2007 Dulcimer Day in Duluth Workshop Descriptions

This is intended to be the final schedule, but is still subject to change if need arises.

B: Beginner, AB: Advanced beginner, INT: Intermediate, Kids: Kids class, adults welcome, but space priority goes to youngsters.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER

If you've always wanted to learn a music instrument but had doubts that you could play a song, then attend this class and you'll be introduced to the mountain dulcimer's simplicity. It's an American folk instrument that everyone should get a chance to try.

The mountain dulcimer lives up to the "sweetness" of its name. Fun and easy to play! Some instruments will be available for kids to borrow (no extra cost) during the class.

We'll learn some simple Swedish repertoire: Walking tunes, a Schottis, and if there's time, a Long Dance. Bring your capo.

We'll look at how to let the dulcimer inspire you to write your own tunes. Constructive doodling, how to turn a lick into a tune, consistent style, basic harmony ideas, chord choices, how to finish a tune so that it's satisfying for both playing and listening.

We'll play easy tunes from all over the world as well as old favorites. Emphasis will be on learning to play by ear. All instruments are welcome (but loud instruments must be played quietly). Bring a tune to share.

Please come tuned to D-A-D and Marc Mathieu will show you a quick and easy way to get into the D - F# - A (also known as chromatic 1-3-5) tuning. You will soon realize how "colorful" your dulcimer can sound as you learn to play traditional songs and tunes from various cultures.

**Capo required **Please come tuned to DAd. Two tunes will be taught with a Native flair & (time permitting), a popular traditional French Canadian song requiring re-tuning to DGd. Your next campfire will be "that much more" fun! repeated at 4pm

**Capo required **Please come tuned to DAd. Two tunes will be taught with a Native flair & (time permitting), a popular traditional French Canadian song requiring re-tuning to DGd. Your next campfire will be "that much more" fun!

Please come tuned to DAd & be prepared to re-tune. When Canada was still young, songs such as the ones Marc Mathieu will be teaching, often provided entertainment in the trapper's camp & the fur trading posts during those long cold winters. It was also very common to hear French explorers singing these songs, while paddling their voyageur canoes. English lyrics will be provided.

Guitars and Mountain Dulcimers welcome! Providing backup to mountain dulcimer playing (with a guitar or another mountain dulcimer) does not have to be difficult and can add an interesting aspect to any tune. Come learn the basics of simple chord changes, strumming, accompanying tips, and practice these simple techniques along with some traditional Canadian tunes and songs.

Play & share your favorite tunes.

HAMMERED DULCIMER

Learn the basics on the hammered dulcimer. Turn the sea of strings into a means to play some tunes. Note layout, scales, hammering styles, and a beginner tune will be covered. Time will be available for questions.

Learn some proven exercises that will help you play with greater agility and speed.

Learn Parson's Farewell; Childgrove (English Dance Tunes); and Douce Dame Jolie (French).

Learn the basics of Celtic ornamentation and arranging as we play Mabel Kelly and Planxty Crilly (Carolan).

Learn 2 airs from Scotland's fiddler, Niel Gow: Lady Harriot Montague and Lady Charlotte Murray

Play & share your favorite tunes.

NON-DULCIMER CLASSES

This class will introduce you to the mechanics of efficiently tuning a lever harp, How to use your hands to get the fullest sound from your harp, and several tunes that will utilize these skills. whether you have a harp you are already noodling with or want to try a rented harp (there will be some to rent if you notify us in advance) this could be the push you need to get you going.

Anyone who has a harp is welcome to come play in the circle. We will do music that includes everyone, if you only play 1 note with 1 finger or do full arrangements with both hands. We will also learn about improvising over a bass line, and how to use chords or single tones to accompany our own or someone else's melody line. Depending on time and skill level we will learn several new tunes.

The English concertina is a wonderful versatile instrument. We'll look at some of the possibilities and explain how it works and why the buttons are where they are. Mark will present playing tips and useful exercises for players of any levels.

Learn the basics of bowed psaltery while we learn some simple tunes.

Guitars and Mountain Dulcimers welcome! Providing backup to mountain dulcimer playing (with a guitar or another mountain dulcimer) does not have to be difficult and can add an interesting aspect to any tune. Come learn the basics of simple chord changes, strumming, accompanying tips, and practice these simple techniques along with some traditional Canadian tunes and songs.

We'll play easy tunes from all over the world as well as old favorites. Emphasis will be on learning to play by ear. All instruments are welcome (but loud instruments must be played quietly). Bring a tune to share.

Be prepared to get with the beat! Eric will cover some basic rhythms. All ages welcome. Some extra drums and percussion instruments will be on hand.

Be prepared to get with the beat! Eric will cover some basic rhythms. All ages welcome. Some extra drums and percussion instruments will be on hand.

Learn the basics of mandolin from an accomplished teacher and performer.

Make a Stone Age instrument out of Space Age materials! Start practicing to make your lips buzz now. Each child will make and decorate their own dijeridu made with PVC pipe. $5 material fee. Some adults may take this class if there are openings. Kids under 7 must have parental help. Class is limited to 15 participants.

KIDS CLASSES

Make a Stone Age instrument out of Space Age materials! Start practicing to make your lips buzz now. Each child will make and decorate their own dijeridu made with PVC pipe. $5 material fee. Some adults may take this class if there are openings. Kids under 7 must have parental help. Class is limited to 15 participants.

The mountain dulcimer lives up to the "sweetness" of its name. Fun and easy to play! Some instruments will be available for kids to borrow (no extra cost) during the class.

Be prepared to get with the beat! Eric will cover some basic rhythms. All ages welcome. Some extra drums and percussion instruments will be on hand.

Be prepared to get with the beat! Eric will cover some basic rhythms. All ages welcome. Some extra drums and percussion instruments will be on hand.