2025 Workshops
2025 New England Dulcimer Days Workshop Descriptions:
Beginner Classes
1. String Side Up- Carolyn Brodginski
Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument? The mountain dulcimer is the one for you. This original American folk instrument is beautiful looking, sounding, and so easy to play. After a brief dulcimer history and “anatomy” lesson, you’ll learn how to change a string, how to tune it, and what hand does what. You’ll even learn simple tune that you can impress friends and family with when you get home. Come tuned to DAD (but if you can't, Carolyn will get you there!) Beginner Fri 2:00
2. Let’s Get Started I- Bonnie Leigh
Bonnie will teach you the basics of how to get started: how to hold your pick, how to hold your dulcimer, and get the sweet sound out of it while learning some new songs. Come tuned to DAD (or Bonnie will help you get there). Beginner Fri. 3:15
3. Let’s Get Started II- Sandy Lafleur
The left hand plays a huge role in whether your playing sounds smooth or choppy. We’ll work on techniques to improve your left hand technique including timing and hand position and then apply these skills to some fun and easy tunes. Come tuned to DAD. Beginner Sat. 9:30
4. Strumming Through Strumming- Bonnie Leigh
Learn how strumming adds a new dimension to your songs. We will go over several different strumming patterns, figure out how to fit the patterns into songs and hear tips on how to make your strumming smooth, all while learning some new songs! Come tuned to DAD. Beginner/Novice Sat 10:45
5. Beginning Fun Tunes- Susan Trump
We’ll use the skills that you have acquired and use them to learn a well-known jam tune, and an Appalachian song. You’ll be amazed at the sweet music you can play NOW! Come tuned to DAD. Beginner Sat. 3:00
6. What’s a Chord? -Sandy Lafleur
The hows, whys and whens. Fill out the melody line with simple chords that take your playing to the next level. We will also cover playing a simple chord accompaniment to your singing or to back up another instrument. Come tuned to DAD.
Beginner/Novice Sat 4:15
Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument? The mountain dulcimer is the one for you. This original American folk instrument is beautiful looking, sounding, and so easy to play. After a brief dulcimer history and “anatomy” lesson, you’ll learn how to change a string, how to tune it, and what hand does what. You’ll even learn simple tune that you can impress friends and family with when you get home. Come tuned to DAD (but if you can't, Carolyn will get you there!) Beginner Fri 2:00
2. Let’s Get Started I- Bonnie Leigh
Bonnie will teach you the basics of how to get started: how to hold your pick, how to hold your dulcimer, and get the sweet sound out of it while learning some new songs. Come tuned to DAD (or Bonnie will help you get there). Beginner Fri. 3:15
3. Let’s Get Started II- Sandy Lafleur
The left hand plays a huge role in whether your playing sounds smooth or choppy. We’ll work on techniques to improve your left hand technique including timing and hand position and then apply these skills to some fun and easy tunes. Come tuned to DAD. Beginner Sat. 9:30
4. Strumming Through Strumming- Bonnie Leigh
Learn how strumming adds a new dimension to your songs. We will go over several different strumming patterns, figure out how to fit the patterns into songs and hear tips on how to make your strumming smooth, all while learning some new songs! Come tuned to DAD. Beginner/Novice Sat 10:45
5. Beginning Fun Tunes- Susan Trump
We’ll use the skills that you have acquired and use them to learn a well-known jam tune, and an Appalachian song. You’ll be amazed at the sweet music you can play NOW! Come tuned to DAD. Beginner Sat. 3:00
6. What’s a Chord? -Sandy Lafleur
The hows, whys and whens. Fill out the melody line with simple chords that take your playing to the next level. We will also cover playing a simple chord accompaniment to your singing or to back up another instrument. Come tuned to DAD.
