Workshops
Below is a sample of some of the workshops I teach, these are just a sample as I customize each workshop to the particular club or event. I can also create workshops for specific events. Fees are egotiable.
If You Like One Tune, You'll Like 'em Both. Intermediate and up
Learn to recognize recurring patterns in old-time tunes and use them to help you quickly learn new tunes.
Almost Crooked Tunes. Novice to Intermediate
Crooked tunes are a fun part of old-time music, but can be tricky to play
(that's part of what makes 'em fun) This tune isn't really crooked, but ain't
quite "square" either.
The Cumberland Gap: novice/intermediate
Trickier than you think! Hammer-ons, pull-offs, bar chords, and chord
substitutions make this old tune harder than it looks and cooler than it sounds.
But it's a great introduction to all these concepts, and a fun tune to boot.
Thinking "inside" the Box - intermediate and up
Using cross-string picking and three finger "boxes" to tame tricky tunes without simplifying melodies or removing notes. Improve speed and dexterity without actually playing faster.
Get right with Rhythm: Beginner
The secret to great playing is great rhythm. Period. Learn how to get a solid rhythms and consistent tempos in fun an interesting ways.
A tunes: novice/intermediate
Éor how to make friends with the fiddler. Fiddle players love to play in A learn some good ones with this workshop. You'll need a capo.
The Keys to the Kingdom - beginner/ intermediate
if you've learned "boil dem cabbage", and we pretty much all have, then you have the building blocks you need to understand basic theory, to find the chord changes in most songs, and stay involved in jams, even if you don't know the tune. Tunes: boil dem cabbage, oh suzanna, soldier's joy.
The Right Stuff - beginner/ intermediate or all levels
Unless you're a southpaw, you'll be using your left hand for drinking coffee in this workshop. We'll be concentrating on the right-hand fundamentals, rhythm, strumming, accented rhythms, and dynamics.
Thinking outside the Hourglass - Intermediate/advanced
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.
Show Off! advanced
Learn to make unusual, offbeat and fun sound on the dulcimer. In short stuff that sounds cool! Learn string bending, natural and artificial harmonics, Two-hand tapping, slapping, hammer-ons, pull-offs and using the dulcimer as a drum.
Arranging for Clubs - All Levels Encouraged
Chances are not everyone in your club is at the same playing level. Using well-known tunes we'll learn how to create parts that are interesting and fun for everybody, no matter what their skill level. You do not have to be from the same club to take this class.
