2026 Workshops
2026 New England Dulcimer Days Workshop Descriptions:
Beginner Classes
1. String Side Up – Sandy Lafleur
Since the strings are the things that give us the notes, we’ll learn about tuning them: how to use a tuner and what to do if you don’t have a tuner. Your instrument sounds its best with the proper gauge strings and new ones at that, so we will cover how to change strings and finish up with a simple tune. Come tuned to DAD. 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 how to get the sweet sound out of it while learning some new songs. Come tuned to DAD (or Bonnie will help you get there). Fri. 3:15
3. Let’s Get Started II – Bonnie Leigh
Continue learning to smooth out your playing and gain more confidence while learning some new songs. You will improve your basic skills while practicing playing together as a group. DAD tuning. Sat. 9:30
4. Fun & Simple Tunes for the Beginning Player – Sandy Lafleur
We explore the melody drone style of playing, with and without a noter, while getting comfortable with the range of notes on the fretboard. DAD tuning. Sat. 10:45
5. Let’s Go a-Chording – Norm Williams
In this class we will learn how to use chords to enhance tunes and songs and allow the student to explore the fretboard. We’ll also look at hand placement that allows the player to comfortably manage the changes. Once again we’ll use several simple tunes, building your repertoire. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 3:00
6. DAD? DAA? You Decide! – Norm Williams
This workshop will discuss why and when you might use these alternate “D” tunings along with some very basic discussion of “modes.” We’ll learn to retune with and without a tuner. Using several simple tunes such as “Bile Them Cabbage,” “Aunt Rhody,” and “Old Joe Clark,” we’ll demonstrate the advantages of each tuning. (All tunes are subject to change at the leader's discretion.) Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 4:15
7. 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. Sun. 10:15
Since the strings are the things that give us the notes, we’ll learn about tuning them: how to use a tuner and what to do if you don’t have a tuner. Your instrument sounds its best with the proper gauge strings and new ones at that, so we will cover how to change strings and finish up with a simple tune. Come tuned to DAD. 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 how to get the sweet sound out of it while learning some new songs. Come tuned to DAD (or Bonnie will help you get there). Fri. 3:15
3. Let’s Get Started II – Bonnie Leigh
Continue learning to smooth out your playing and gain more confidence while learning some new songs. You will improve your basic skills while practicing playing together as a group. DAD tuning. Sat. 9:30
4. Fun & Simple Tunes for the Beginning Player – Sandy Lafleur
We explore the melody drone style of playing, with and without a noter, while getting comfortable with the range of notes on the fretboard. DAD tuning. Sat. 10:45
5. Let’s Go a-Chording – Norm Williams
In this class we will learn how to use chords to enhance tunes and songs and allow the student to explore the fretboard. We’ll also look at hand placement that allows the player to comfortably manage the changes. Once again we’ll use several simple tunes, building your repertoire. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 3:00
6. DAD? DAA? You Decide! – Norm Williams
This workshop will discuss why and when you might use these alternate “D” tunings along with some very basic discussion of “modes.” We’ll learn to retune with and without a tuner. Using several simple tunes such as “Bile Them Cabbage,” “Aunt Rhody,” and “Old Joe Clark,” we’ll demonstrate the advantages of each tuning. (All tunes are subject to change at the leader's discretion.) Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 4:15
7. 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. Sun. 10:15
Novice Classes
8. Beautiful Melodies – Dave Haas
Learn how to play slow songs in a smooth and melodic style by picking the strings one at a time. Learn left- and right-hand techniques that facilitate smooth playing. Practice finger exercises to improve your playing and build your repertoire by incorporating these techniques into popular melodies you already know. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 2:00
9. Jam Training Wheels – Melanie Johnston
Playing music with others is one of the most fun things you can do! At first it can be difficult to keep up and learn so many new tunes when attending clubs or festivals. In this workshop we will give you some tools and tunes to get you started. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 3:15
10. Find Your Rhythm – Melanie Johnston