Beginner/Novice Sat 4:15
Novice / After Novice Classes
7. Hammer ons, Pull offs, and Slides- Bonnie Leigh
Learn the special effects that can be done to a song to add feelings and to enhance the song. Come tuned to DAD. Beginner/Novice Sun. 10:15
8. Jean Ritchie: In Song and Story- Laurie Alsobrook
Inspired by Jean Ritchie’s book “Singing Family of the Cumberlands” this workshop offers recollections that transport us to another era. Consider these songs front porch favorites as you imagine a family gathering at the end of the day. Several tunings will be presented including DAD, DAA, and DAC. Novice Fri. 2:00
9. Hard Stuff Made Easy- Susan Trump
Understanding dotted quarter notes, strum directions and basic fingerings will help you play better and have more fun! We’ll go over the basics and learn a tune to support our new skills. Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Beginner/Novice Fri. 3:15
10. Sweet Songs For The Dulcimer- Carolyn Brodginski
Did you know the name dulcimer comes from the Latin and Greek works dulce and melos, which combine to mean "sweet tune"? While we love our jammin’ roots songs, sometimes its just nice to focus on the sweet songs that gave the instrument it’s name. Carolyn will teach her original song “Letting Go”, as well as a lovely lullaby or two as time permits. Put down that pick and be prepared to do some finger picking. Other skills used in these pieces include hammer-ons, pull offs and slides. Capo and 1+ fret needed. Come tuned to DAD. Novice Sat 9:30
11. Untangle Your Left Hand!- Susan Trump
Fingering can be a big obstacle to playing smoothly and enjoying your dulcimer. We’ll learn about chord shapes and the best fingers to help develop muscle memory and help you have more fun with new music, and your old music too.
Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Beginner/Novice Sat. 10:45
12. My New Favorite Tuning- DAG- Laurie Alsobrook
Thanks to a noter-playing friend of mine, I was introduced to this fun tuning. Join me as we’ll drop the melody string to G for a few haunting melodies. See how easy and fun it is to stay on the melody string as you play “Scarborough Fair,” “Wayfaring Stranger,” and more. Come tuned to DAG. Novice Sat. 3:00
13. Note Values and Rhythm – It’s All About Counting- Carolyn Brodginski
What are all those dots in the music notation above the tab, and why is it important we understand what each mean? This class will define the different “dots” which will help you play with others, and get you through a piece of tab for a song that is unfamiliar to you. Time signatures will also be discussed. Novice and up Sat 4:15
14. Galax Galore!- Ellen Pratt
Students in this class will learn about the history of early dulcimers and the Galax style of playing. You will try strumming with turkey quills and play using a noter on some traditional Galax tunes. Come tuned to DDD. Novice Sun. 10:15
Learn the special effects that can be done to a song to add feelings and to enhance the song. Come tuned to DAD. Beginner/Novice Sun. 10:15
8. Jean Ritchie: In Song and Story- Laurie Alsobrook
Inspired by Jean Ritchie’s book “Singing Family of the Cumberlands” this workshop offers recollections that transport us to another era. Consider these songs front porch favorites as you imagine a family gathering at the end of the day. Several tunings will be presented including DAD, DAA, and DAC. Novice Fri. 2:00
9. Hard Stuff Made Easy- Susan Trump
Understanding dotted quarter notes, strum directions and basic fingerings will help you play better and have more fun! We’ll go over the basics and learn a tune to support our new skills. Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Beginner/Novice Fri. 3:15
10. Sweet Songs For The Dulcimer- Carolyn Brodginski
Did you know the name dulcimer comes from the Latin and Greek works dulce and melos, which combine to mean "sweet tune"? While we love our jammin’ roots songs, sometimes its just nice to focus on the sweet songs that gave the instrument it’s name. Carolyn will teach her original song “Letting Go”, as well as a lovely lullaby or two as time permits. Put down that pick and be prepared to do some finger picking. Other skills used in these pieces include hammer-ons, pull offs and slides. Capo and 1+ fret needed. Come tuned to DAD. Novice Sat 9:30
11. Untangle Your Left Hand!- Susan Trump
Fingering can be a big obstacle to playing smoothly and enjoying your dulcimer. We’ll learn about chord shapes and the best fingers to help develop muscle memory and help you have more fun with new music, and your old music too.
Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Beginner/Novice Sat. 10:45
12. My New Favorite Tuning- DAG- Laurie Alsobrook
Thanks to a noter-playing friend of mine, I was introduced to this fun tuning. Join me as we’ll drop the melody string to G for a few haunting melodies. See how easy and fun it is to stay on the melody string as you play “Scarborough Fair,” “Wayfaring Stranger,” and more. Come tuned to DAG. Novice Sat. 3:00
13. Note Values and Rhythm – It’s All About Counting- Carolyn Brodginski
What are all those dots in the music notation above the tab, and why is it important we understand what each mean? This class will define the different “dots” which will help you play with others, and get you through a piece of tab for a song that is unfamiliar to you. Time signatures will also be discussed. Novice and up Sat 4:15
14. Galax Galore!- Ellen Pratt
Students in this class will learn about the history of early dulcimers and the Galax style of playing. You will try strumming with turkey quills and play using a noter on some traditional Galax tunes. Come tuned to DDD. Novice Sun. 10:15
Intermediate Classes
15. Heritage: Appalachian Tunes for Appalachian Dulcimers-Rob Brereton
Step back in time to the Appalachian “Hit Parade” of 1870 and immerse yourself in the tunes cherished by our musical ancestors. Discover the captivating melodies that evoke a range of emotions, from haunting to exhilarating. Explore arrangements suited for solo/drone or chord/melody styles, complete with chord accompaniments for those who wish to sing along. These melodies serve as the bedrock of our musical heritage, and together, let’s pay homage to our musical roots and honor the legacy of Appalachian music. Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Fri. 2:00
16. “L” evate Your Playing- Laurie Alsobrook
Join me as we explore the rich sound that a barre plus one adds to a melody. You’ll be surprised how L shaped chords elevate your music! We will also delve into possible chord substitutions that add to a new sound.
Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Fri. 3:15
17. “Great Old-Time Tunes Not in the Key of D” - Jeff Furman
Old-Time tunes are fun to play on the mountain dulcimer! But over my 45+ years playing OT music I have learned some great tunes that are NOT played in D! Fiddles and banjos are the instruments that traditionally determined the key for these tunes. This workshop will cover some great OT tunes from different areas of the country that fit very nicely on the dulcimer and you can share with others. In this workshop we’ll learn some of these tunes but we will emphasize the melody and not just strum
everything! This will also allow you to play these tunes with other instruments (fiddle, banjo, hammered dulcimer, etc.) in their traditional keys. Of course, technique will be emphasized to play these great tunes. PLEASE BRING A CAPO!
Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Sat. 9:30
18. Ensembles for Mountain Dulcimer- Ellen Pratt
Do you like to play multipart songs? Are you interested but not sure you can play with others? Are you already in an orchestra? This class will have something for all of you! Ellen will show you how a player at any level can bring something to the ensemble table. There will be several parts- some easy and some quite challenging. You’ll learn all the parts but you will play what YOU feel comfortable with! Bring your standard, baritone and bass dulcimer if you have one. This will be a new ensemble piece, so if you’ve taken ensemble classes with Ellen in the past, you’ll get something new to play.
Come tuned to DAD. Novice-Intermediate-Advanced Sat 10:45
19. The Traditions of Playing by Ear- Sandy Lafleur
Playing By Ear; a Time Honored Tradition- while developing the ability to learn a tune by ear comes more easily to some than others, it is a valuable skill that can be learned. Tunes learned this way seem to “stick” in the brain better than those where there is a reliance on the printed page. We’ll cover some strategies, and learn a simple tune or two by ear. Never fear- standard notation and tablature to the tunes will be given out- at the end of the class! Come tuned to DAD. Novice Sat 3:00
20. A+ Tunes!- Laurie Alsobrook
As fiddle tunes go, “Sandy Boys,” “Cold Frosty Morning,” “Booth Shot Lincoln,” and “June Apple” are not just tunes in the key of A, but they earn an A+ score for being so much fun to play! You may already know these in the key of D - try them with your capo at the 4th fret and discover that you’ll want to play everything there. Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Sat. 4:15
21. Appalachian Holiday Melodies- Molly McCormick
Get an early start on learning some traditional Appalachian holiday carols. These sweet tunes sound beautiful when played on the mountain dulcimer and if you are a singer, you’ll love the lyrics. A capo is required. Come tuned to DAD.
Intermediate Sun. 10:15
Step back in time to the Appalachian “Hit Parade” of 1870 and immerse yourself in the tunes cherished by our musical ancestors. Discover the captivating melodies that evoke a range of emotions, from haunting to exhilarating. Explore arrangements suited for solo/drone or chord/melody styles, complete with chord accompaniments for those who wish to sing along. These melodies serve as the bedrock of our musical heritage, and together, let’s pay homage to our musical roots and honor the legacy of Appalachian music. Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Fri. 2:00
16. “L” evate Your Playing- Laurie Alsobrook
Join me as we explore the rich sound that a barre plus one adds to a melody. You’ll be surprised how L shaped chords elevate your music! We will also delve into possible chord substitutions that add to a new sound.
Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Fri. 3:15
17. “Great Old-Time Tunes Not in the Key of D” - Jeff Furman
Old-Time tunes are fun to play on the mountain dulcimer! But over my 45+ years playing OT music I have learned some great tunes that are NOT played in D! Fiddles and banjos are the instruments that traditionally determined the key for these tunes. This workshop will cover some great OT tunes from different areas of the country that fit very nicely on the dulcimer and you can share with others. In this workshop we’ll learn some of these tunes but we will emphasize the melody and not just strum
everything! This will also allow you to play these tunes with other instruments (fiddle, banjo, hammered dulcimer, etc.) in their traditional keys. Of course, technique will be emphasized to play these great tunes. PLEASE BRING A CAPO!
Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Sat. 9:30
18. Ensembles for Mountain Dulcimer- Ellen Pratt
Do you like to play multipart songs? Are you interested but not sure you can play with others? Are you already in an orchestra? This class will have something for all of you! Ellen will show you how a player at any level can bring something to the ensemble table. There will be several parts- some easy and some quite challenging. You’ll learn all the parts but you will play what YOU feel comfortable with! Bring your standard, baritone and bass dulcimer if you have one. This will be a new ensemble piece, so if you’ve taken ensemble classes with Ellen in the past, you’ll get something new to play.
Come tuned to DAD. Novice-Intermediate-Advanced Sat 10:45
19. The Traditions of Playing by Ear- Sandy Lafleur
Playing By Ear; a Time Honored Tradition- while developing the ability to learn a tune by ear comes more easily to some than others, it is a valuable skill that can be learned. Tunes learned this way seem to “stick” in the brain better than those where there is a reliance on the printed page. We’ll cover some strategies, and learn a simple tune or two by ear. Never fear- standard notation and tablature to the tunes will be given out- at the end of the class! Come tuned to DAD. Novice Sat 3:00
20. A+ Tunes!- Laurie Alsobrook
As fiddle tunes go, “Sandy Boys,” “Cold Frosty Morning,” “Booth Shot Lincoln,” and “June Apple” are not just tunes in the key of A, but they earn an A+ score for being so much fun to play! You may already know these in the key of D - try them with your capo at the 4th fret and discover that you’ll want to play everything there. Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate Sat. 4:15
21. Appalachian Holiday Melodies- Molly McCormick
Get an early start on learning some traditional Appalachian holiday carols. These sweet tunes sound beautiful when played on the mountain dulcimer and if you are a singer, you’ll love the lyrics. A capo is required. Come tuned to DAD.
Intermediate Sun. 10:15
Advanced Classes
22. Celtic Rhythms- Molly McCormick
Get ready to learn some jigs, reels, and Irish polkas that are fun to play on the mountain dulcimer and will give your strumming arm a great workout! Dulcimers will be in D-A-d tuning and a capo is required. Tunes will be taught by ear, and dulcimer tablature and video links will be provided after class. Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Fri. 2:00
23. Gershwin in 1-3-5: The BIG Secret to Smooth Playing- Rob Brereton
Leave the choppiness behind! Learn the BIG secret (and a few little secrets along the way) to make your playing sound smooth as silk on a shoeshine! Then let’s have fun applying these secrets to playing a chord/melody arrangements of Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me." These techniques can be applied to most levels, but we will apply it to this upper intermediate/advanced piece. In addition, use natural harmonics on several frets of your dulcimer. Once mastered, it's a real show stopper for your repertoire. Opening tuning: D-F#-A Advanced Fri. 3:15
24. Improvisation, and Playing Harmony Without Paper- Molly McCormick
We’ll take a familiar tune or two and create variations and harmonies based on the chord structure of the melody and other techniques to make tunes your own. This workshop is for players who are ready to take the leap of playing what’s not on the paper. A world of interesting variations and beautiful harmony is waiting for you! Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Sat. 9:30
25. “Applying Your Skills to Different Types of Music!”- Jeff Furman
This workshop will focus on applying your skills to different types of music! We will look/listen for fingering, preparation, smooth mixing of strums and flatpicking, sustain, dynamics, etc. to a variety of music types. This will include Celtic tunes, Old-Time tunes, Waltzes, and more if time allows. The goal is to get you to apply your array of techniques to any type of music you play and not just what the tab in front of you suggests (since we all know “Tab is a Suggestion!”). Come tuned to DAD.
PLEASE BRING A CAPO! Advanced Sat. 10:45
26. Renaissance and Medieval Music- Rob Brereton
Join Rob, a seasoned classical guitarist, for a captivating journey into the enchanting world of Renaissance and Medieval music. In this workshop, you’ll explore a selection of beautifully transcribed early music pieces for the dulcimer. These historical gems will come to life, offering you the opportunity to master forgotten melodies while deepening your dulcimer skills. This session will immerse you in the rich musical traditions of the past. Advanced Sat. 3:00
28. “Adding Variation to the Tunes You Play!” - Jeff Furman
You know how to play…but do you play a tune the same way all the time regardless of the style of the music? This workshop will discuss and demonstrate how to add variation to whatever you play…and to add variation and interest to you and to those listening to you! We will cover concepts, techniques, and playing across the dulcimer (not just up and down it!). There will also be a big emphasis on fingering options for smoother transitions, sustain, and fluidity, and your personal expression. And, as silly as it might sound, we will focus on you listening to what you are playing! Come tuned to DAD.
