2023 Workshops
2023 August Dulcimer Daze Workshop Descriptions:
Beginner Classes
#1. String Side Up- New to the dulcimer? Strings on the right pegs,? Have trouble tuning? Do you need a strap? Let Bonnie Leigh show you some easy tricks & learn 3 easy, wonderful dulcimer tunes. Come tuned to DAA if you can. If not, Bonnie will help you tune up.
Beginner Friday 3:30
#2. Let’s Get Started I- Norm Williams will teach you the basics to get you off to a good start. Come tuned to DAA,; Beginner (Norm will help you get to DAA if you need help).
Saturday 9:45
#3. Let’s Get Started II- Bonnie will continue you on your journey through DAA to become more comfortable with your instrument. She will show you how to read basic tablature and help you to smooth out your playing while learning some new songs. DAA; Beginner Saturday 11:00
#4. Three Easy Tunes- No experience necessary! Norm Williams will teach you three easy tunes to get you on your way to a great dulcimer festival weekend. Even if you’ve never touched a dulcimer before, Norm will give you the skills to begin playing some exciting pieces. Come tuned to DAA, but if you don’t know how, this class will get you tuned up, too. DAA; Beginner Saturday 3:00
#5. From DAA to DAD- This very versatile tuning allows you to play in both Ionian and Mixolydian modes as well as in several different keys. In the DAD tuning, Lori Keddell 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 as well as how to use parallel chord harmonies. DAA; Beginner Saturday 4:15
#6. Top 10 Practice Tips-Teachers will always tell you WHAT to practice, but rarely tell you HOW to practice! Sign up for Judy House’s class and learn at least 10 things to do during your practice time to help you learn to play. You might be surprised at what you could be doing in order to master your music. Become a better musician, faster! DAD; Beginner and Up Sunday 9:00
Beginner Friday 3:30
#2. Let’s Get Started I- Norm Williams will teach you the basics to get you off to a good start. Come tuned to DAA,; Beginner (Norm will help you get to DAA if you need help).
Saturday 9:45
#3. Let’s Get Started II- Bonnie will continue you on your journey through DAA to become more comfortable with your instrument. She will show you how to read basic tablature and help you to smooth out your playing while learning some new songs. DAA; Beginner Saturday 11:00
#4. Three Easy Tunes- No experience necessary! Norm Williams will teach you three easy tunes to get you on your way to a great dulcimer festival weekend. Even if you’ve never touched a dulcimer before, Norm will give you the skills to begin playing some exciting pieces. Come tuned to DAA, but if you don’t know how, this class will get you tuned up, too. DAA; Beginner Saturday 3:00
#5. From DAA to DAD- This very versatile tuning allows you to play in both Ionian and Mixolydian modes as well as in several different keys. In the DAD tuning, Lori Keddell 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 as well as how to use parallel chord harmonies. DAA; Beginner Saturday 4:15
#6. Top 10 Practice Tips-Teachers will always tell you WHAT to practice, but rarely tell you HOW to practice! Sign up for Judy House’s class and learn at least 10 things to do during your practice time to help you learn to play. You might be surprised at what you could be doing in order to master your music. Become a better musician, faster! DAD; Beginner and Up Sunday 9:00
Novice / After Novice Classes
#7. Introduction to Chord Melody Style- Sandy Lafleur- Welcome to the World Beyond Melody Drone! The "Why, When, and How" to add the harmonious chord notes within the melody you are playing. We will cover "sweetening" up a tune while still respecting the unique personality of the Appalachian dulcimer. DAD; Novice Sunday 10:15
#8. Bass Dulcimer 101-Introduction to Bass Dulcimer- Kirk House-This class will provide an introduction to playing the bass dulcimer. It is designed for students who are new at playing the bass dulcimer (but who have had some experience playing a standard dulcimer); it is also appropriate for anyone just thinking about learning the bass dulcimer, or is otherwise interested. It is not necessary to bring a bass dulcimer to class if you don’t have one already; all of the exercises can be done on a standard dulcimer, tuned to DAD. We will cover fundamental principles of playing bass dulcimer “as a bass” – beginning with understanding common rhythms used in Old-Time and Bluegrass songs. We will learn how the bass player’s line is built upon chord structure (root / fifth), and how to find those notes on the dulcimer fretboard. We will also do some “ear training” exercises, to help learn to recognize when chord changes occur in a song. Can you play chords with the bass dulcimer? We will use a variety of instructional resources to answer that question, and more, as we accomplish our class goals. No bass required. Novice & up Friday 3:30