For new musicians, rhythm can be challenging and confusing. Come learn how to interpret various time signatures, what tempo means, how to find and keep a steady rhythm, and more. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 9:30
11. Learning by Ear – Norm Williams
For many, playing by ear is a daunting task. We’ll demystify the idea and practice ways to play tunes you don’t have music for “by ear” using the time-honored tradition of repetition, repetition, repetition (Arlo Guthrie calls it “the Bor-In Method”). We’ll start with a few familiar tunes and then try a couple you probably have not heard before. Bring a recording device or phone. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 10:45
12. Beginner Banjo – Ellen Pratt
Have you ever wanted to try playing a banjo but didn’t know where to start? This class will cover the basics: how to hold the banjo, some simple chords, and most importantly the frail, or strum, that makes banjo the backbone of old-time music. A few banjos will be available for folks to try if you don’t own one yet. Sat. 3:00
13. Arpeggiating Chords – Melanie Johnston
Now that you have learned the basic chords, let’s use them to color a simple tune when playing solo or provide interesting backup with a friend. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 4:15
14. Magic Chords – Carol Walker
Using the time-honored “Power Chord” system, you'll discover how to play almost any chord you'll ever need in several different keys. These chords open many doors, giving you confidence and flexibility in any setting, including jams and singalongs. No retuning or capo required. Come tuned to DAD. Sun. 10:15
Learn how to play slow songs in a smooth and melodic style by picking the strings one at a time. Learn left- and right-hand techniques that facilitate smooth playing. Practice finger exercises to improve your playing and build your repertoire by incorporating these techniques into popular melodies you already know. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 2:00
9. Jam Training Wheels – Melanie Johnston
Playing music with others is one of the most fun things you can do! At first it can be difficult to keep up and learn so many new tunes when attending clubs or festivals. In this workshop we will give you some tools and tunes to get you started. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 3:15
10. Find Your Rhythm – Melanie Johnston
For new musicians, rhythm can be challenging and confusing. Come learn how to interpret various time signatures, what tempo means, how to find and keep a steady rhythm, and more. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 9:30
11. Learning by Ear – Norm Williams
For many, playing by ear is a daunting task. We’ll demystify the idea and practice ways to play tunes you don’t have music for “by ear” using the time-honored tradition of repetition, repetition, repetition (Arlo Guthrie calls it “the Bor-In Method”). We’ll start with a few familiar tunes and then try a couple you probably have not heard before. Bring a recording device or phone. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 10:45
12. Beginner Banjo – Ellen Pratt
Have you ever wanted to try playing a banjo but didn’t know where to start? This class will cover the basics: how to hold the banjo, some simple chords, and most importantly the frail, or strum, that makes banjo the backbone of old-time music. A few banjos will be available for folks to try if you don’t own one yet. Sat. 3:00
13. Arpeggiating Chords – Melanie Johnston
Now that you have learned the basic chords, let’s use them to color a simple tune when playing solo or provide interesting backup with a friend. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 4:15
14. Magic Chords – Carol Walker
Using the time-honored “Power Chord” system, you'll discover how to play almost any chord you'll ever need in several different keys. These chords open many doors, giving you confidence and flexibility in any setting, including jams and singalongs. No retuning or capo required. Come tuned to DAD. Sun. 10:15
Intermediate Classes
15. Hymns From the Sacred Harp – Norm Williams
Sacred Harp, or shape-note songs/tunes/hymns, were typically written in the diatonic (do, re, mi…) scale, lending themselves to play nicely on the mountain dulcimer. We’ll explore several tunes and tunings and also look at the power and poetry of these old songs. No capo required, but prepare to retune. Starting in DAD. Fri. 2:00
16. Becoming a Better Sight-Reader – Carol Walker
Imagine saving hours of practice time because you are able to read and play through a piece of music as easily as you are reading this paragraph. Using heaps of tab samples you’ve never seen before, you’ll learn how to apply the tried-and-true methods Carol has developed that will put you well on your way toward becoming a super sight-reader. We’ll also look at the benefits of being able to read standard notation. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 3:15
