Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. 

You do not have to pre-register, but I would appreciate it if you will let me know if you are coming so that we can have copies ready. 

You can e-mail me or call me

at 901-877-7763. 

We will hold a free jam session from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.  All are welcome to join us for the jam, even if you do not attend workshops.

SCHEDULE:

REGISTRATION 8:30 a.m.

9:00 - 11:30 a.m. -- New Players workshops for both hammered and mountain dulcimer.  These classes are for those who have never played or who have played less than a year and need introductory techniques to playing.  You may borrow instruments for these workshops, but please let us know how many instruments will be needed.  The mountain dulcimer workshops will be taught by Lee Cagle, and the hammered dulcimer workshops will be taught by Betty Dawson.

Mountain Dulcimer -- This workshop will focus on the basic techniques involved in playing the mountain dulcimer, including, tuning the instrument, strumming patterns and reading tablature.  No previous musical experience is necessary.

Hammered Dulcimer -- This beginner class will focus on a general orientation to this fascinating instrument, and the basic techniques in caring for the instrument, including tuning, hammering, basic orientation to the soundboard, and reading tablature. No previous musical experience is necessary.

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. LUNCH

1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

Mountain Dulcimer -- NOVICE/INTERMEDIATE -- Beyond the Bum-Ditty - This class is for players who know how to play but who are struggling with adding some personality to their playing through a more effective use of strumming. Using familiar tunes, we will look at techniques to help the student understand the use of strumming and how to advance their strumming to make their playing more exciting and enjoyable.  This class is appropriate for those who attend the morning session, as well as for the intermediate player who needs to develop a more relaxed and natural strumming pattern.

Hammered Dulcimer -- CELTIC TUNES -- INTERMEDIATE -- We will learn the difference between various types of Celtic dance music--hornpipes, jigs, reels, polkas, and will learn to play at least one of each type, choosing from Temperance Reel, Black Nag, Off to California, Deep Forest Reel, Swallowtail Jig, St. Anne's Reel, Irish Washerwoman, Kesh Jig, Rakes of Mallow, based on the student's interest.

2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Mountain Dulcimer -- INTERMEDIATE -- We will use this class to learn one tune, Skye Boat Song.  We will play the tune in the DAD tuning, but in the key of G.  As part of this class we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional mountain dulcimer fretboard and the use of a 1+ fret to form a C chord.  It is not necessary to have a 1+ fret to fully participate in this class.

Hammered Dulcimer -- PLAYING BACKGROUND WITH JAM TUNES -- INTERMEDIATE -- We will practice background techniques for playing with popular jam tunes, utilizing intervals, chords and arpeggios in several keys.

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. JAM!