#9. Finger-Picking for the First Time- Elwood Donnelly will provide a framework for finger-picking simple tunes on the mountain dulcimer in DAD. Participants will learn basic patterns for vocal accompaniment as well as methods for finger-picking in common and ¾ time signatures. DAD; Novice & up Saturday 9:45
#10. How to Match a Chord with a Melody Note- Are you trying to ‘play along’ with others, by just strumming chords, but your tab doesn’t have the chords written in (breaking one of the main rules for good tab composition!)? Maybe you’re trying to arrange a piece yourself, and you’ve worked out a simple melody line, by ear, but now you want to add chords in? How do you know what chords go with a particular note? Kirk House will show you how to figure that out – WITHOUT HAVING TO BE A MUSIC GEEK. You don’t know music theory? No problem; you’ve come to the right place. DAD; Novice Saturday 11:00
#11. Strumming Through Strumming- Bonnie- Learn 3 different strum patterns and how to use them in songs with different timings. Also, tips for practice with purpose. DAD; Novice Saturday 3:00
#12. Bread and Butter Jam Tunes- Learn those basic jam tunes that everyone seems to know- but you don’t! Come tuned to DAD and Ellen Pratt will teach you songs like Liza Jane, Old Joe Clark, Sail Away Ladies, Johnson Boys, and several others. We will talk about strategies to play when you don’t know a song, too! DAD; Novice and up Saturday 4:15
#13. Round and Round We Go!- Ellen Pratt-This class will focus on learning rounds to give newer players the opportunity to play easy songs while listening to others play their own parts. This is what ensemble players do, but in a simplified way! DAD; After Novice Sunday 9:00
#14. Bass Dulcimer 102-Some useful techniques for the advancing beginner in Bass Dulcimer Kirk House-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 (i.e., you do not have to take the first class if you already know the basics of playing bass). In this class we will explore additional rhythms, beyond playing the basic “1 st and 3 rd ” beats in 4/4 time. In particular we will look at how to play bass in 3/4 time (waltzes) and 6/8 time. We will also briefly touch on the following three topics (but see note below): The role of the bass player as “time-keeper” in the band; some ways to develop your own time-keeping ability. Introduction to the basics of how to write your own bass lines, for songs you don’t have “tab” for. (if time permits) Playing blues rhythms on the bass. After Novice Sunday 10:15
#8. Bass Dulcimer 101-Introduction to Bass Dulcimer- Kirk House-This class will provide an introduction to playing the bass dulcimer. It is designed for students who are new at playing the bass dulcimer (but who have had some experience playing a standard dulcimer); it is also appropriate for anyone just thinking about learning the bass dulcimer, or is otherwise interested. It is not necessary to bring a bass dulcimer to class if you don’t have one already; all of the exercises can be done on a standard dulcimer, tuned to DAD. We will cover fundamental principles of playing bass dulcimer “as a bass” – beginning with understanding common rhythms used in Old-Time and Bluegrass songs. We will learn how the bass player’s line is built upon chord structure (root / fifth), and how to find those notes on the dulcimer fretboard. We will also do some “ear training” exercises, to help learn to recognize when chord changes occur in a song. Can you play chords with the bass dulcimer? We will use a variety of instructional resources to answer that question, and more, as we accomplish our class goals. No bass required. Novice & up Friday 3:30