17. DAC Tuning – Sandy Lafleur
We’ll explore the minor sounds of this lovely, hauntingly beautiful tuning and play some tunes that fit so well on the dulcimer. Adding the use of a noting stick seems to enhance that mournful sound, so we’ll experiment with that as well. DAC tuning. Sat. 9:30
18. Early American Hymnody: The “Yankee Tunesmiths” – Nina Zanetti
The earliest written musical compositions in what would become the United States began in the New England colonies, when local amateur composers wrote hymns and part-songs for the very popular “singing schools.” We’ll sample a few tunes from Yankee tunesmiths such as William Billings, Justin Morgan, Supply Belcher, and Jeremiah Ingalls to get a feel for their rugged, individualistic, and distinctly American style of music. Come tuned to DAD, possibly others. Sat. 10:45
19. Waltz with Jay & Molly – Melanie Johnston
Everyone knows “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar (included in Ken Burns’ series The Civil War), but there are many more beautiful waltzes that Jay and Molly have written. Come to this workshop and learn a couple more. Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate and above. Sat. 3:00
20. Ensemble Arrangements – Ellen Pratt
Do you love playing with others but are tired of the same old jam tunes? In this class you will learn to listen carefully to your own part as you play with others using multiple parts. New songs! Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate and up. Sat. 4:15
21. Exciting Things to Do With a Capo / Playing in Different Keys – Dave Haas
Learn the correct way to attach a capo. Learn how to use a capo to play chords and melodies in the keys of G, A, and Em. Playing in the key of C will also be discussed. Come tuned to DAD. A capo is needed. Sun. 10:15
Sacred Harp, or shape-note songs/tunes/hymns, were typically written in the diatonic (do, re, mi…) scale, lending themselves to play nicely on the mountain dulcimer. We’ll explore several tunes and tunings and also look at the power and poetry of these old songs. No capo required, but prepare to retune. Starting in DAD. Fri. 2:00
16. Becoming a Better Sight-Reader – Carol Walker
Imagine saving hours of practice time because you are able to read and play through a piece of music as easily as you are reading this paragraph. Using heaps of tab samples you’ve never seen before, you’ll learn how to apply the tried-and-true methods Carol has developed that will put you well on your way toward becoming a super sight-reader. We’ll also look at the benefits of being able to read standard notation. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 3:15
17. DAC Tuning – Sandy Lafleur
We’ll explore the minor sounds of this lovely, hauntingly beautiful tuning and play some tunes that fit so well on the dulcimer. Adding the use of a noting stick seems to enhance that mournful sound, so we’ll experiment with that as well. DAC tuning. Sat. 9:30
18. Early American Hymnody: The “Yankee Tunesmiths” – Nina Zanetti
The earliest written musical compositions in what would become the United States began in the New England colonies, when local amateur composers wrote hymns and part-songs for the very popular “singing schools.” We’ll sample a few tunes from Yankee tunesmiths such as William Billings, Justin Morgan, Supply Belcher, and Jeremiah Ingalls to get a feel for their rugged, individualistic, and distinctly American style of music. Come tuned to DAD, possibly others. Sat. 10:45
19. Waltz with Jay & Molly – Melanie Johnston
Everyone knows “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar (included in Ken Burns’ series The Civil War), but there are many more beautiful waltzes that Jay and Molly have written. Come to this workshop and learn a couple more. Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate and above. Sat. 3:00
20. Ensemble Arrangements – Ellen Pratt
Do you love playing with others but are tired of the same old jam tunes? In this class you will learn to listen carefully to your own part as you play with others using multiple parts. New songs! Come tuned to DAD. Intermediate and up. Sat. 4:15
21. Exciting Things to Do With a Capo / Playing in Different Keys – Dave Haas
Learn the correct way to attach a capo. Learn how to use a capo to play chords and melodies in the keys of G, A, and Em. Playing in the key of C will also be discussed. Come tuned to DAD. A capo is needed. Sun. 10:15
Advanced Classes
22. Welsh Love Songs – Carol Walker
With so much Welsh DNA in her background, it’s about time Carol got around to arranging these gorgeous, lesser-known ballads for dulcimer. Similar in scope to her Manx project, these beautiful songs will be welcome additions to your repertoire. Come tuned to DAD. Capo required. Fri. 2:00
