2024 Workshops
2024 New England Dulcimer Days Workshop Descriptions:
Beginner Classes
1. String Side Up- Bonnie Leigh
New to the dulcimer? Strings on the right pegs? Have trouble tuning? Do I need a strap? Let Bonnie Leigh show you some
easy tricks & learn a couple easy dulcimer tunes. Come tuned to DAD if you can. If not, Bonnie will help you tune up. Beginner Friday 2:00
2. Let’s Get Started II- 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. Beginner Friday 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.
Beginner Saturday 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! Beginner/Novice Saturday 10:45
5. 3 Easy Songs- Sedona Pratt
Sedona will put together what you’ve been learning, teach you a few simple tunes, so you will have fun applying your new
skills. She will also provide some practice ideas to help you after you leave the festival. Beginner Saturday 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.
Beginner Saturday 4:15
7. Beginner’s Wrap-up- Sedona Pratt
Sedona will help answer your questions, provide some practice tips, and give you a couple of new tunes to work on. Come tuned to DAD. Beginner Sunday 10:15
New to the dulcimer? Strings on the right pegs? Have trouble tuning? Do I need a strap? Let Bonnie Leigh show you some
easy tricks & learn a couple easy dulcimer tunes. Come tuned to DAD if you can. If not, Bonnie will help you tune up. Beginner Friday 2:00
2. Let’s Get Started II- 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. Beginner Friday 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.
Beginner Saturday 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! Beginner/Novice Saturday 10:45
5. 3 Easy Songs- Sedona Pratt
Sedona will put together what you’ve been learning, teach you a few simple tunes, so you will have fun applying your new
skills. She will also provide some practice ideas to help you after you leave the festival. Beginner Saturday 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.
Beginner Saturday 4:15
7. Beginner’s Wrap-up- Sedona Pratt
Sedona will help answer your questions, provide some practice tips, and give you a couple of new tunes to work on. Come tuned to DAD. Beginner Sunday 10:15
Novice / After Novice Classes
8. Bread and Butter Jam Tunes- Ellen Pratt
Do you want to play in a jam but don’t know the songs? If this is the case, this class is for you! We will learn basic ways to
play several jam tunes, plus learn chords to play with other jam tunes that you might not know. Novice & up Friday 2:00
9. Developing Your Hand Skills-Norm Williams
(OR WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FINGERS LOVE YOU – IN TIME) Picking patterns, Arpeggios & triplets – patterns and
repetitions for your right and left hands that will make you a better player. Novice & up Friday 3:15
10. Sea Shanties- Sam Edelston
Shanties were designed for a specific purpose: The melodies tend to be catchy enough for a sailor to learn and easy to sing, with a strong rhythm or pulse that could make some particular shipboard job easier. In other words, they’re designed to
sound great on a mountain dulcimer. Come learn how to play them. DAD tuning Novice Saturday 9:30
11. Nimble Fingers- Ellen Pratt
Ellen will teach some basic fingerpicking patterns that can be used with many of the songs you already play. Come tuned to DAD. Novice & up Saturday 10:45
12. Rock Basics- Sam Edelston
“The Folk” have always played popular music – but before cars and radio, “popular” was largely what your kin and your
neighbors played. Rock music is amazingly easy and fun to play on the dulcimer. We. Will. Rock. Out. DAD tuning.