#9. Finger-Picking for the First Time- Elwood Donnelly will provide a framework for finger-picking simple tunes on the mountain dulcimer in DAD. Participants will learn basic patterns for vocal accompaniment as well as methods for finger-picking in common and ¾ time signatures. DAD; Novice & up Saturday 9:45
#10. How to Match a Chord with a Melody Note- Are you trying to ‘play along’ with others, by just strumming chords, but your tab doesn’t have the chords written in (breaking one of the main rules for good tab composition!)? Maybe you’re trying to arrange a piece yourself, and you’ve worked out a simple melody line, by ear, but now you want to add chords in? How do you know what chords go with a particular note? Kirk House will show you how to figure that out – WITHOUT HAVING TO BE A MUSIC GEEK. You don’t know music theory? No problem; you’ve come to the right place. DAD; Novice Saturday 11:00
#11. Strumming Through Strumming- Bonnie- Learn 3 different strum patterns and how to use them in songs with different timings. Also, tips for practice with purpose. DAD; Novice Saturday 3:00
#12. Bread and Butter Jam Tunes- Learn those basic jam tunes that everyone seems to know- but you don’t! Come tuned to DAD and Ellen Pratt will teach you songs like Liza Jane, Old Joe Clark, Sail Away Ladies, Johnson Boys, and several others. We will talk about strategies to play when you don’t know a song, too! DAD; Novice and up Saturday 4:15
#13. Round and Round We Go!- Ellen Pratt-This class will focus on learning rounds to give newer players the opportunity to play easy songs while listening to others play their own parts. This is what ensemble players do, but in a simplified way! DAD; After Novice Sunday 9:00
#14. Bass Dulcimer 102-Some useful techniques for the advancing beginner in Bass Dulcimer Kirk House-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 (i.e., you do not have to take the first class if you already know the basics of playing bass). In this class we will explore additional rhythms, beyond playing the basic “1 st and 3 rd ” beats in 4/4 time. In particular we will look at how to play bass in 3/4 time (waltzes) and 6/8 time. We will also briefly touch on the following three topics (but see note below): The role of the bass player as “time-keeper” in the band; some ways to develop your own time-keeping ability. Introduction to the basics of how to write your own bass lines, for songs you don’t have “tab” for. (if time permits) Playing blues rhythms on the bass. After Novice Sunday 10:15
Intermediate Classes
#15. Songs of the Sea: Aubrey, an Ocean State native, will present traditional seafaring songs each in its own way beautiful, playful, tragic, or joyous. You will need a capo for one of the songs. DAD; Intermediate & up Friday 3:30
#16. Chords: Three Majors with a Minor Substitution (Aka: Old Songs Newly Arranged) Rob Brereton- You’ve used the major chords called I, IV, V (D, G, A), now let’s learn the minor chords in DAD. Then we’ll discover how and why we can sometimes replace an ordinary sounding major chord with an elegant minor chord. Finally, let’s play some tunes in a “traditional” way and then substitute some chords for an entirely lush, new sound! DAD; Advanced Intermediate Saturday 9:45
#17. Percussion for Fun and Enhancement
Using bones, limberjacks, spoons and feet, Elwood Donnelly leads this popular workshop where rhythms rule. Participants learn to incorporate percussion into their solo or band performances. Some instruments supplied, but feel free to bring your own. Non-dulcimer- All Levels Saturday 11:00
#18. Hornpipes! What They Are and How to Play Them- Sandy Lafleur- Oh so jaunty, they are, and perhaps even Endangered! We will cover the history of the hornpipe instrument and it's role in dance music, as well as the type of tune called a "hornpipe". We'll learn to play several of these unique tunes and maybe even discover a lost hornpipe! DAD; Saturday 3:00
#19. The Shape of Things to Come- Judy House- 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 find all the D, G, A, Em, F#m chords, and more, using a simple pattern. We will also take a look at fingering techniques for smoother and faster playing of chords.DAD; Intermediate & Up Saturday 4:15
#20. Songs of the Carter Family- Elwood Donnelly- Discover the wonders of this early pioneering American country music group whose songs have bewitched music fans and players for decades. Using songs from Elwood's songbook, Such Singing You Will Hear, participants will use the noting stick, chords and finger-picking styles to build a repertoire of these glorious songs. DAD; Intermediate Sunday 9:00
