Workshop Descriptions

The middle section of this program shows the workshop grid. Use these descriptions to help find the workshops that will work best for you. Anyone can listen in on any workshops. A few workshops will have instruments for you to try out. No instruments are required for many of the workshops. Some of the workshops on the Dining Hall Stage are more for entertainment than for participation.

Saturday Workshops & Events

Workshop Cluster 1, Saturday, 5/26, 9:00-10:00 AM

1] Overcoming the Fear-All Instrument (All)

Afraid to play in public? Terrified to Jam? Does the thought of performing in front of people make your heart pound and hands shake?? Brett is the poster child of fear in public performance. He says, “The shakes, nausea, nerves…I get it. But I learned how to break the debilitating, paralyzing grip of fear, and I guarantee that if you apply these simple principles and ideas, you can too!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=EkMiWCiADKA

2] Opening the Autoharp Case (Beg Autoharp) (Keys of CFG)

Geared for new players and those who have played for a short time. Les will help you get all tuned up, get your picks on right, and your 'harp positioned correctly. You’ll learn basic strokes, basic strum patterns, and more. Bring thumb pick and at least two finger picks.

3] Harp Tunes with Celtic Roots #1 (All Harp)

Lever harp beginner to advanced players welcome, tunes taught by ear with arrangements and options for accompaniment. Sheet music provided by Allison and maybe Sairey.

4] Playing Strong Rhythm on MD #1 (Adv Beg) (DAD)

Bill will cover rhythmic dulcimer styles with variation, which can enhance the overall sounds of the instrument. This will include adding structure to the strum and cross picking using some common and well known tunes for this so the focus can be on the right hand.

5] PraisinPhrasin (Int/Adv) (DAD)

Move from mechanical rhythm to phrasing to making your own style in songs with John. Simplify songs through passing notes, cross-string playing, and chord choice. Use lyrics to determine mood and embellish holds.

6] Chord Progressions De-Mystified (All)

Kerry's basic workshop for non-music majors is aimed at anyone who is interested in learning how simple music theory, in particular the way chord progressions work in popular and traditional songs, can help make learning and writing songs easier.

7] Pigeon on the Gate (Adv Beg/Int HD)

Learn this upbeat traditional Scottish reel in the key of A Maj with David. We’ll also go over basic accompaniment as well.

8] Applying Basic Rudiments into Your Arrangements (Int/Adv HD)

All percussion rudiments are great for gaining better stick control and hammer technique, but not all are easily applicable to traditional music. This class will focus on the rudiments that you can easily add to your repertoire and refine your hammer skills at the same time with Mark.

9] Beginner Irish Whistle (Beg Whistle)

Janet will help you learn the basics of holding, blowing, and fingering the Irish whistle (also called tin whistle or penny whistle) and playing some simple D major tunes.

Workshop Cluster 2, Saturday, 5/26, 10:15-11:15 AM

1] Harmonies (All)

Learn and try out harmonies with Sally & Claudia.

2] Ensemble Music for Christmas (All & All Instruments)

Members of Stringed Fantasy will share what they do with Christmas music, playing melody, harmony, and drone lines, using sheet music, written in multiple parts.

3] Stepping out on the Mountain (All)

Sparky's research on the African-American ballad tradition culminated in the highly acclaimed recording Heroes and Hard Times. Drawing on this material, Sparky & Rhonda share songs and stories about such colorful personalities as John Henry, John Hardy, Stag-O-Lee, and Betty and Dupree.

4] Canal Songs for Mountain Dulcimer (Adv Beg/Int) (DAD)

This is a repertoire-building workshop for intermediate dulcimer players. With Linda, participants will explore several songs by Pearl Nye that describe life on the Ohio and Erie Canal at the turn of the century. Some techniques to enhance your playing will also be included.

5] Playing Strong Rhythm on MD #2 (Adv Beg/Int) (DAD)

Bill will continue rhythmic dulcimer styles with variation, which can enhance the overall sounds of the instrument. This will include adding structure to the strum and cross picking using some common and well known tunes for this so the focus can be on the right hand.

6] The Strathspey – One Wild Ride! (Adv Beg/Adv Fiddle)

The Strathspey is the most characteristic tune type of the Scottish fiddle genre. Here, Paul will explore what makes it unique with you. We will learn “Miss Sarah Drummond of Perth,” and use it to try out techniques like the up-driven bow, the Scotch snap, the crunch, the flick, and the cut. This workshop is geared toward intermediate and advanced fiddlers, but all are welcome!

