2022 Workshops
2022 August Dulcimer Daze Workshop Descriptions:
Beginner Classes
#1. String Side Up- George Haggerty
New to the dulcimer? Strings on the right pegs? Have trouble tuning? Do I need a strap? Let George Haggerty show you some easy tricks & learn 3 easy, wonderful dulcimer tunes. Come tuned to DAA if you can. If not, George will help you tune up
(Beginner) Friday 3:30
#2. Let’s Get Started I- George Haggerty
George Haggerty will teach you the basics to get you off to a good start. Come tuned to DAA (George will help you get to DAA if you need help).
(Beginner) Saturday 9:45
#3. Let's Get Started II- Lori Keddell
Taking a step upwards, you'll learn a few new tunes, then learn how to add a strum pattern to the songs. We will go over basic strumming patterns and learn a few simple chords. Come tuned to DAA
(Beginner) Saturday 11:00
#4 Beginner III – Moving Right Along! -Lori Keddell
Learn how to switch from DAA to DAD and back to DAA. In the DAD tuning, Lori will show you how to play tunes you already know in DAA, learn a few new tunes, and if time allows, explore some basic chords in DAD. This workshop will discuss why & when you might use these alternate “D” tunings. Come tuned to DAA.
(Beginner) Saturday 3:00
#5. Music Notation and Dulcimer Tablature-Sandy Lafleur
"What the Heck am I Looking At?!" "Am I under a rest?" A layman's explanation of basic musical notation and how to read dulcimer tablature.
(Beginner/Novice) Saturday 4:15
#6. Three Easy Tunes- George Haggerty
In this workshop, we'll put what you've been learning together, play a few simple tunes and have fun! We'll also take time to talk about practicing and trouble-shoot any questions you might have. Come tuned to DAD. We might do a few songs in DAA as well
(Beginner-Novice) Sunday 10:30
#7 Smooth As Silk- Melanie Johnston
Do you love playing those beautiful, lyrical tunes but become frustrated when they sound choppy, disjointed or buzzy? Come learn some left and right hand techniques to smooth things out.
(Beginner/Novice) Sunday 11:45
New to the dulcimer? Strings on the right pegs? Have trouble tuning? Do I need a strap? Let George Haggerty show you some easy tricks & learn 3 easy, wonderful dulcimer tunes. Come tuned to DAA if you can. If not, George will help you tune up
(Beginner) Friday 3:30
#2. Let’s Get Started I- George Haggerty
George Haggerty will teach you the basics to get you off to a good start. Come tuned to DAA (George will help you get to DAA if you need help).
(Beginner) Saturday 9:45
#3. Let's Get Started II- Lori Keddell
Taking a step upwards, you'll learn a few new tunes, then learn how to add a strum pattern to the songs. We will go over basic strumming patterns and learn a few simple chords. Come tuned to DAA
(Beginner) Saturday 11:00
#4 Beginner III – Moving Right Along! -Lori Keddell
Learn how to switch from DAA to DAD and back to DAA. In the DAD tuning, Lori will show you how to play tunes you already know in DAA, learn a few new tunes, and if time allows, explore some basic chords in DAD. This workshop will discuss why & when you might use these alternate “D” tunings. Come tuned to DAA.
(Beginner) Saturday 3:00
#5. Music Notation and Dulcimer Tablature-Sandy Lafleur
"What the Heck am I Looking At?!" "Am I under a rest?" A layman's explanation of basic musical notation and how to read dulcimer tablature.
(Beginner/Novice) Saturday 4:15
#6. Three Easy Tunes- George Haggerty
In this workshop, we'll put what you've been learning together, play a few simple tunes and have fun! We'll also take time to talk about practicing and trouble-shoot any questions you might have. Come tuned to DAD. We might do a few songs in DAA as well
(Beginner-Novice) Sunday 10:30
#7 Smooth As Silk- Melanie Johnston
Do you love playing those beautiful, lyrical tunes but become frustrated when they sound choppy, disjointed or buzzy? Come learn some left and right hand techniques to smooth things out.
(Beginner/Novice) Sunday 11:45
Novice / After Novice Classes
#8. Jam Training Wheels- Melanie Johnston
If you are a newer player, attending a jam session or a dulcimer club meeting can be scary. Even a tune you think you play well in the “privacy of your own home” suddenly seems impossible when trying to play it with others. And then there are all those tunes you’ve never heard of! Yikes! Come learn some easy jam tunes and strategies to grow and survive.
(Novice) Friday 3:30
#9. Simplifying Notey Fiddle Tunes- Sandy Lafleur
Fiddle tunes are known for their "notey-ness" but not all notes are created equal. Learn how to determine the big notes - the ones that matter, and be part of a jam session.