Novice & up Saturday 3:00
13. Playing with a Capo on the Mountain Dulcimer
Students will learn what the capo is for; reasons you might use a capo; playing tunes with the capo and getting familiar with the fretboard while using the capo. Novice Saturday 4:15
14. 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 ways seem to "stick" in the brain better than those
where there is a reliance on the printed paged. 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! Novice Sunday 10:15
Do you want to play in a jam but don’t know the songs? If this is the case, this class is for you! We will learn basic ways to
play several jam tunes, plus learn chords to play with other jam tunes that you might not know. Novice & up Friday 2:00
9. Developing Your Hand Skills-Norm Williams
(OR WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FINGERS LOVE YOU – IN TIME) Picking patterns, Arpeggios & triplets – patterns and
repetitions for your right and left hands that will make you a better player. Novice & up Friday 3:15
10. Sea Shanties- Sam Edelston
Shanties were designed for a specific purpose: The melodies tend to be catchy enough for a sailor to learn and easy to sing, with a strong rhythm or pulse that could make some particular shipboard job easier. In other words, they’re designed to
sound great on a mountain dulcimer. Come learn how to play them. DAD tuning Novice Saturday 9:30
11. Nimble Fingers- Ellen Pratt
Ellen will teach some basic fingerpicking patterns that can be used with many of the songs you already play. Come tuned to DAD. Novice & up Saturday 10:45
12. Rock Basics- Sam Edelston
“The Folk” have always played popular music – but before cars and radio, “popular” was largely what your kin and your
neighbors played. Rock music is amazingly easy and fun to play on the dulcimer. We. Will. Rock. Out. DAD tuning.
Novice & up Saturday 3:00
13. Playing with a Capo on the Mountain Dulcimer
Students will learn what the capo is for; reasons you might use a capo; playing tunes with the capo and getting familiar with the fretboard while using the capo. Novice Saturday 4:15
14. 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 ways seem to "stick" in the brain better than those
where there is a reliance on the printed paged. 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! Novice Sunday 10:15
Intermediate Classes
15. Evolutionary Exercises That Will Boost Your Playing- Bing Futch
If you’re looking to break out of your rut with the mountain dulcimer, come to this workshop and fill your skill-level toolbox
with some brand-new gems! We’ll use selective strumming for ultimate melodic control, work with inversions for variety
and sizzle, and apply cross-picking for rhythmic punch. All exercises will be put to use on a really good tune!
Intermediate & up Friday 2:00
16. Embracing Ensembles- Ellen Pratt
Playing multi-part songs is an exciting way to use your dulcimer! Whether you’ve played in orchestras, with small groups of
friends or by yourself, this class will have something for you- even if you’ve never played multi-part pieces before! I’ll
be teaching one or two ensemble arrangements that will have something easy for newer players as well as more challenging parts for more experienced Dulcimists. Novice through Advanced Friday 3:15
17. Look! No Capo!- Anne Lough
Impress all your friends and fellow players with your skills as we practice modulating a tune and playing a medley in different keys without a capo, stopping or retuning. We’ll explore options for modulating as well as what to consider in choosing tunes that will work well. Advanced Intermediate Saturday 9:30
18. Celtic Airs- Anne Lough
Experience the expressive and haunting beauty of these timeless Celtic melodies. The creative use of left and right hand
technique give voice to the plaintive soul of these treasures. Intermediate Saturday 10:45
19. Tunes In G You Should Know– KEY G – DGD Tuning
DGD is a great tuning for playing traditional tunes. It lends itself to Melody-Drone playing and is a lot of fun. Tunes used will be fiddle tunes, waltzes, and maybe a ballad or 2. We’ll also discuss playing in the key of G using the Capo and the
advantages of each approach. If you’ve never played in this tuning before, we’ll talk about the process of re-tuning from DAD and answer any other questions you might have. Intermediate Saturday 3:00
20. Bigger, Better Hammers, Pulls & Bends- Sam Edelston
You already know how to do hammer-ons, pulloffs, and probably bends. Here, we’ll kick it up a notch with doubles, right-hand hammers, combinations, muting techniques, and more. Examples will come from both the rock and folk repertoires. DAD
tuning. Intermediate Saturday 4:15
21. Singing in the Tradition- Norm Williams
A presentation/discussion about the singing of traditional songs, ballads, gospel songs and hymns… a-cappella and
accompanied by the MD. Explore what singing is in the American tradition. We’ll give examples and resources for your
Interest. We’ll also allow some time to identify and explore your own traditions. All Levels Sunday 10:15
If you’re looking to break out of your rut with the mountain dulcimer, come to this workshop and fill your skill-level toolbox
with some brand-new gems! We’ll use selective strumming for ultimate melodic control, work with inversions for variety
and sizzle, and apply cross-picking for rhythmic punch. All exercises will be put to use on a really good tune!