7] Right From The Start (Beg HD)

This hands-on workshop will help you make sense of the dulcimer's layout and easily find patterns to make music. Mark will help you learn a fun tune that applies these concepts, along with hammer technique to start to give you the best start possible.

8] A Taste of Ireland (Int/Adv HD)

After a wonderful trip to Ireland, DeeDee’s love of Irish tunes has only gotten more intense! She'll share a couple of beautiful Irish tunes, including back-up!

9] Hooray for DAA Mountain Dulcimer (Beg) (DAA)

Learn from John basic chord patterns that make this the quickest way to play 3 string chords. Go from one string to two then three string chords which have the same finger pattern up and down the fretboard. Play melody across the strings. Play along with DAD players.

Workshop Cluster 3, Saturday, 5/26, 1:45-2:45 PM

1] Just Plain Folk (All)

Tom Ball will interview and record songs and tunes from Hickory Cathedral (with the help of engineer, Jim Stone, and sound man, Bill Conrad) for later broadcast on his Just Plain Folk radio program on WCFI, 96.1 FM in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

2] Whooping and Wailing (Beg Blues Harmonica)

This is an introductory class for people wanting to learn the basics of blues harmonica. Rhonda discusses cross harp, along with blues harp techniques. Bring a working diatonic harmonica (something like a "Marine Band") in the key of "A".

3] Vocal Styles and Arranging (All)

Rich and Kathy will demonstrate how they use different styles for different tunes and come up with arrangements. Several songs will be demonstrated and we will all try composing our own arrangements of some traditional songs. Lots of fun for all ability levels.

4] Western Song for Mountain Dulcimers (All) (DAA or DAD)

Learn 3 songs of the old West with John. Tablature and instruction in both DAA and DAD will be provided.

5] Two Styles for One Sound (All) (DAD)

Claudia and Sally have very different dulcimer playing styles, but when they combine their playing, a new and wonderful sound emerges. This workshop is more of a demo than a playing one, though participants are encouraged to try out several of the techniques that are showcased.

6] Autoharp Minor Tunes - (Adv Beg/Int AH)

Ever wonder why those minor chords are on your harp? Explore two tunes with Les that make liberal use of minor chords: Swallowtail Jig & I Want Jesus to Walk with Me.

7] Oldies (All HD and All Chording Instruments)

The songs are mostly from the 50s and 60s by popular singers/groups – both folk and rock. Janet has quite an assortment of tunes and will let the attendees decide which they most want to learn. This will not be an in-depth type of learning, but there will be some embellishments offered to add to the melodies. Should be FUN!

8] Next Steps (Int HD)

The next step for most dulcimer players is the ability to play a melody and harmony accompaniment at the same time. This crucial skill is needed for fiddle tunes, Irish tunes, and hymns alike. Mark will break down the three most popular methods and apply them to the familiar tune, South Winds.

9] Introduction to Bowed Psaltery (Beg BP)

Learn basics about different ways to hold and play the bowed psaltery for clearer sound. Note reading is a plus but not necessary, and easy songs will be taught.

Ability Level Jamming Workshops Cluster, Saturday, 5/26, 3:00-4:00 PM

If one doesn’t work, try another. Join the fun!

2] Intro to Jamming (Beg/Adv Beg)

Marge and John will lead this jam for all instruments at a slow pace with easy tunes to help people get used to something many find scary, but is really fun - playing well with others.

3] Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Jam (Adv Beg/Int)

Stringed Fantasy will lead some tunes and give you a chance to lead others of all kinds in a lightly structured jam for those used to playing together.

4] Song Writer & Song Finder Circle (All)

This session with Kerry and Sarah is about sharing a song you love to play and sing – whether it is your creation or someone else's. Sometimes people will join in and harmonize, learn the chorus, or maybe they know the song, too. It is a scientific fact that when a group of people sing together, their hearts begin to beat in unison, and their breathing is in sync as well, leading to a feeling of peace and well-being. Come and see – let's make it happen!

5] Silly Songs Share (All)

Jim has some great silly songs to sing for and/or with you. The real fun comes as each of you adds your own songs for and/or with the others.

6] Rounds, Call & Response, and Party Songs (All)

A fun sing-a-long workshop where everyone can participate. Sing or play along as we explore these fun and sometimes challenging genres of music. Handouts will be provided.