Saturday 9:45
#10. Stressless Strumming- Ellen Pratt
Are you stressed out when you strum? Don’t know when to strum in or out? Is your strum choppy? This class will provide lots of exercises and strum patterns for novice players to help you smooth out your right hand playing.
(Novice) Saturday 11:00
#11. Healing Music- Staff Come learn how the way your play and what your play can affect a person’s mental status and health and how to use music for the sick and the dying patient. Join the discussion with your questions. Instruments are not needed for this class.
(Novice & up) Saturday 3:00
#12. O’Carolyn…Oh.So. Easy- Laurie Alsobrook
Love the lyrical tunes of the famed Irish Harpist? Approachable versions will be presented that the advancing beginner can enjoy playing these beautiful tunes: Planxty Fanny Power, Planxty Irwin, Si Bheag Si Mhor
(Novice/After Novice) Saturday 4:15
#13. Songs of the Sea- Lori Keddell
Come all ye bold adventurous folks who yearn for the open sea.
We’ve chanteys, ballads, and folk songs galore, and most in the key of D.
We’ll strum, pluck & sing in a nautical way, playing many a sea-faring song.
Whatever your skill on the dulcimer, you’re welcome to come along.
(Novice and up. Start in DAD.) Sunday 10:30
#14. Peas & Harmony: Rounds, Canons and Partner Songs- Laurie Alsobrook.
Rounds, Canons, and Partner Songs are fun ways to bring harmony into your dulcimer
life...and give you “peas,” aka peace. To include these and more: CANON-Hava Nashira, MASH-Motherless Child C1, MASH-Wade in the Water C1, ROUND-Now I walk in Beauty, ROUND-PeaceRound DAC
(Novice/After Novice) Sunday 11:45
If you are a newer player, attending a jam session or a dulcimer club meeting can be scary. Even a tune you think you play well in the “privacy of your own home” suddenly seems impossible when trying to play it with others. And then there are all those tunes you’ve never heard of! Yikes! Come learn some easy jam tunes and strategies to grow and survive.
(Novice) Friday 3:30
#9. Simplifying Notey Fiddle Tunes- Sandy Lafleur
Fiddle tunes are known for their "notey-ness" but not all notes are created equal. Learn how to determine the big notes - the ones that matter, and be part of a jam session.
Saturday 9:45
#10. Stressless Strumming- Ellen Pratt
Are you stressed out when you strum? Don’t know when to strum in or out? Is your strum choppy? This class will provide lots of exercises and strum patterns for novice players to help you smooth out your right hand playing.
(Novice) Saturday 11:00
#11. Healing Music- Staff Come learn how the way your play and what your play can affect a person’s mental status and health and how to use music for the sick and the dying patient. Join the discussion with your questions. Instruments are not needed for this class.
(Novice & up) Saturday 3:00
#12. O’Carolyn…Oh.So. Easy- Laurie Alsobrook
Love the lyrical tunes of the famed Irish Harpist? Approachable versions will be presented that the advancing beginner can enjoy playing these beautiful tunes: Planxty Fanny Power, Planxty Irwin, Si Bheag Si Mhor
(Novice/After Novice) Saturday 4:15
#13. Songs of the Sea- Lori Keddell
Come all ye bold adventurous folks who yearn for the open sea.
We’ve chanteys, ballads, and folk songs galore, and most in the key of D.
We’ll strum, pluck & sing in a nautical way, playing many a sea-faring song.
Whatever your skill on the dulcimer, you’re welcome to come along.
(Novice and up. Start in DAD.) Sunday 10:30
#14. Peas & Harmony: Rounds, Canons and Partner Songs- Laurie Alsobrook.
Rounds, Canons, and Partner Songs are fun ways to bring harmony into your dulcimer
life...and give you “peas,” aka peace. To include these and more: CANON-Hava Nashira, MASH-Motherless Child C1, MASH-Wade in the Water C1, ROUND-Now I walk in Beauty, ROUND-PeaceRound DAC
(Novice/After Novice) Sunday 11:45
Intermediate Classes
#15. Flatpick, Strum, Half-Strum- Butch Ross
Basically, everything you need to know to develop a solid and great sounding strum hand.
(Intermediate) Friday 3:30
#16. Thinking Outside the Hourglass-Butch Ross
Learn how to take traditional tunes and turn them on their heads. Or adapt non-traditional songs into dulcimer tunes. Find the hidden beauty in contemporary tunes. Students learn Chord Substitution, Adaptation, Re-harmonization, time signatures and how to abuse them.