PLEASE BRING A CAPO! Advanced Sun. 10:15
All Levels:
27. Ukulele 101: Chords for all!- Rob Brereton
Take your ukulele playing to the next level! In this fun and interactive chord workshop we’ll go beyond the basic I, IV, and V chords, exploring richer harmonies that will add depth and color to your playing. Through a lively sing-along format, you’ll learn new chord shapes, progressions, and tricks to make your playing sound more dynamic and expressive. Whether you’re looking to enhance your strumming for personal enjoyment or to lead a group in song, this class will give you the tools to do it with confidence. Bring your ukulele and get ready to play, sing, and have a great time! All Levels Sat. 4:15
Get ready to learn some jigs, reels, and Irish polkas that are fun to play on the mountain dulcimer and will give your strumming arm a great workout! Dulcimers will be in D-A-d tuning and a capo is required. Tunes will be taught by ear, and dulcimer tablature and video links will be provided after class. Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Fri. 2:00
23. Gershwin in 1-3-5: The BIG Secret to Smooth Playing- Rob Brereton
Leave the choppiness behind! Learn the BIG secret (and a few little secrets along the way) to make your playing sound smooth as silk on a shoeshine! Then let’s have fun applying these secrets to playing a chord/melody arrangements of Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me." These techniques can be applied to most levels, but we will apply it to this upper intermediate/advanced piece. In addition, use natural harmonics on several frets of your dulcimer. Once mastered, it's a real show stopper for your repertoire. Opening tuning: D-F#-A Advanced Fri. 3:15
24. Improvisation, and Playing Harmony Without Paper- Molly McCormick
We’ll take a familiar tune or two and create variations and harmonies based on the chord structure of the melody and other techniques to make tunes your own. This workshop is for players who are ready to take the leap of playing what’s not on the paper. A world of interesting variations and beautiful harmony is waiting for you! Come tuned to DAD. Advanced Sat. 9:30
25. “Applying Your Skills to Different Types of Music!”- Jeff Furman
This workshop will focus on applying your skills to different types of music! We will look/listen for fingering, preparation, smooth mixing of strums and flatpicking, sustain, dynamics, etc. to a variety of music types. This will include Celtic tunes, Old-Time tunes, Waltzes, and more if time allows. The goal is to get you to apply your array of techniques to any type of music you play and not just what the tab in front of you suggests (since we all know “Tab is a Suggestion!”). Come tuned to DAD.
PLEASE BRING A CAPO! Advanced Sat. 10:45
26. Renaissance and Medieval Music- Rob Brereton
Join Rob, a seasoned classical guitarist, for a captivating journey into the enchanting world of Renaissance and Medieval music. In this workshop, you’ll explore a selection of beautifully transcribed early music pieces for the dulcimer. These historical gems will come to life, offering you the opportunity to master forgotten melodies while deepening your dulcimer skills. This session will immerse you in the rich musical traditions of the past. Advanced Sat. 3:00
28. “Adding Variation to the Tunes You Play!” - Jeff Furman
You know how to play…but do you play a tune the same way all the time regardless of the style of the music? This workshop will discuss and demonstrate how to add variation to whatever you play…and to add variation and interest to you and to those listening to you! We will cover concepts, techniques, and playing across the dulcimer (not just up and down it!). There will also be a big emphasis on fingering options for smoother transitions, sustain, and fluidity, and your personal expression. And, as silly as it might sound, we will focus on you listening to what you are playing! Come tuned to DAD.
PLEASE BRING A CAPO! Advanced Sun. 10:15
All Levels:
27. Ukulele 101: Chords for all!- Rob Brereton
Take your ukulele playing to the next level! In this fun and interactive chord workshop we’ll go beyond the basic I, IV, and V chords, exploring richer harmonies that will add depth and color to your playing. Through a lively sing-along format, you’ll learn new chord shapes, progressions, and tricks to make your playing sound more dynamic and expressive. Whether you’re looking to enhance your strumming for personal enjoyment or to lead a group in song, this class will give you the tools to do it with confidence. Bring your ukulele and get ready to play, sing, and have a great time! All Levels Sat. 4:15
|
|