Dulcimer Workshop Offerings:
Looking for a specific workshop for your festival or music gathering that you don't see listed here? I can create and develop workshops on just about any topic....Just ask! Similarly, if you like the topic of an advanced workshop, but need to fill a novice or intermediate time slot, requests for those adjustments can usually be honored.
DNA* Dulcimer Ditties -- Beg / Nov / Int / Adv (DAD tuning / capo)
(*songs so familiar they're practically etched on your DNA)
This unique workshop can be customized to suit your time frame and the abilities of your festival participants. Choose from the options below, or contact me to discuss any options you might prefer.
1-hour sessions:
Part 1 - Basic Beginner to Nicely Novice
Part 2 - Imminently Intermediate to Almost Advanced
Part 3 - Adventurously Advanced
Full day -- Beg -> Adv
3-day to full-week sessions, 1 hour each day -- Beg -> Adv
Drawing from Carol's popular DNA* Trilogy which uses familiar tunes that everyone knows, you'll be guided sequentially through an overview of dulcimer skills that will help you develop confidence in your playing. Starting at the beginning of the series, you'll move from playing basic chords and melodies produced by simple strums, to fancier chords and more complex melodies, enhanced by rhythmic strumming techniques. As you progress through the series, you'll learn more about hammer-ons, pull-offs, harmonics, alternate chord shapes and variations, anchoring and sliding, using a capo, fingerpicking techniques, two-handed tapping, right-handed fretting, string bending, AND all the while adding a great many new tunes to your repertoire. (All materials will be taken from DNA* Dulcimer Ditties, Books 1, 2, & 3.
(*songs so familiar they're practically etched on your DNA)
This unique workshop can be customized to suit your time frame and the abilities of your festival participants. Choose from the options below, or contact me to discuss any options you might prefer.
1-hour sessions:
Part 1 - Basic Beginner to Nicely Novice
Part 2 - Imminently Intermediate to Almost Advanced
Part 3 - Adventurously Advanced
Full day -- Beg -> Adv
3-day to full-week sessions, 1 hour each day -- Beg -> Adv
Drawing from Carol's popular DNA* Trilogy which uses familiar tunes that everyone knows, you'll be guided sequentially through an overview of dulcimer skills that will help you develop confidence in your playing. Starting at the beginning of the series, you'll move from playing basic chords and melodies produced by simple strums, to fancier chords and more complex melodies, enhanced by rhythmic strumming techniques. As you progress through the series, you'll learn more about hammer-ons, pull-offs, harmonics, alternate chord shapes and variations, anchoring and sliding, using a capo, fingerpicking techniques, two-handed tapping, right-handed fretting, string bending, AND all the while adding a great many new tunes to your repertoire. (All materials will be taken from DNA* Dulcimer Ditties, Books 1, 2, & 3.
Songs You Already Know - Beg / Nov (DAD tuning)
We'll take a journey back through those timeless "Americana" folk songs that you still remember from many years ago -- the songs that became a part of your musical DNA. In this workshop, by reading tabbed music and also playing by ear, you'll learn how to play many of those familiar favorites on your dulcimer.
We'll take a journey back through those timeless "Americana" folk songs that you still remember from many years ago -- the songs that became a part of your musical DNA. In this workshop, by reading tabbed music and also playing by ear, you'll learn how to play many of those familiar favorites on your dulcimer.
Tailless Tunes -- Traditional Manx Music ~~ Int / Adv (Various tunings / capo)
This tiny island, located in the Irish Sea, is an untapped source of beautiful music with Celtic influences. In this session, your journey will begin with repertoire selections, including lively jigs and reels, and haunting ballads and lullabies. I’ll share my photographs of the original manuscripts of tunes collected by the Manx “songcatchers” during the 1890s, and of the places where these tunes originated. We'll follow the evolution of these melodies as they develop into modern day arrangements for mountain dulcimer. You’ll even learn a bit of Manx Gaelic in the process!