(Intermediate) Saturday 9:45
#17. Foster Favorites- Laurie Alsobrook
We are all charmed by Stephen Foster’s enduring melodies that have been with us for
generations. This workshop presents a few of my favorites: Angelina Baker, Glendy Burk, Hard Times,
Gentle Annie, Slumber My Darling.
(Intermediate) Saturday 11:00
#18. Play in A!- Sandy Lafleur
Hate to break it to you but the rest of the world plays Old Joe Clark in the key of A, and more than just a few other tunes as well! And for many, A is a more comfortable tune to sing in. We'll retune, use a tiny stick and a capo (so bring one with you!) to play tunes in A. (Intermediate) Saturday 3:00
#19. Oh Snap!- Melanie Johnston
What is it about those traditional Scottish tunes and dances that makes them so interesting? Many of them have a rhythm – sometimes called the Scottish snap – that incorporates short and longer notes in a particular sequence. Come learn all about it and play a few of these fun tunes.
(Intermediate) Saturday 4:15
#20. If You Like One Tune, You’ll Like ‘em Both- Butch Ross
Learn to recognize recurring patterns in old-time tunes and use them to help you quickly learn new tunes.
(Intermediate) Sunday 10:30
#21. Christmas Ensemble Music- Ellen Pratt
It’s only 4 months until Christmas, so let’s dust off those strings and learn a few holiday songs to brighten up those long winter days that are coming too soon. These are ensemble arrangements. If you’ve never tried playing in an ensemble, come and try it out! There are always a couple of easy parts in the arrangements I write for dulcimer ensembles.
(Intermediate, although there will be parts for novice and up) Sunday 11:45
Basically, everything you need to know to develop a solid and great sounding strum hand.
(Intermediate) Friday 3:30
#16. Thinking Outside the Hourglass-Butch Ross
Learn how to take traditional tunes and turn them on their heads. Or adapt non-traditional songs into dulcimer tunes. Find the hidden beauty in contemporary tunes. Students learn Chord Substitution, Adaptation, Re-harmonization, time signatures and how to abuse them.
(Intermediate) Saturday 9:45
#17. Foster Favorites- Laurie Alsobrook
We are all charmed by Stephen Foster’s enduring melodies that have been with us for
generations. This workshop presents a few of my favorites: Angelina Baker, Glendy Burk, Hard Times,
Gentle Annie, Slumber My Darling.
(Intermediate) Saturday 11:00
#18. Play in A!- Sandy Lafleur
Hate to break it to you but the rest of the world plays Old Joe Clark in the key of A, and more than just a few other tunes as well! And for many, A is a more comfortable tune to sing in. We'll retune, use a tiny stick and a capo (so bring one with you!) to play tunes in A. (Intermediate) Saturday 3:00
#19. Oh Snap!- Melanie Johnston
What is it about those traditional Scottish tunes and dances that makes them so interesting? Many of them have a rhythm – sometimes called the Scottish snap – that incorporates short and longer notes in a particular sequence. Come learn all about it and play a few of these fun tunes.
(Intermediate) Saturday 4:15
#20. If You Like One Tune, You’ll Like ‘em Both- Butch Ross
Learn to recognize recurring patterns in old-time tunes and use them to help you quickly learn new tunes.
(Intermediate) Sunday 10:30
#21. Christmas Ensemble Music- Ellen Pratt
It’s only 4 months until Christmas, so let’s dust off those strings and learn a few holiday songs to brighten up those long winter days that are coming too soon. These are ensemble arrangements. If you’ve never tried playing in an ensemble, come and try it out! There are always a couple of easy parts in the arrangements I write for dulcimer ensembles.
(Intermediate, although there will be parts for novice and up) Sunday 11:45
Advanced Classes
#22. Accidental Instruments- Joe Collins
Are you a pretty good player and need some challenging tunes to stretch your skill level. This is a class of tunes not normally heard on the mountain dulcimer because of accidentals, those pesky notes for which there are no frets on the mountain dulcimer tuned in DAD or for which transitions to those notes are somewhat challenging. We'll learn and practice some techniques that make these types of songs accessible on your dulcimer.
(Advanced) Friday 3:30
#23. Robert Burns, Songs of the Scottish Legend- Joe Collins
Most people associate Robert Burns with Romantic Era poetry, but he is known in Scotland as one of the great bards of traditional music. As a lover of music, he collected, wrote, and sang throughout his career. In this workshop, we will learn some of his “greatest hits.”
(Advanced) Saturday 9:45
#24. Variations on “In the Bleak Midwinter”- Nina Zanetti
In this workshop you’ll learn a variety of ways to play this beautiful Christmas tune by Gustav Holst. We’ll begin with a very simple version, then will progress to a complex, advanced version, designed to give ideas for performance or simply for enhancing any tune or “making it your own.”