7] Ukulele Jam (All Uke)

DUH! Dulci-More Ukulele Hangout members will lead and showcase many tunes from beginner level ones in C to more complicated ones. Something for everyone, several loaner ukes available.

8] Intermediate/Advanced Jam (Int/Adv)

Bill, Jim, and John will lead some tunes and give you a chance to lead others of all kinds in a lightly structured jam for those used to playing together. The leaders play different styles, so it should be great hearing how everyone gets along.

9] Celtic Jam (All)

Join the Hired Hands or Allison Miller for an all-level Celtic jam.

1] Name that Old-Time (or Other) Tune, Saturday, 5/26, 4:15-4:45 PM

This version of a slick television game show is for the enjoyment of all after a full day of workshops. Get in on the fun and prizes from Alice as Linda and Marge again supply the tunes and Bill hosts.

1] Open Stage/Clubs Open Stage, Saturday, 5/26, 5:00-5:45 PM

Sign up at the registration area to let our festival hear some of your unique sounds. All acoustic instruments and styles are welcome.

Sunday Workshops & Events

1] Hymn/Gospel/Spiritual Sing, Sunday, 5/27, 9:00-10:00 AM

Join a group with your instruments or just your voice to share many favorites. Lyric sheets for many old favorites are there, but others may also be sung.

Workshop Cluster 4, Sunday, 5/27, 10:15-11:15 AM

1] Old-Time Religion (All)

Sparky and Rhonda both have deep musical roots from the American gospel tradition. In this workshop, they explore their rich heritage of both black and white spirituals, while encouraging the audience to sing along.

2] Following the Thread (All Songwriting)

Claudia will show how she approaches writing, letting something you hear or see in a powerful way be a portal to a deeper description/story. It doesn't matter if it's words or music first!

3] Storming “The Castle” with Mandolin in Hand (Adv Beg/Int Mando)

Paul will teach the famous jig by Sean Ryan called “The Castle.” Using that tune, we’ll explore ornamentation in an Irish style using hammer-ons, pull-offs, triplets, and turns. We’ll talk about picking strategies, and the ever-elusive quality of “lilt” that makes dancers want to dance. Fiddlers are welcome to join us, too.

4] Mountain Dulcimer Songs in Minor Tunings (Adv Beg-Adv)

Some of the loveliest Appalachian music finds its dulcimer voice in minor tunings. Bring your dulcimer and savor this sound. Not for rank beginners, but it is for anyone else.

5] Fiddle Tunes for the Mountain Dulcimer (Int) (DAD)

Use the strumming methods taught in Bill’s other classes to address simple fiddle tunes. The emphasis here is to obtain a lilt in the tunes similar to what is found in mountain music rather than seeking speed.

6] Whistle – Getting Better (Adv Beg/Int Whistle)

Broaden your whistle skills with Jim – working on breathing, phrasing, notes in both octaves, tunes in D, G (and maybe minors), playing with others, and perhaps some simple ornamentation. Handout provided for several tunes, with standard notation and note names. You will need a D whistle.

7] Put the Magic in Your Playing (Adv Beg HD)

In this workshop, DeeDee will show several ornamentations that will enhance your playing and add to your arrangements.

8] Cold Frosty Morning (Adv Beg/Int HD)

Since it’s nearing summer, let’s learn the old time tune, Cold Frosty Morning. David will begin the class with talking about and practicing how to map out and learn a tune on the fly (or, while being in part of a jam).

9] Beginning Mountain Dulcimer for All (Beg MD)

Get started playing the Mountain Dulcimer with Rich & Kathy by learning tuning, strumming techniques, chords, and melody playing with singing accompaniment. Handouts will be provided. A few loaner instruments will be available.

Workshop Cluster 5, Sunday, 5/27, 1:45-2:45 PM

1] Just Plain Folk (All)

Tom Ball will interview and record songs and tunes from Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt (with the help of engineer, Jim Stone, and sound man, Bill Conrad) for later broadcast on his Just Plain Folk radio program on WCFI, 96.1 FM in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

2] Tips for Good Singing (All)

Linda and Roz will help you enjoy singing more with improved breathing, pronunciation, listening, and harmony.