This tiny island, located in the Irish Sea, is an untapped source of beautiful music with Celtic influences. In this session, your journey will begin with repertoire selections, including lively jigs and reels, and haunting ballads and lullabies. I’ll share my photographs of the original manuscripts of tunes collected by the Manx “songcatchers” during the 1890s, and of the places where these tunes originated. We'll follow the evolution of these melodies as they develop into modern day arrangements for mountain dulcimer. You’ll even learn a bit of Manx Gaelic in the process!
Professor Walker's Warmups ~~ Novice / Int (DAD tuning)
Warmups can do wonderful things to improve your playing, regardless of your level of experience. But if you've ever wondered what kind of warmups will give you the best result in the least amount of time, this is the workshop for you.
Warmups can do wonderful things to improve your playing, regardless of your level of experience. But if you've ever wondered what kind of warmups will give you the best result in the least amount of time, this is the workshop for you.
Practice with Purpose ~~ Novice & up (DAD tuning)
Until someone invents a magic pill that will automatically allow you to play every piece perfectly, you will need to do the work yourself! I’ll share my 65+ years of practicing various instruments as we explore tried and true methods that you can apply to any song you want to learn. In the process, you’ll develop skills that can be applied to many other songs, you’ll build your repertoire, and you’ll be more confident when you perform for others.
Until someone invents a magic pill that will automatically allow you to play every piece perfectly, you will need to do the work yourself! I’ll share my 65+ years of practicing various instruments as we explore tried and true methods that you can apply to any song you want to learn. In the process, you’ll develop skills that can be applied to many other songs, you’ll build your repertoire, and you’ll be more confident when you perform for others.
Chord/Melody Playing ~~ Advanced (DAD tuning / capo)
Overcome the challenges of playing both the melody and accompaniment on a 3-string, diatonically-fretted dulcimer! We’ll explore some unusual chord shapes, arduous chord progressions, capo placement, and string bending! (We’ll also experiment with the use of “extra” frets -- the 0½ and 1½. You do not need to have these extra frets for this workshop.)
Overcome the challenges of playing both the melody and accompaniment on a 3-string, diatonically-fretted dulcimer! We’ll explore some unusual chord shapes, arduous chord progressions, capo placement, and string bending! (We’ll also experiment with the use of “extra” frets -- the 0½ and 1½. You do not need to have these extra frets for this workshop.)
Discovery Dulcimer 101 / 102 / 103 / 104 -- Beg / Beg-Plus (DAD tuning)
Each session (as detailed below) will build sequentially and will include all the basic elements, such as how to hold the instrument, how to tune it, basic chords, strumming techniques, how to read tablature, etc. You'll go home with a pile of music to help you start your very own library of favorite tunes.
Each session (as detailed below) will build sequentially and will include all the basic elements, such as how to hold the instrument, how to tune it, basic chords, strumming techniques, how to read tablature, etc. You'll go home with a pile of music to help you start your very own library of favorite tunes.
Discovery 101
Let's Get Started! (or, String Side UP) Even if you've never played a dulcimer before, you'll be playing a tune after just five -- yes, that's 5! -- minutes of instruction. We'll start with all the basic elements (comfortable playing position, tuning the instrument, playing simple chords, reading tablature, and simple strumming techniques) to get you off to a flying start! |
Discovery 102
Getting Your Hands and Brain in Sync! Picking up where we left off in the previous session, the focus of this session will be to help you get more comfortable with all these new concepts. Soon you'll be confidently coordinating left and right hand techniques and starting to build your repertoire. |
Discovery 103
The WOW Factor! Continuing to work sequentially from the previous two sessions, we'll add those special touches that will have you sounding like you've played dulcimer for way longer than just one day! We'll learn new chords and other left-hand techniques, along with some new right-hand styles. |
Discovery 104
Put It All Together! In this final session, we'll create our very own Dulcimer Orchestra! You'll be surprised at how much fun it is to play in an ensemble. You'll also be surprised at how much YOU can personally contribute to this group after your day of immersion in the Wonderful World of Dulcimers. You're gonna like the way you sound! |
*All materials for these four workshops will be taken from Carol's book, DNA Dulcimer Ditties, Book 1. If you already own this book, please bring it with you to the workshops. If not, you can purchase it at the Festival or from Carol's website -- www.musicladycarol.com (Or -- Handouts will be provided for those who do not wish to own the book.)
