On this page you can see, as they send ’em in, the workshops folks are bringing to us. Remember that the Intermediate/Advanced workshops are split into “Dots” (those prefer or are happy working from notation) and “Solids” (those who prefer learning by ear or are happy doing so.)

I’ve got a schedule in the works, as I await final workshop Titles/Descriptions. As usual, the schedule will be marked by version, as you guys send me copious notes and corrections! … v1.0, v1.1, etc :)

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Colin’s Workshops

Novice/Int – Mobility and Rhythm

This class focuses on the fundamentals of dulcimer playing (things like posture, holding the hammer, striking the instrument, moving around) as well as rhythm, using several exercises and tune(s) to implement it all

Int/Adv Dots (Single session) – Hand Independence

Learn to play harmony in one hand and melody in the other. We’ll break things down, create exercises, and utilize the technique in some tunes

Int/Adv Dots (Single session) – Chromaticism and Advanced Harmony – Unlock the potential of your dulcimer by learning to use its chromatic notes. We’ll learn how to find and hit those notes accurately and how to use them to create interesting, lush harmony

Int/Adv Solids(Double session) – IImprovisation

This “ground up” class will get you started on the basics of improvisation. I’ll give you the tools and foundation needed to navigate chord changes and craft great sounding solos

Jody’s Workshops

Novice/Int: Let There Be Lilt!

Using 6/8 time as our rhythmic compass, we’ll learn a medley of two Irish jigs— “The Humours of Glendart” and “Saddle the Pony”—and explore ways to bring out their characteristic lilt. Along the way we’ll focus on hammering technique and rhythmic embellishments. (We’ll focus on learning by ear, but music will be provided.) 

Int/Adv Solids: Play Basic Back-up with Minimal Movement

If you’re in a jam session but don’t know the tune, you can still participate if you know some basics about backup. But what if the tune is speeding along, leaving little time to get from one chord to another? Not to worry! By learning how to change chords with just a small movement of either hand, you can play along with even the zippiest jig or reel! 

Int/Adv Solids: Making it Musical
How do you mold a melody into something that’s more than just the sum of its notes? In this workshop we’ll explore ways to create arrangements that maximize musicality. We’ll delve into dynamics, melodic and harmonic variation, fill, and more, and while we’re at it we’ll turn our attention to playing with expression.

Int/Adv Dots (2 sessions)—Music for Healing and Comfort: The Dulcimer’s “Super Power”

Becoming a certified music practitioner has really opened my eyes to the dulcimer’s special ability to provide comfort and solace to those in need. We’ll work through some arrangements designed to optimize this dulcimer “super power,” and explore ways you can make use of it in your own arrangements. 

Simon’s Workshops

Int/Adv – Solids:  Get Polskanized

We’ll learn Chefen, one of my favorite tunes from the great Roger Tallroth (formerly of Väsen).  Explore Polska rhythms and backup techniques, counterlines and more.  We’ll get in the 12/8 groove, sing counterlines, and get inspired by the possibilities.  Discover the world of amazing tunes in the land of the Polska! 

Nov/Int: Rhythm, Melody, musicianship practice

We’ll use a simple tune as a vehicle to explore ways to practice rhythm, melody and harmony.  We’ll sing, play with a metronome, play the dulcimer, and discover how practicing the most basic musical skills can eventually open any musical door you might want to go through.

Side Sessions — Harmony Singing

Old songs, new songs, kinda old songs, any good song. We’ll sing three part harmonies, and develop techniques for finding them on our own.  Learn how to track the melody, and by doing so find parts above and below, tenor and baritone. Singing together is truly the best thing in the world, and why not get more comfy finding harmonies with your friends?

Jim’s Workshop

Nov/Int: How to Flourish with Your Dulcimer

This workshop will touch on the three main ways we can use our HD to its full potential.   My idea is to show how I split up the playing experience into melody only, chords only, and putting both together.  All three are equally important and worth studying no matter where you are in your Hammer Dulcimer journey.  We will also cover warm up techniques, tuning tips and tricks, and dive into the three basic ways to play and flourish at any level with your trapezoidal companion. 

Rick’s Workshop

Nov/Int: Rhythm!  

We’ll play rhythm exercises and develop ideas for building a repertoire of embellishments.  You’ll learn one or two simple tunes to play with these ideas, as time allows.

Carolyn’s Workshops

Nov/Int: Jigs and Slides 

In this workshop Carolyn will guide you though several fundamental practice and warm up exercises that will build your technique and allow for more fluidity in your playing. That will lead into learning two Irish tunes; one, a jig called Trippin’ Up the Stairs and another, a slide called No Luck About the House. You can learn at whatever level you’re comfortable with, adding more layers as you are able. We’ll learn mostly by ear and eye. Music will be provided for reference. We’ll then add some lively ornaments and embellishments like two note chords, flams, rolls and triplets.

Int/Adv Solids: Next Level Ornamentation and Arrangement

This workshop will utilize two great melodies: Archibald McDonald of Keppoch and The White Petticoat, both in E minor. We’ll use Archibald to look at making an arrangement uniquely yours by using a variety of ornaments, chords, arpeggios and parallel fifths. This necessitates really knowing your dulcimer and all of it’s chord shapes so that they are at the ready as you arrange. We will warm up by reviewing the chords that are in the tunes. Music provided for reference.