Special "Hidden" page for the Contributors to Tailless Tunes 2

First of all, thanks to each of you for your willingness to share your compositions with me.  These "new" tunes have certainly found a home amongst the traditional music you have so faithfully emulated.  Personally, I confess that your tunes have made the top of my list of favorites!
This is a special page I've set up just for you!  No one else can see it, so please don't share it.  The content is a PDF of the actual page of each of your songs, exactly as it appears in the book, and the corresponding MP3 taken from the CD which is included in every book.  

I wish I could send each of you your very own copy of the book, but I hope you'll understand that it simply isn't practical -- the postage for these heavy books (118 pages on high quality paper) is ridiculously expensive -- but at least you'll be able to see and hear how I've arranged your songs.

Currently, there are four copies of Tailless Tunes 2 on the IOM -- Breesha Maddrell, Chloë Wooley, and Charles Guard each have one, plus there is one on file in the National Library at the Manx Museum. 


I think it is a fair statement that most American dulcimer players are not comfortable with improvising, or adding their own personal touch to a melody -- they tend to play the song exactly as written, over and over, the same way each time.  As an experienced dulcimer arranger, I've learned that many (if not most) dulcimer players like to see every note written out in traditional dulcimer 3-line tablature, which they proceed to memorize, almost like a classical piano student would do with a Mozart sonata.  With that in mind, I sometimes take a tune and add quite a lot of embellishment, turning it into a piece that can be performed "as is" -- like a recital piece.  In most cases, however, I usually present the melody once or twice, with chords or other less extensive embellishments.  In this way, at least, they do have the melody, which is the most important element.

My own interest in Manx music began when I discovered Charles Guard's book, Manx Music for Irish Harp.  With Charles' blessing and encouragement, I transcribed many of the tunes in his book for my dulcimer students, and for presentation at festivals.  Everyone instantly loved the tunes I played, and the idea to write book began to take shape, especially as I had recently retired from my 32-year post as a high school choral music teacher.  The first Tailless Tunes enjoyed instant success following its release in 2010, and sales continue still, via my website or through festival appearances.  To date, my Manx books have found homes in approximately 45 of the 50 states, and in Canada, Australia, and of course, England.  Folks on this side of the Big Pond truly love this music, as do I!

How pleased I was to discover your tunes as I planned my second Manx book four years later -- and how grateful I am for your willingness to share them with us! 

Below is an alphabetical list of each composer, with both an MP3 and PDF of the song each one contributed.  Simply click on each title to hear or see whichever song you choose!
Most of you provided me with some biographical information and a photograph, which I included on a special page at the end of the book, entitled "The Contributors."  I know my readers are interested in learning more about the composers of these new tunes.  Click here to see your very own special page. 

I hope you'll take a few minutes to look around my website while you're here.... and thank you!
Gura mie ayd!!
© 2014 Carol Walker | The Music Lady, LLC | All Rights Reserved.