Easy-Peasy Chords! -- Beg-Plus / Nov (DAD tuning)
Using the time-honored "Power Chord" system, you'll learn how to play any chord you'll ever need in several different keys. Your new "BFCs" (Best Friend Chords) will open all kinds of doors for you, giving you confidence and flexibility in any setting.
Using the time-honored "Power Chord" system, you'll learn how to play any chord you'll ever need in several different keys. Your new "BFCs" (Best Friend Chords) will open all kinds of doors for you, giving you confidence and flexibility in any setting.
Sweeten Your Jam! -- Beg / Beg-Plus / Nov (DAD tuning)
Yes, YOU, regardless of your level of experience, can contribute something to a jam session!! We'll explore all kinds of ways that will give you the confidence to sit in on any jam session and come away feeling like you've made a difference. We'll also include a bit of "jam etiquette," for extra sweetness!
Yes, YOU, regardless of your level of experience, can contribute something to a jam session!! We'll explore all kinds of ways that will give you the confidence to sit in on any jam session and come away feeling like you've made a difference. We'll also include a bit of "jam etiquette," for extra sweetness!
Baby Steps to Fingerpicking -- Beg-Plus / Nov (DAD tuning)
As a new player back in the early days of my dulcimer exploration, I started looking for other ways to play the instrument beyond the strumming methods I'd been learning. The answer was to put down the pick and start using my fingers. We'll practice several different methods of fingerpicking, and apply these techniques to songs you already know.
As a new player back in the early days of my dulcimer exploration, I started looking for other ways to play the instrument beyond the strumming methods I'd been learning. The answer was to put down the pick and start using my fingers. We'll practice several different methods of fingerpicking, and apply these techniques to songs you already know.
All About Chords! -- Beg-Plus / Nov (DAD tuning)
During this session you'll learn all about how to play chords (including various positions for the basic chords, along with techniques for making smooth transitions among them, AND you'll learn how to use these chords to play by ear. We'll also play through the tab for quite a few familiar tunes, adding these to your repertoire in the process! (Many songs will be taken from Carol's DNA* Dulcimer Ditties series.)
During this session you'll learn all about how to play chords (including various positions for the basic chords, along with techniques for making smooth transitions among them, AND you'll learn how to use these chords to play by ear. We'll also play through the tab for quite a few familiar tunes, adding these to your repertoire in the process! (Many songs will be taken from Carol's DNA* Dulcimer Ditties series.)
Adding New Dimensions -- Int / Adv (DAD tuning / Capo)
Wow! I Never Knew a Dulcimer Could Sound Like That!
You've been playing your dulcimer for awhile, but are now looking for a fresh, new approach that will bring your playing to a new level. With your right hand you'll learn various ways to fingerpick and brush, coaxing out the melody against a supportive harmonic background. With your left hand you'll master the subtleties of smooth fretting techniques, including vibrato, anchors and slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and adding unique chord shapes and colors. Your packet of music will include an extensive and varied collection of familiar favorites treated in a completely different way, along with new, unfamiliar tunes that will challenge you, and add a new dimension to your repertoire. The result will be exquisitely beautiful playing, stylistically reminiscent of the best classical and jazz finger-style guitarists; you'll create a mood that will have your audience exclaiming, "I never knew a dulcimer could sound like that!"
Wow! I Never Knew a Dulcimer Could Sound Like That!