Intermediate & up Friday 2:00
16. Embracing Ensembles- Ellen Pratt
Playing multi-part songs is an exciting way to use your dulcimer! Whether you’ve played in orchestras, with small groups of
friends or by yourself, this class will have something for you- even if you’ve never played multi-part pieces before! I’ll
be teaching one or two ensemble arrangements that will have something easy for newer players as well as more challenging parts for more experienced Dulcimists. Novice through Advanced Friday 3:15
17. Look! No Capo!- Anne Lough
Impress all your friends and fellow players with your skills as we practice modulating a tune and playing a medley in different keys without a capo, stopping or retuning. We’ll explore options for modulating as well as what to consider in choosing tunes that will work well. Advanced Intermediate Saturday 9:30
18. Celtic Airs- Anne Lough
Experience the expressive and haunting beauty of these timeless Celtic melodies. The creative use of left and right hand
technique give voice to the plaintive soul of these treasures. Intermediate Saturday 10:45
19. Tunes In G You Should Know– KEY G – DGD Tuning
DGD is a great tuning for playing traditional tunes. It lends itself to Melody-Drone playing and is a lot of fun. Tunes used will be fiddle tunes, waltzes, and maybe a ballad or 2. We’ll also discuss playing in the key of G using the Capo and the
advantages of each approach. If you’ve never played in this tuning before, we’ll talk about the process of re-tuning from DAD and answer any other questions you might have. Intermediate Saturday 3:00
20. Bigger, Better Hammers, Pulls & Bends- Sam Edelston
You already know how to do hammer-ons, pulloffs, and probably bends. Here, we’ll kick it up a notch with doubles, right-hand hammers, combinations, muting techniques, and more. Examples will come from both the rock and folk repertoires. DAD
tuning. Intermediate Saturday 4:15
21. Singing in the Tradition- Norm Williams
A presentation/discussion about the singing of traditional songs, ballads, gospel songs and hymns… a-cappella and
accompanied by the MD. Explore what singing is in the American tradition. We’ll give examples and resources for your
Interest. We’ll also allow some time to identify and explore your own traditions. All Levels Sunday 10:15
Advanced Classes
22. Bound for the Emerald Isle- Anne Lough
Get ready for those Irish Pub sessions with popular jigs, reels and a few popular airs that will capture the essence of
Ireland! We’ll focus on improving left and right hand technique and playing across the strings to smoothly play up to speed. Advanced Friday 2:00
23. Lullabies for Fingerstyle Dulcimer- Nina Zanetti
Lullabies, the gentlest of tunes, are beautifully suited to the sweet, lilting
sound of fingerstyle dulcimer. In this workshop you’ll learn two or three lullabies
arranged specifically for fingerpicking. The workshop will not cover how to fingerpick, but we will touch on ways of using the technique to enhance the gentle beauty of the tunes. For experienced players who are already comfortable with basic
fingerpicking. Advanced Friday 3:15
24. How to Play “Juke Joint Hen”- Bing Futch
Alright, you asked for it. This workshop will endeavor to teach you how to play my version of "Cluck Old Hen" which I call
"Juke Joint Hen." It's on "Dulcimerica: Volume 2" and I've played it on-stage with the likes of Stephen Seifert and Butch
Ross; it's one of my most requested tunes and many people have given their own spin on my roadhouse blues approach to
this ancient old tune. In any case, I'll teach you how I do it currently, note-for-note, with all the bells and whistles including
bends, staccato accents, rapid slides, one-handed tapping, right and left hand palm muting and, finally, a two-octave solo on the bass string. This workshop will not @#$%! around; we will be getting after it so bring your game face and a dulcimer with a 1 1/2 fret (you'll need it for the walking bass. But otherwise, you won't need it. (Oh. Yeah.)