3] Autoharp Hymns (Adv Beg/Int Autoharp) (Keys of FCG)

Come learn some beautiful arrangements of hymn melodies from the past with Les. Guaranteed to stretch you and help you better learn your chord bar arrangements.

4] Beginning to Play without Tab for MD (Beg-Int) (DAD)

Let’s play our tunes without depending on tab every time. A few popular tunes will be taught by ear. Do not worry if you have never learned a tune by ear, Marge will show you how!

5] Playing Harmony on Mountain Dulcimer (Adv Beg/Int) (DAD)

In this workshop, participants will start with a simple song and will be shown how to make harmonies using octaves, thirds, and fifths. Rounds will also be explored as a method of harmonizing.

6] Songwriting (All)

Writing a song doesn't have to be complicated. Starting with a main idea for a chorus, the story unfolds in the verses. Exploring basic chords suggests a melody – experimenting with tempo, time signature, and a few different chords can take the song to a whole new level. Bring a song, poem, or story, and have fun with Sarah!

7] How to Play as a Duo (Adv Beg/Int HD & All Instruments)

In this workshop David and Paul will explore different techniques used in pairing the hammered dulcimer with another instrument, while keeping it interesting. Rhythm styles, range, chording, and trading lead and accompaniment, are a few things we will be discussing. All instruments welcome, but it will emphasize the hammered dulcimer.

8] Irish Jigs (Adv Beg-Adv HD)

Janet will teach a couple of new Irish jigs for hammered dulcimer. Beginners could benefit, but intermediate and advanced players would be better suited to learning the tunes.

9] Introduction to Clawhammer Banjo (Beg 5 String Banjo)

Brett will work with you on the basics of the clawhammer banjo style involving using downward scratches often used in old time music rather than the three finger picking often used in bluegrass style.

Workshop Cluster 6, Sunday, 5/27, 3:00-4:00 PM

1] Ukulele Jam (All Uke)

DUH! Dulci-More Ukulele Hangout members will lead and showcase many tunes from beginner level ones in C to more complicated ones. Something for everyone, several loaner ukes available.

2] Slidin’ the Blues! (Adv Beg/Int Guitar)

Picking and singing in the “bottleneck” style. Bring heavy glass or metal slide and guitar with steel strings, and Sparky will show you some basics.

3] Harp Tunes with Celtic Roots #2 (All Harp)

Lever harp beginner to advanced players welcome, tunes taught by ear with arrangements and options for accompaniment. Sheet music provided by Allison and maybe Sairey.

4] Jam Tunes Repertoire (Adv Beg) (DAD)

Marge will teach some tried and true tunes that will often be called in jams.

5] More Celtic Ballads for Mountain Dulcimer (Int) (DAD)

This is a repertoire-building workshop for intermediate dulcimer players. Linda will teach several songs from Ireland and Scotland including Black Velvet Band, McPherson’s Farewell, and others. Some techniques to enhance your playing will also be included.

6] Blues Fiddle (Adv Beg-Adv Fiddle)

This is Kerry’s introduction to the basics of playing the blues on the violin. Starting with an explanation of how the blues form works, we’ll work through some accompaniment techniques and move to basic improvising and some of the style elements that are particular to the blues and how they can be brought out on the fiddle.

7] Playing with Emotion (All HD & All Instruments)

Music tells a story; it should convey emotion. There is a difference between playing notes and making music. Emotion is the life-blood of any song. In this workshop, Brett will teach, not only concepts, but also hands on practical techniques, how to phrase and shape your music. Your music is an expression of you…learn to emote and share that inner you! This is a hands-on workshop!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M3FcPi2QbY

8] Vamps Can Change Your Dulcimer Life!! (Int HD)

DeeDee will show you what a VAMP is, and how it can make your arrangements even BETTER! We'll use some tunes as examples.

9] Beginning Recorder (Beg Recorder)

Recorder is great for playing just about every type of music, by yourself or with others. Jim will go over the basics of holding, blowing, and fingering the recorder, playing some simple D and G major tunes. Handout provided for note fingerings and several tunes, with standard notation and note names. You need a C-soprano or C-tenor recorder; I will have a few sanitized loaner instruments.

3] Worship Service, Sunday, 5/27, 4:15-4:45 PM

Doug George, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Salem, will lead a short service and share a message that should be meaningful for all.

1] Open Stage/Clubs Open Stage, Sunday, 5/27, 5:00-5:45 PM

See Saturday Open Stage for description.