (DAA) tuning. The shapes are predictable and the noodling positions are useful for finding DAA Chord Melody-Style MD Level 3 T-4 harmonies. We’ll build on these understandings to create a Chord Melody Arrangement of (2) different tunes and equip you with the skills to apply to others on your own. PDF Handouts provided. This versatile tuning opens up another tonality for the dulcimer for playing and singing. We will explore the DGd Tuning, Reverse Ionian MD Level 3 T-6 chord possibilities and what happens when using a 5-1-5 capo in this tuning. (A Capo is Required) PDF Handouts Provided. Using Beethoven’s familiar “Ode to Joy” tune, we’ll explore some examples of fingerpicking exercises that let us play mechanically, but musically at the same time. This features examples from Steve’s new Mountain Dulcimer Joy book/CD. The complete text Mountain Dulcimer Joy MD Level 3 F-7 for this class (both downloadable and physical book/cd) will be offered at a discounted rate for students. Students will develop facility, accuracy, moving toward hammer independence. PDF Handouts provided.
We’ll focus on the “Chop” chords which are necessary Playing Bluegrass on the for playing in the bluegrass style and ensemble. We’ll Mountain Dulcimer (DAd MD Level 4 S-8 also learn a classic bluegrass lick and when to play it. tuning) .mp3s and PDF Handouts provided. Susan Trump Adding just one more finger will make your playing so 2 Finger Chords for pretty. We’ll learn some easy songs that you’ll love to MD Level 1 F-7 Beginners play and enjoy. DAD tuning
32 Look at chords in a new way. Recognizing shapes and “partner” shapes will help you discover the best Chords, Shapes and MD Level 2 T-6 fingerings to use as you move from one chord to Fingerings Made Easy! another and make learning new songs a snap! DAD Tuning The dulcimer is extremely well suited to the old mountain hymns. It’ll bring you comfort wherever you Easy Hymns for Home or play these songs! We’ll strum them and then learn a MD Level 2 T-8 Church- lovely easy fingerpicking pattern for that old-time sound. Inermediate players can also enjoy this workshop. DAD tuning Let's learn Hard Times, and Some Folks Do from the father of American Music. These are a natural for the Songs of Stephen Foster MD Level 2 S-7 dulcimer, and people still love them. We’ll incorporate simple chords, and fingerings. DAD tuning
The dulcimer originated in the Appalachian Mountains. The settlers brought their music from the British Isles and it changed over the years. There are Appalachian Songs, the beautiful, simple songs to take you back to those early MD Level 3 T-2 History of Our Music times, and they sound perfect on the dulcimer…think cozy around the fireplace, or twilight on the front porch. Advanced beginners could also enjoy this workshop. DAD Tuning Chords form the structure for all music. Understanding chord shapes, positions on the fretboard and chord progressions will enable you to Chords, the Key to Playing MD Level 3 F-2 learn new songs faster, play more smoothly, have Better more fun jamming, play harmonies and so much more! More advanced players might also find this helpful. DAD Tuning There is more to a waltz than the oom-pa-pa strum. Not only are there different strumming patterns but Waltzes and Variations in 3/4 we’ll discover other right hand techniques for MD Level 3 S-2 Time- variations to make waltzes as beautiful as they can be. We’ll try them out on some new ones. DAD Tuning The dulcimer has its ancestry in the British Isles, which makes it perfect for playing some lovely tunes from “across the pond.” We’ll learn an O’Carolan Celtic Airs MD Level 4 S-5 tune, Bridget O’Malley, an Irish lament; and Mrs. Jamieson’s Favourite, a Scottish lament by Charles Grant. Advanced players welcome too. DAD Tuning Tish Westman How to play the Bowed Learn good practice skills to help you play better and BP Level 1 T-3 Psaltery you will learn to know your instrument quicker. You will learn how to tune and to bow your Bowed Introduction to the Bowed BP Level 1 F-5 Psaltery. You will also learn the Basics of music Psaltery and Music Basics theory for the beginner.
33 Learn how to use your bow to create dynamics and More to it.... BP Level 3 F-7 add emotion to your playing by using vibrato, staccato and glissando.. Join the Jam with a Bowed Learn what to play in a Jam if you don't know the BP Level 3 S-2 Psaltery. song. Learn what the fingerboard is all about, not just String Side Up MD Level 1 S-8 numbers.. Learn to be consistant with finger placement to Untangle those fingers. MD Level 2 T-7 improve smooth playing. Learn to combine strumming and chord choices to Let's play pretty, not choppy.. MD Level 3 T-5 create the sound you want. Learn to play smoother using different rhythm and Strum hand...... MD Level 3 S-4 strumming skills. Tull Glazener Chords are one of the main building blocks of music. Intro to Chord/Melody Style We’ll start with learning basic chord formations up and MD Level 2 T-2 Playing down the fretboard, and then show how the melody line tends to “fall out” of the chords. D-A-d tuning.
The art of playing individual strings is a useful technique, both for playing melody notes across the Introduction to Flat-Picking MD Level 2 F-3 fret board, and also for providing accompaniment. We will drill the basic technique, and then show how we can apply it to tunes.
Jamming is an acquired skill, and like any other skill, it takes practice. I’ll be playing through common jam S – L – O – W Jam MD Level 2 F-7 tunes at a S-L-O-W tempo, and also calling out the chord changes. You’ll be able to request some of your favorite tunes in the “chat window”!
The mountain dulcimer seems to be especially suited for playing hymns, spirituals, gospel tunes, and other 3-String Choir MD Level 3 T-6 songs of faith. We’ll work on at least one of these tunes, arranged for multi-part/ensemble playing.
"Dulcimer Daze" is a tune composed by Gil Anderson, the same person who gave "Nut Factory Shuffle" to the dulcimer world. With Gil's kind permission, I'll be Dulcimer Daze MD Level 3 T-8 presenting a 3-part arrangement of this fun and energetic tune. It's a great tune to learn both major and minor chord formations up and down the fret board, along with how to strum syncopated rhythms. Mt. dulcimer players sometimes get a “bad rap” for only playing in the key of D. We’ll explore how to play Playing in Other Keys MD Level 3 S-1 in other keys, and unlock the mysteries of using a capo. D-A-d tuning, capo required We'll work on some techniques for playing some Waltzing with the Mountain lyrical waltz music, arranged for multi-part/ensemble MD Level 3 S-5 Dulcimer playing to demonstrate that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts".
34 This class will demonstrate how to use some simple but effective chord substitution techniques to "dress up" tunes you've been playing for years. We'll learn Chord Embellishments MD Level 4 T-4 about 7th chords, related minor chords, "lifting" chords, including how to form them on mountain dulcimer, and how and where to use them.
There is something magical about playing in groups - "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". In this class, we'll learn some techniques for creating Arranging for Groups MD Level 4 F-1 your own multi-part/ensemble arrangements by adding bass lines, harmony parts, counter melodies, and more.
The term ‘Tin Pan Alley’ refers to the physical location of the New York City-centered music publishers and songwriters who dominated the popular music of the United States in the late 19th century and early 20th Music of Tin Pan Alley MD Level 4 S-3 century. Much of that music has survived in current- day popular culture. It usually requires unusual and interesting chord variations that are especially effective in an ensemble arrangement.
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