23. Advanced Harmonics – Kara Barnard
Let’s get more volume out of your harmonics and explore some really cool ways to create harmonics where they aren’t supposed to be. You’ll learn one of Kara’s original pieces to put all of these tools to work. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 3:15
24. Jazz Manouche (a.k.a. Gypsy Jazz) – Kara Barnard
Let’s take inspiration from Django Reinhardt and explore a heavily syncopated melody supported with a light, swingy chord progression. We’ll break down the syncopated melody, learn efficient ways to smooth out the supporting chord progression, and soak one of Kara’s original compositions in a moody, soft swing. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 9:30
25. Highly Addictive Fiddle Tunes – Dave Haas
Learn these wonderful and challenging fiddle tunes that are sure to spice up any jam session. Improve your playing of fiddle tunes and faster songs. Learn left- and right-hand techniques to facilitate smooth playing and discover how to provide chopped chords for accompaniment. A capo and a smile are required. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 10:45
26. Two Welsh Lullabies, with Variations – Nina Zanetti
This workshop will present two beautiful Welsh lullabies, “Ar Hyd y Nos” (“All Through the Night”) and “Suo Gân” (translated simply as “Lullaby”). We’ll learn each tune in at least two versions designed to show how embellishment and variation can enhance a melody. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 3:00
27. Two Basque Christmas Carols – Nina Zanetti
Add to your holiday repertoire by learning two lovely carols from the Basque tradition: the gentle, lilting folk carol known as “Gabriel’s Message” (“The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came”) and the beautiful “Sing Lullaby,” also known as “The Infant King.” The arrangements will include at least one variation and suggested embellishments for performing. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 4:15
28. Sweaty, Hot, Chord Workout – Kara Barnard
Let’s pump up your left hand and clean up your chord shapes. Kara will show you a daily workout routine, some hard-core exercises, and teach you a new song to put it all together. Come tuned to DAD. Sun. 10:15
With so much Welsh DNA in her background, it’s about time Carol got around to arranging these gorgeous, lesser-known ballads for dulcimer. Similar in scope to her Manx project, these beautiful songs will be welcome additions to your repertoire. Come tuned to DAD. Capo required. Fri. 2:00
23. Advanced Harmonics – Kara Barnard
Let’s get more volume out of your harmonics and explore some really cool ways to create harmonics where they aren’t supposed to be. You’ll learn one of Kara’s original pieces to put all of these tools to work. Come tuned to DAD. Fri. 3:15
24. Jazz Manouche (a.k.a. Gypsy Jazz) – Kara Barnard
Let’s take inspiration from Django Reinhardt and explore a heavily syncopated melody supported with a light, swingy chord progression. We’ll break down the syncopated melody, learn efficient ways to smooth out the supporting chord progression, and soak one of Kara’s original compositions in a moody, soft swing. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 9:30
25. Highly Addictive Fiddle Tunes – Dave Haas
Learn these wonderful and challenging fiddle tunes that are sure to spice up any jam session. Improve your playing of fiddle tunes and faster songs. Learn left- and right-hand techniques to facilitate smooth playing and discover how to provide chopped chords for accompaniment. A capo and a smile are required. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 10:45
26. Two Welsh Lullabies, with Variations – Nina Zanetti
This workshop will present two beautiful Welsh lullabies, “Ar Hyd y Nos” (“All Through the Night”) and “Suo Gân” (translated simply as “Lullaby”). We’ll learn each tune in at least two versions designed to show how embellishment and variation can enhance a melody. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 3:00
27. Two Basque Christmas Carols – Nina Zanetti
Add to your holiday repertoire by learning two lovely carols from the Basque tradition: the gentle, lilting folk carol known as “Gabriel’s Message” (“The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came”) and the beautiful “Sing Lullaby,” also known as “The Infant King.” The arrangements will include at least one variation and suggested embellishments for performing. Come tuned to DAD. Sat. 4:15
28. Sweaty, Hot, Chord Workout – Kara Barnard
Let’s pump up your left hand and clean up your chord shapes. Kara will show you a daily workout routine, some hard-core exercises, and teach you a new song to put it all together. Come tuned to DAD. Sun. 10:15
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