#21. Learn to Play in EAA – Lori Keddell- Playing in EAA tuning is similar to playing in DAD, but with the melody pitched 3 notes lower (great for those who can’t sing the high notes in DAD!), and the harmony notes in the chords turned “upside down”. You’ll enjoy this versatile way of playing new tunes as well as ones you already know in DAD tuning. Some of the songs to be taught may include The Foggy Dew in Bm, Gypsy Love Song (in the key of A), and Die Gedanken Sind Frei (also in A), and others. Come tuned to EAA, or come a bit early if you need help retuning. After Novice/Intermediate Sunday 10:15
#16. Chords: Three Majors with a Minor Substitution (Aka: Old Songs Newly Arranged) Rob Brereton- You’ve used the major chords called I, IV, V (D, G, A), now let’s learn the minor chords in DAD. Then we’ll discover how and why we can sometimes replace an ordinary sounding major chord with an elegant minor chord. Finally, let’s play some tunes in a “traditional” way and then substitute some chords for an entirely lush, new sound! DAD; Advanced Intermediate Saturday 9:45
#17. Percussion for Fun and Enhancement
Using bones, limberjacks, spoons and feet, Elwood Donnelly leads this popular workshop where rhythms rule. Participants learn to incorporate percussion into their solo or band performances. Some instruments supplied, but feel free to bring your own. Non-dulcimer- All Levels Saturday 11:00
#18. Hornpipes! What They Are and How to Play Them- Sandy Lafleur- Oh so jaunty, they are, and perhaps even Endangered! We will cover the history of the hornpipe instrument and it's role in dance music, as well as the type of tune called a "hornpipe". We'll learn to play several of these unique tunes and maybe even discover a lost hornpipe! DAD; Saturday 3:00
#19. The Shape of Things to Come- Judy House- 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 find all the D, G, A, Em, F#m chords, and more, using a simple pattern. We will also take a look at fingering techniques for smoother and faster playing of chords.DAD; Intermediate & Up Saturday 4:15
#20. Songs of the Carter Family- Elwood Donnelly- Discover the wonders of this early pioneering American country music group whose songs have bewitched music fans and players for decades. Using songs from Elwood's songbook, Such Singing You Will Hear, participants will use the noting stick, chords and finger-picking styles to build a repertoire of these glorious songs. DAD; Intermediate Sunday 9:00
#21. Learn to Play in EAA – Lori Keddell- Playing in EAA tuning is similar to playing in DAD, but with the melody pitched 3 notes lower (great for those who can’t sing the high notes in DAD!), and the harmony notes in the chords turned “upside down”. You’ll enjoy this versatile way of playing new tunes as well as ones you already know in DAD tuning. Some of the songs to be taught may include The Foggy Dew in Bm, Gypsy Love Song (in the key of A), and Die Gedanken Sind Frei (also in A), and others. Come tuned to EAA, or come a bit early if you need help retuning. After Novice/Intermediate Sunday 10:15
Advanced Classes
#22. Fancy Extras in Fingerpicking: Suspensions and Anticipations-Rob Brereton- Learn how to transition from one melodic note to another using anticipations and suspensions with hammer-ons and pull-offs. The effect is like the melody lagging a bit behind or a bit ahead of the chord change often mimicking how singers gracefully slide into notes. We will be applying this to the song “Hard Times” and is arranged for 4 equidistant strings in DAdd, but can easily be adapted for three strings. A beautiful effect that can be applied to any song. Advanced Friday 3:30
#23. Religious Songs-Aubrey Atwater- Drawing from a variety of sources in American folk music, Aubrey will present two Shaker Hymns, a minstrel-era song called “Angel Gabriel,” the exquisite “Resignation,” and the well-known “Angel Band.” You’ll need a capo for one of the songs! DAD; Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 9:45
