Classes

2008 Dulcimer Day in Duluth Workshop Descriptions

This is intended to be the final schedule, but is still subject to change if need arises.

B: Beginner, AB: Advanced beginner, INT: Intermediate, Kids: Kids class, adults welcome, but space priority goes to youngsters.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER

Ever wanted to play an instrument? Mountain dulcimers are a simple instrument to play. Larry will cover tuning, strumming, and how to play a few folk songs.

Larry will have you stretch out your fingers and using three finger chords on your dulcimer. Learn how to build every chord on the dulcimer by thinking in shapes.

Praise music fits so well on the mountain dulcimer. Larry will introduce some common hymns and lesser known tunes to ring out on your dulcimer. DAD tuning.

So many tunes, so little time. Larry will help you pull out the rhythm of some favorite old time fiddle tunes. Repeat of the 9 a.m. class.

So many tunes, so little time. Larry will help you pull out the rhythm of some favorite old time fiddle tunes. Repeated at 4.

For intermediate players of all instruments who want to add more musical texture to their playing. We will cover dynamics, phrasing, rhythm, accents, and arranging. Bring out the emotion in your music. Add some "wow" without trying to play faster or fancier.

None

Come play

Simple songs, a variety of instruments. Some instruments such as bones and spoons and gourds will be available. Kids welcome.

None

Whatever instrument you play, you should be able to learn tunes by ear. Sometimes sheet music isn't available or represents a different version of a tune. Take advantage of all the listening and recording opportunities at jams and workshops. Learn a tune from your favorite CD. This workshop will make all that easy.

Cathy says: We have amassed a big variety of river songs over the years, as we live along the Missouri River and we play frequently on the "Delta Queen" steamboats. We will teach both old traditional river songs as well as contemporary songs by writers such as John Hartford. Instruments are welcome here; we will provide music sheets with chords.

HAMMERED DULCIMER

If you have always wanted to learn to use chords on the dulcimer but just haven't gotten around to it, this is the workshop for you. We'll cover what chords are; find easy dulcimer chord patterns; and learn how to use them. Be in demand as a versatile musician who can accompany other instruments or your own voice in addition to playing melody. Learn chords!

The goal of this workshop is to give students a method for arranging, learning, and actually singing a song while accompanying themselves on the dulcimer. Away with the commonhas fear that "I can't even talk while I play. I could never sing." We will use a simple step-by-step approach to put singing together with playing. Be the life of the party! Be a folksinger! Sing with your dulcimer.

This is one of the easiest and most basic of embellishment techniques. How to use droning to good effect in tunes such as "Nonesuch", "Scarborough Fair" and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen".

None

Come in knowing nothing about playing the dulcimer; leave knowing a tune or two. Learn easy ways to remember where the notes are; where the scales are; how to tune; how to hold the hammers; how to hammer. Have fun, and go home with some simple exercises, some tunes, and a plan for learning more and getting better.

This class will stress repertoire, and how to make tunes sound full and beautiful using chording, harmony and arpeggios. Tunes familiar and unfamiliar will be taught. Tips on playing in churches will be mentioned.

For intermediate players of all instruments who want to add more musical texture to their playing. We will cover dynamics, phrasing, rhythm, accents, and arranging. Bring out the emotion in your music. Add some "wow" without trying to play faster or fancier.

None

Come play

Simple songs, a variety of instruments. Some instruments such as bones and spoons and gourds will be available. Kids welcome.

None

Whatever instrument you play, you should be able to learn tunes by ear. Sometimes sheet music isn't available or represents a different version of a tune. Take advantage of all the listening and recording opportunities at jams and workshops. Learn a tune from your favorite CD. This workshop will make all that easy.

Cathy says: We have amassed a big variety of river songs over the years, as we live along the Missouri River and we play frequently on the "Delta Queen" steamboats. We will teach both old traditional river songs as well as contemporary songs by writers such as John Hartford. Instruments are welcome here; we will provide music sheets with chords.

GENERAL WORKSHOPS

For intermediate players of all instruments who want to add more musical texture to their playing. We will cover dynamics, phrasing, rhythm, accents, and arranging. Bring out the emotion in your music. Add some "wow" without trying to play faster or fancier.

Cathy will continue developing your skills in ringing out a tune on the fun banjo.

Instruments are all over the world and even in your own kitchen. Dave will show you how to make music using spoons and some other items.

Come play

Getting aquainted with the autoharp by using simple strumming and picking techniques and chords to accompany Carter Family songs.

You can strum a guitar but when you add a little flatpicking, tunes come alive. Dave will give tips on accompanying singers and melody instruments.

Cathy says: We have amassed a big variety of river songs over the years, as we live along the Missouri River and we play frequently on the "Delta Queen" steamboats. We will teach both old traditional river songs as well as contemporary songs by writers such as John Hartford. Instruments are welcome here; we will provide music sheets with chords.

Whatever instrument you play, you should be able to learn tunes by ear. Sometimes sheet music isn't available or represents a different version of a tune. Take advantage of all the listening and recording opportunities at jams and workshops. Learn a tune from your favorite CD. This workshop will make all that easy.

Simple songs, a variety of instruments. Some instruments such as bones and spoons and gourds will be available. Kids welcome.

None

Banjos are fun instruments. Bring your questions about playing and give the banjo a whirl.

KIDS CLASSES

Parents please attend if your child is under 12. Make a craft item to take home. A touch of the good ole' days.

Parents please attend if your child is under 12. Make a craft item to take home. A touch of the good ole' days.

Instruments are all over the world and even in your own kitchen. Dave will show you how to make music using spoons and some other items.