You've been playing your dulcimer for awhile, but are now looking for a fresh, new approach that will bring your playing to a new level. With your right hand you'll learn various ways to fingerpick and brush, coaxing out the melody against a supportive harmonic background. With your left hand you'll master the subtleties of smooth fretting techniques, including vibrato, anchors and slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and adding unique chord shapes and colors. Your packet of music will include an extensive and varied collection of familiar favorites treated in a completely different way, along with new, unfamiliar tunes that will challenge you, and add a new dimension to your repertoire. The result will be exquisitely beautiful playing, stylistically reminiscent of the best classical and jazz finger-style guitarists; you'll create a mood that will have your audience exclaiming, "I never knew a dulcimer could sound like that!"
The Music-Makers' Guide to the Dulcimer -- Beg / Beg-Plus (DAD tuning)
If you already know how to play other instruments, such as guitar, violin, or piano, and if you already have some musical background, BUT you know nothing about how to play the dulcimer, this class is for you. We'll "fast-track" you through the basics and start making music right away.
If you already know how to play other instruments, such as guitar, violin, or piano, and if you already have some musical background, BUT you know nothing about how to play the dulcimer, this class is for you. We'll "fast-track" you through the basics and start making music right away.
Zen and the Art of Reading & Writing Tablature -- Novice (DAD tuning)
There's nothing universal when it comes to writing dulcimer tab -- you will encounter many different styles of tab, depending on the software (or handwriting!) that was used to produce it. This session will demystify all those variations, and help you pick out what's important when you start to play. We'll also experiment with the basics of how to write out your OWN tab.
There's nothing universal when it comes to writing dulcimer tab -- you will encounter many different styles of tab, depending on the software (or handwriting!) that was used to produce it. This session will demystify all those variations, and help you pick out what's important when you start to play. We'll also experiment with the basics of how to write out your OWN tab.
Dulcimer Player's Guide to Guitar Chords -- Int and up (DAD tuning / Capo)
"Translating" piano or guitar sheet music to dulcimer!
How the heck do you play an E-flat major-7th chord or a B-flat 7th with a flat-5th and flat-9th chord on the
dulcimer? You can't. But, in this "hands-on" session, working from lead sheets and chord charts in various
keys, you'll learn how to simplify guitar chords, AND how to transpose them into dulcimer-friendly keys.
No knowledge of music theory required! Promise!! (All music selected will be in the public domain.)
"Translating" piano or guitar sheet music to dulcimer!
How the heck do you play an E-flat major-7th chord or a B-flat 7th with a flat-5th and flat-9th chord on the
dulcimer? You can't. But, in this "hands-on" session, working from lead sheets and chord charts in various
keys, you'll learn how to simplify guitar chords, AND how to transpose them into dulcimer-friendly keys.
No knowledge of music theory required! Promise!! (All music selected will be in the public domain.)
Winging it! - Give your songs flight with improvisation -- Int / Adv (DAD tuning)
Most dulcimer players get "stuck" reading the same old tab and playing the same old thing over and over again. This workshop will free you from the tab and lift you out of your comfort zone. Soon you'll be soaring into the world of going solo as you play it "your way."
Most dulcimer players get "stuck" reading the same old tab and playing the same old thing over and over again. This workshop will free you from the tab and lift you out of your comfort zone. Soon you'll be soaring into the world of going solo as you play it "your way."
Making a Song Your Own -- Int / Adv (DAD tuning)
We'll start from scratch and build the basic tune, gradually adding layers of primary and secondary chords and other harmonic structures; next, we'll try different right-hand strums and pickings, we'll move the melody to other strings or higher frets, and add countermelodies and fillers; and finally, we'll polish it up with turnarounds and codas, and perhaps a key change midway, resulting in a bona fide professional arrangement suitable for performance and publication.