#24. Improv and Accompaniments through Chord Shapes-Rob Brereton- Think and play like a pro! This is a step by step approach to improvising accompaniments and solos through chord shapes. We will learn the “chord shape cycle” (inversions) to develop your fretboard navigation skills. Then, discover the tips and tricks for transitioning from one chord to the next forming tasteful accompaniments and improvisations. Start simple and expand at your own pace. DAD; Advanced Saturday 11:00
#25. Buzz Word? Multi-Parts! Level 4 Playing in a group where there are several different parts can be nerve-racking, yet fun, because the music becomes full and beautiful! You will learn how to fit into a multi-part ensemble and what skills you need in order to be successful. We will work on a song that has several parts. Bring your standard, baritone, bowed and/or bass dulcimers to this class! DAD; Intermediate and up Saturday 3:00
#26. “Plating the Tune”- Sandy Lafleur- Think of your music as food served in a fine restaurant; presentation is key! How to craft an exquisite menu of tunes, each one something special and worthy of a Michelin rating! We'll cover intros and endings, dynamics, medleys, and adding expression to our playing; all things that exist outside and beyond the printed tune books we all own so many of! DAD;
Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 4:15
#27. Reverse Tunings! Aubrey Atwater- What is a reverse dulcimer tuning and why use one? Come find out! Aubrey will present songs in Reverse Ionian, Aeolian, Mixolydian, and Dorian. You’ll be surprised at how interesting, great-sounding, and easy it is! Start out in DAD; Intermediate/ Advanced Sunday 9:00
#28. Appalachian Crankies- Ellen Pratt- Crankies were the precursor to modern day moving pictures.You will learn the history of these hand-cranked storytelling devices and you will also try your hand at creating a mini crankie that moves! Lyrics from a selection of ballads and all the materials you’ll need to make your mini crankie will be provided. This is a non-instrument class, so no dulcimer is needed. Sunday 10:15
#23. Religious Songs-Aubrey Atwater- Drawing from a variety of sources in American folk music, Aubrey will present two Shaker Hymns, a minstrel-era song called “Angel Gabriel,” the exquisite “Resignation,” and the well-known “Angel Band.” You’ll need a capo for one of the songs! DAD; Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 9:45
#24. Improv and Accompaniments through Chord Shapes-Rob Brereton- Think and play like a pro! This is a step by step approach to improvising accompaniments and solos through chord shapes. We will learn the “chord shape cycle” (inversions) to develop your fretboard navigation skills. Then, discover the tips and tricks for transitioning from one chord to the next forming tasteful accompaniments and improvisations. Start simple and expand at your own pace. DAD; Advanced Saturday 11:00
#25. Buzz Word? Multi-Parts! Level 4 Playing in a group where there are several different parts can be nerve-racking, yet fun, because the music becomes full and beautiful! You will learn how to fit into a multi-part ensemble and what skills you need in order to be successful. We will work on a song that has several parts. Bring your standard, baritone, bowed and/or bass dulcimers to this class! DAD; Intermediate and up Saturday 3:00
#26. “Plating the Tune”- Sandy Lafleur- Think of your music as food served in a fine restaurant; presentation is key! How to craft an exquisite menu of tunes, each one something special and worthy of a Michelin rating! We'll cover intros and endings, dynamics, medleys, and adding expression to our playing; all things that exist outside and beyond the printed tune books we all own so many of! DAD;
Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 4:15
#27. Reverse Tunings! Aubrey Atwater- What is a reverse dulcimer tuning and why use one? Come find out! Aubrey will present songs in Reverse Ionian, Aeolian, Mixolydian, and Dorian. You’ll be surprised at how interesting, great-sounding, and easy it is! Start out in DAD; Intermediate/ Advanced Sunday 9:00
#28. Appalachian Crankies- Ellen Pratt- Crankies were the precursor to modern day moving pictures.You will learn the history of these hand-cranked storytelling devices and you will also try your hand at creating a mini crankie that moves! Lyrics from a selection of ballads and all the materials you’ll need to make your mini crankie will be provided. This is a non-instrument class, so no dulcimer is needed. Sunday 10:15
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