Advanced Saturday 9:30
25. Music of Turlough O’Carolyn- Nina Zanetti
Learn a little about the life and times and music of the great Irish harper. His music sounds wonderful on mountain dulcimer. We’ll learn several examples of his lovely tunes, including some with variations. These tunes lend themselves well to
embellishments, such as trills, rolls, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, so we’ll also work on incorporating these techniques into our playing of the tunes. Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 10:45
26. The Erie Canal Song: Unlocking a Tune’s Potential- Nina Zanetti
“I’ve got a mule; her name is Sal.” We’ll take that well-known tune and explore a step-by-step approach to adding
embellishments, rhythm, and pizazz, so that you’ll end up playing a version that has character and “style”! The strategies that you’ll learn for “jazzing” up this song can be applied to other tunes in your repertoire, as well.
Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 3:00
All Levels:
21. Singing in the Tradition (see description above)
27. Joyful Jamming with the Ukulele!- Bing Futch
Join us for a delightful Sunday morning ukulele class that promises to be both fun and easy! This workshop is designed for
everyone, regardless of your skill level. No pressure, no stress – just the joy of strumming and singing along with fellow
ukulele enthusiasts. We'll provide a handout with chord shapes to make it even more accessible, ensuring that even beginners
can join in the musical fun. Come join us for a morning of smiles, laughter, and the sweet sounds of ukuleles playing in
harmony! All Levels Sunday 10:15
Get ready for those Irish Pub sessions with popular jigs, reels and a few popular airs that will capture the essence of
Ireland! We’ll focus on improving left and right hand technique and playing across the strings to smoothly play up to speed. Advanced Friday 2:00
23. Lullabies for Fingerstyle Dulcimer- Nina Zanetti
Lullabies, the gentlest of tunes, are beautifully suited to the sweet, lilting
sound of fingerstyle dulcimer. In this workshop you’ll learn two or three lullabies
arranged specifically for fingerpicking. The workshop will not cover how to fingerpick, but we will touch on ways of using the technique to enhance the gentle beauty of the tunes. For experienced players who are already comfortable with basic
fingerpicking. Advanced Friday 3:15
24. How to Play “Juke Joint Hen”- Bing Futch
Alright, you asked for it. This workshop will endeavor to teach you how to play my version of "Cluck Old Hen" which I call
"Juke Joint Hen." It's on "Dulcimerica: Volume 2" and I've played it on-stage with the likes of Stephen Seifert and Butch
Ross; it's one of my most requested tunes and many people have given their own spin on my roadhouse blues approach to
this ancient old tune. In any case, I'll teach you how I do it currently, note-for-note, with all the bells and whistles including
bends, staccato accents, rapid slides, one-handed tapping, right and left hand palm muting and, finally, a two-octave solo on the bass string. This workshop will not @#$%! around; we will be getting after it so bring your game face and a dulcimer with a 1 1/2 fret (you'll need it for the walking bass. But otherwise, you won't need it. (Oh. Yeah.)
Advanced Saturday 9:30
25. Music of Turlough O’Carolyn- Nina Zanetti
Learn a little about the life and times and music of the great Irish harper. His music sounds wonderful on mountain dulcimer. We’ll learn several examples of his lovely tunes, including some with variations. These tunes lend themselves well to
embellishments, such as trills, rolls, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, so we’ll also work on incorporating these techniques into our playing of the tunes. Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 10:45
26. The Erie Canal Song: Unlocking a Tune’s Potential- Nina Zanetti
“I’ve got a mule; her name is Sal.” We’ll take that well-known tune and explore a step-by-step approach to adding
embellishments, rhythm, and pizazz, so that you’ll end up playing a version that has character and “style”! The strategies that you’ll learn for “jazzing” up this song can be applied to other tunes in your repertoire, as well.
Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 3:00
All Levels:
21. Singing in the Tradition (see description above)
27. Joyful Jamming with the Ukulele!- Bing Futch
Join us for a delightful Sunday morning ukulele class that promises to be both fun and easy! This workshop is designed for
everyone, regardless of your skill level. No pressure, no stress – just the joy of strumming and singing along with fellow
ukulele enthusiasts. We'll provide a handout with chord shapes to make it even more accessible, ensuring that even beginners
can join in the musical fun. Come join us for a morning of smiles, laughter, and the sweet sounds of ukuleles playing in
harmony! All Levels Sunday 10:15
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