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Kara Barnard, the 2022 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion, has entertained audiences from coast to coast and internationally. She has released seven recordings, played countless studio sessions, appeared on national television programs, and been featured in publications including Guitar Player and Dulcimer Player News.
Kara teaches guitar, mandolin, banjo, and dulcimer, maintaining a teaching roster of 48 private, in-person students each week in addition to group lessons at a local YMCA. Her students Allison O'Shea and Sarah Miner placed second and third in the 2024 National Mountain Dulcimer Contest. At the 2024 and 2025 Ozark Dulcimer Jamboree, Kara’s students won the ensemble title, with three students placing in the top five, including the solo title both years (Melinda McMillan in 2024 and Allison O'Shea in 2025). She has written several instructional books that utilize online videos featuring her beagle, Dobie Jo. Kara and Dobie Jo gently and humorously guide students step by step as they overcome obstacles and reach new goals. Kara Barnard also developed the Silver Strings program, which teaches residents of assisted living facilities how to play the mountain dulcimer. The program includes a curriculum Kara created specifically for a demographic often challenged by memory loss, hearing and vision loss, arthritis, and paralysis due to strokes. Currently serving campuses in Indiana, Kentucky, and Kansas, the Silver Strings program has placed more than 230 dulcimers in the hands of assisted living residents. In 2010, Kara created the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Contest, bringing contestants from around the world to compete each July in Nashville, Indiana. Many of those contestants have gone on to compete in the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship held during the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas each September. A multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Kara loves making new friends at festivals and events. She is currently touring, performing, and teaching at festivals across the country. |