We'll start from scratch and build the basic tune, gradually adding layers of primary and secondary chords and other harmonic structures; next, we'll try different right-hand strums and pickings, we'll move the melody to other strings or higher frets, and add countermelodies and fillers; and finally, we'll polish it up with turnarounds and codas, and perhaps a key change midway, resulting in a bona fide professional arrangement suitable for performance and publication.
Classical Music for Wascally Wabbits -- Int / Adv (DAD & other tunings / Capo) You'll be surprised by how many classical melodies you already know, thanks to Bugs Bunny cartoons, commercials, and TV and movie soundtracks. Featuring materials from Carol's newest book, you'll enjoy working on some solo and ensemble repertoire transcribed directly from the original symphonic scores.
I've Got Rhythm -- and So Will You!! -- Novice & up (DAD tuning)
You've just found a new piece of music that is nicely tabbed out, but you have no idea how it sounds, and there's no one around who can play it for you. Now what??!! We'll learn how to figure out the most difficult aspect of this dilemma: how to read and play the rhythms accurately.
You've just found a new piece of music that is nicely tabbed out, but you have no idea how it sounds, and there's no one around who can play it for you. Now what??!! We'll learn how to figure out the most difficult aspect of this dilemma: how to read and play the rhythms accurately.
Favorite Hymns for the Mountain Dulcimer -- Nov / Adv (DAD tuning / Capo)
This is a repertoire-building workshop that will include several hymns, with each arranged on two levels -- "Easy" and "Fancy." Each hymn can be played as a duet and/or a stand-alone solo. These arrangements are designed so that every member of your dulcimer group can play together.
This is a repertoire-building workshop that will include several hymns, with each arranged on two levels -- "Easy" and "Fancy." Each hymn can be played as a duet and/or a stand-alone solo. These arrangements are designed so that every member of your dulcimer group can play together.
Duets and Canons and Rounds, Oh My! -- Nov / Int (DAD tuning)
In this workshop we'll actually create a Dulcimer Orchestra in which you'll learn surprising new ways to play those old familiar rounds, along with other arrangements of your favorite tunes. Ensemble playing increases confidence and allows all players to contribute something to the total sound, regardless of level of experience. And it's just plain fun!!
In this workshop we'll actually create a Dulcimer Orchestra in which you'll learn surprising new ways to play those old familiar rounds, along with other arrangements of your favorite tunes. Ensemble playing increases confidence and allows all players to contribute something to the total sound, regardless of level of experience. And it's just plain fun!!
Dulcimer - a la Mode -- Int / Adv (DAD tuning / Capo)
Seven Modes for Seven Songs
Perhaps you've heard these terms tossed around by other dulcimer players: Mixolydian, Ionian, Dorian, and others. And you've nodded your head to whoever spoke these terms so you won't give away the fact that you have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. We'll play seven songs, each one in a different mode -- you'll discover the distinct "flavor" of each mode, and gain an understanding of how the use of a particular mode can bring a unique sound to a song. Exploring modes on the diatonically-fretted dulcimer helps you figure it all out very easily.
Seven Modes for Seven Songs
Perhaps you've heard these terms tossed around by other dulcimer players: Mixolydian, Ionian, Dorian, and others. And you've nodded your head to whoever spoke these terms so you won't give away the fact that you have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. We'll play seven songs, each one in a different mode -- you'll discover the distinct "flavor" of each mode, and gain an understanding of how the use of a particular mode can bring a unique sound to a song. Exploring modes on the diatonically-fretted dulcimer helps you figure it all out very easily.
Singing with the Mountain Dulcimer
-- Nov / Int (DAD tuning)
In this workshop you'll learn the basic elements of presenting a song from scratch. We'll experiment with finding the right chords and strumming styles, adding variety and interest with introductions and interludes, along with tips for improved vocal and performance techniques.
In this workshop you'll learn the basic elements of presenting a song from scratch. We'll experiment with finding the right chords and strumming styles, adding variety and interest with introductions and interludes, along with tips for improved vocal and performance techniques.