(Advanced) Saturday 11:00
#25. It’s All in the Phrasing- Nina Zanetti
How can we evoke a smooth, lyrical “voice” from our fretted, pluckedinstrument? It’s all in the phrasing! Using some familiar tunes, you’ll get to explore what phrasing means, how it affects the style of a tune, how to intuitively determine where to
“breathe” within a tune, and how to create both smooth phrases and “breathing points” in your playing.
(Advanced) Saturday 3:00
#26. Dulcimer Orchestra- Mack Johnston
Dulcimers are well suited to play 3 and 4 part music in small (ensemble) or large (orchestra) groups. Playing multipart music teaches us to listen to each other, to collaborate and blend with other parts, and to appreciate the contribution of each part to the whole.
In this workshop we will play 2 or 3 multipart pieces arranged for dulcimer family instruments including baritone and bass. Skill requirements include understanding rhythm and note values.
(Intermediate/Advanced) Saturday 4:15
#27 Playing Pretty- Joe Collins
This workshop focuses on developing technique that will help you to become more expressive on the dulcimer and less mechanical. We will go beyond learning the notes to learning about how to use dynamics and phrasing to make your music more emotive (capable of pulling out feelings). We will also share exercises you can use to continue to develop these skills.
(Intermediate and up) Sunday 10:30
#28 Alternating Bass: An Advanced Fingerpicking Technique- Nina Zanetti
For experienced players who are already comfortable with basic fingerpicking. We’ll explore a style of fingerpicking (familiar to guitarists) that creates a two-note bass pattern that keeps the rhythm going. This style lends itself well to jazzing up familiar tunes with syncopated patterns. As an example, we’ll learn a “cool” version of “Go Tell Aunt Rhody” or “Boil Them Cabbage”
(Advanced) Sunday 11:45
Are you a pretty good player and need some challenging tunes to stretch your skill level. This is a class of tunes not normally heard on the mountain dulcimer because of accidentals, those pesky notes for which there are no frets on the mountain dulcimer tuned in DAD or for which transitions to those notes are somewhat challenging. We'll learn and practice some techniques that make these types of songs accessible on your dulcimer.
(Advanced) Friday 3:30
#23. Robert Burns, Songs of the Scottish Legend- Joe Collins
Most people associate Robert Burns with Romantic Era poetry, but he is known in Scotland as one of the great bards of traditional music. As a lover of music, he collected, wrote, and sang throughout his career. In this workshop, we will learn some of his “greatest hits.”
(Advanced) Saturday 9:45
#24. Variations on “In the Bleak Midwinter”- Nina Zanetti
In this workshop you’ll learn a variety of ways to play this beautiful Christmas tune by Gustav Holst. We’ll begin with a very simple version, then will progress to a complex, advanced version, designed to give ideas for performance or simply for enhancing any tune or “making it your own.”
(Advanced) Saturday 11:00
#25. It’s All in the Phrasing- Nina Zanetti
How can we evoke a smooth, lyrical “voice” from our fretted, pluckedinstrument? It’s all in the phrasing! Using some familiar tunes, you’ll get to explore what phrasing means, how it affects the style of a tune, how to intuitively determine where to
“breathe” within a tune, and how to create both smooth phrases and “breathing points” in your playing.
(Advanced) Saturday 3:00
#26. Dulcimer Orchestra- Mack Johnston
Dulcimers are well suited to play 3 and 4 part music in small (ensemble) or large (orchestra) groups. Playing multipart music teaches us to listen to each other, to collaborate and blend with other parts, and to appreciate the contribution of each part to the whole.
In this workshop we will play 2 or 3 multipart pieces arranged for dulcimer family instruments including baritone and bass. Skill requirements include understanding rhythm and note values.
(Intermediate/Advanced) Saturday 4:15
#27 Playing Pretty- Joe Collins
This workshop focuses on developing technique that will help you to become more expressive on the dulcimer and less mechanical. We will go beyond learning the notes to learning about how to use dynamics and phrasing to make your music more emotive (capable of pulling out feelings). We will also share exercises you can use to continue to develop these skills.
(Intermediate and up) Sunday 10:30
#28 Alternating Bass: An Advanced Fingerpicking Technique- Nina Zanetti
For experienced players who are already comfortable with basic fingerpicking. We’ll explore a style of fingerpicking (familiar to guitarists) that creates a two-note bass pattern that keeps the rhythm going. This style lends itself well to jazzing up familiar tunes with syncopated patterns. As an example, we’ll learn a “cool” version of “Go Tell Aunt Rhody” or “Boil Them Cabbage”
(Advanced) Sunday 11:45
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