Playing by Ear -- Nov / Int (DAD tuning)
Sometimes you hear a melody at a jam session or club meeting that you really like, but no one has tabbed it out. Good grief! This workshop, taught by a recovering tabaholic, will give you lots of ways you can learn the tune on the spot, and still remember it when you get home. No TAB allowed!
Sometimes you hear a melody at a jam session or club meeting that you really like, but no one has tabbed it out. Good grief! This workshop, taught by a recovering tabaholic, will give you lots of ways you can learn the tune on the spot, and still remember it when you get home. No TAB allowed!
Variations on the Tune -- Int / Adv (DAD tuning)
Are you tired of playing the same old tune the same old way? In this workshop we'll get creative, adding a countermelody and passing tones, using different chords or positions, and using the entire fretboard. We'll take our tab from the basic bare bones to a fancy version suitable for performance.
Are you tired of playing the same old tune the same old way? In this workshop we'll get creative, adding a countermelody and passing tones, using different chords or positions, and using the entire fretboard. We'll take our tab from the basic bare bones to a fancy version suitable for performance.
The Lost Chord Is Found! Or, Which Chord Goes Where -- Int / Adv (DAD tuning)
In this workshop we'll arrange both new and familiar tunes, making choices as we go about which chords will sound best with your melody line, and why. A small dose of painless music theory will also be injected to aid in understanding the process.
In this workshop we'll arrange both new and familiar tunes, making choices as we go about which chords will sound best with your melody line, and why. A small dose of painless music theory will also be injected to aid in understanding the process.
Capo Capers and Alternate Tunings -- Int/Adv -- (DGD, DAC, AAD, GGD, BAD, and others)
If you're stuck in the DAD rut, this class will freshen up your repertoire with a rich variety of tunes that will add colorful diversity to your playing. We'll also briefly explore the "How To" aspect of figuring out which tuning or capo position will work best for a song you're arranging.
If you're stuck in the DAD rut, this class will freshen up your repertoire with a rich variety of tunes that will add colorful diversity to your playing. We'll also briefly explore the "How To" aspect of figuring out which tuning or capo position will work best for a song you're arranging.
Slow Jam -- All Levels -- All instruments
Gentle guidance will be offered to ensure that each group of instruments gets a turn, and that everyone can play something, either melody or chords. Every jam tune can potentially become a mini-concert!
Gentle guidance will be offered to ensure that each group of instruments gets a turn, and that everyone can play something, either melody or chords. Every jam tune can potentially become a mini-concert!
Holiday Tunes -- Int and up (DAD tuning / capo)
Get a head start on your holiday music! Be ready for the singalongs at your family get-togethers! In this repertoire class we'll explore a sampling of traditional Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, and Passover tunes to work on NOW!
Get a head start on your holiday music! Be ready for the singalongs at your family get-togethers! In this repertoire class we'll explore a sampling of traditional Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, and Passover tunes to work on NOW!
Carol's "Chamber of Wonders" -- Int and up
Bring a 2-3 minute tune or piece that you play, or that you’ve been working on. Let Carol say, “I wonder what would happen if …” See how much you can gain from a master teacher’s one-on-one feedback. Similar to a “master class,” everybody in the room learns from everybody’s pieces. If you want to do a piece in this class, sign up for a slot when you sign up for the workshop selection process. Though the number of slots is limited, there is no limit on the number of people who can attend this workshop, and no limit to what you could learn from being there.
Bring a 2-3 minute tune or piece that you play, or that you’ve been working on. Let Carol say, “I wonder what would happen if …” See how much you can gain from a master teacher’s one-on-one feedback. Similar to a “master class,” everybody in the room learns from everybody’s pieces. If you want to do a piece in this class, sign up for a slot when you sign up for the workshop selection process. Though the number of slots is limited, there is no limit on the number of people who can attend this workshop, and no limit to what you could learn from being there.
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