2018 Winter Weekend Class Descriptions

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
New Mountain Dulcimer Players -- Judy House (MD 1)
This class will meet as a continuous series of workshops throughout the weekend. Choose this class for every session in order to develop the skills needed to progress through the Beginner level. Topics covered in this class will be a brief history of the dulcimer, how to hold, strum, fret, tune, and care for your instrument. We will learn how to read tab in different keys and explore backup chords, time and rhythm, and how to play by ear!  You will learn how to practice your dulcimer and you will receive a variety of tunes to perfect the skills taught over the weekend.  You may even learn how to survive in a jam! Come and join us. We would love to include you in this enjoyable experience as a mountain dulcimer player! (Be sure to request one of our loaner dulcimers if you don’t own one.)

Hymn Tune Repertoire -- Larry Conger (MD 2-3)
This class is always a popular one because it provides participants new material to play in worship and/or devotional settings. Come prepared to learn some familiar hymn tunes in a chord/melody style with a few interesting twists and turns along the way. DAD tuning

“It’s All About That Bass Dulcimer!” -- Elaine Conger (MD 3+)
A dulcimer player just can’t live by the standard alone! The bass dulcimer, which is tuned the same as a standard, will be your instrument of choice once you find out how much fun they are to play!  The magnificent bass is like a standard on steroids and is a wonderful complement to the standard in addition to being able to hold its’ own as a solo instrument. It’s primary and most practical use, however, is in supporting the standard by mimicking the techniques used by the upright or electric bass player, which is the alternating bass line for the bulk of the traditional dulcimer repertoire. If you don’t have a bass yet, you can still come and learn the technique on your standard. Just be forewarned that you’ll soon be telling your spouse, “Honey, I need yet another dulcimer!”

Rearranging Traditional Folk Music -- Sarah Morgan (MD 4-5)
Be a part of the “folk process” by creating your own interpretation of familiar folk songs and tunes. In the first half, Sarah will share her process on how to breathe new life into these ancient melodies. Second half, we’ll put this knowledge to practical use by revamping a fiddle tune. Tip: Knowing the basics of chords and where to find them will be very helpful for this class.

HAMMER DULCIMER
Hammer Dulcimer Road Map for New Players - Jim Miller (HD 1)
This class will meet as a continuous series of workshops throughout the weekend for beginners on the hammered dulcimer.  The series of classes serve as a “road map” for navigating the hammer dulcimer.  Part 1 for this first session covers the scales, both major and minor, that can be played on the instrument. (WCU has one loaner hammer dulcimer; request in advance; first come, first served.)

“I Can Play a Melody – NOW WHAT?” -- Linda Thomas (HD 2)
Learn, explore and practice techniques to “dress up” a melody.  Open to both readers and by-ear players, this session will start with basic techniques (Intervals, Broken Chords, Changing Keys, Dynamics).

Playing Blues on the Hammered Dulcimer!  Steve Eulberg (HD 3-4)
Using dominant 7th chords, chromatic hammering exercises, we'll tap into our mid-winter doldrums and play those blues into a corner.

GUITAR
Beginning Guitar -- Dan Delancey
New players will focus on basic chord shapes for playing accompaniment with a pick.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
New Mountain Dulcimer Players (cont.) - Judy House

Making Sense of the 1+ Fret -- Larry Conger (MD 2-3)
Are you contemplating having a 1+ fret added to your dulcimer but aren’t sure if you want to take the plunge? Do you already have the 1+ fret but still confused as to how to make the best use of it? Then, this class is for you. We will discuss the best uses of the 1+ fret, talk about the various chords that can be built with it and apply that knowledge by playing a few songs with the extra fret. For those players who do not have a 1+ fret, temporary frets will be provided and attached to your dulcimer with a piece of tape for the duration of the class.

Groovin’ on the Bass Dulcimer -- Elaine Conger (MD 3+)
Take your knowledge of the alternating bass line that’s so useful in the bulk of the dulcimer tune repertoire and take it to the next level with more intricate patterns like Boogie Woogie. The bass dulcimer is tuned the same as a standard, but it’s best attribute is the 1.5 fret -- you can’t groove without it! Yes, you’ll need a bass dulcimer for this class and it will need a 1+ fret.

Learn a Performance Arrangement of "O Holy Night" -- Sarah Morgan (MD 4-5)
We will spend this class mastering my arrangement of this classic Christmas piece I played in the 2012 National Mountain Dulcimer Championships. Be ready to explore challenging but rewarding techniques like natural and false harmonics, brushes, and trills.

HAMMER DULCIMER
Hammer Dulcimer Road Map: Part 2 - Jim Miller (HD 1)
This class is continued from session 1 and covers chords and arpeggios (major & minor) in all keys that can be played on the hammer dulcimer.

Playing Chords on Hammered Dulcimer -- Linda Thomas (HD 2)
Learn and practice using chords on Hammered Dulcimer for use in Jam Sessions and beyond (accompaniments and embellishments). Explore and practice where to find the chords on your instrument!

Celtic Rhythms Make My Feet Dance! Steve Eulberg (HD 3-4)
Sampling a reel, a Jig, a hornpipe and a strathspey, we'll decode the 4 main tune types in Celtic Music,

GUITAR
Beginning Guitar, cont. -- Dan Delancey
Players will continue from playing chord shapes to understanding the proper chords for major key signatures.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
New Mountain Dulcimer Players (cont.) - Judy House

The Endless Medley – Larry Conger (MD 2-3)
This workshop could also be titled “See How Many Tunes You Can Play In Five Minutes.” We will take several familiar fiddle tunes and combine them into one big, long medley while weaving in and out of the dulcimer favorite “Boil Them Cabbage Down.”

Bluesin’ on the Bass Dulcimer -- Elaine Conger (MD 3+)
This workshop builds on skills learned in “Groovin’ on the Bass Dulcimer.” We’ll have fun learning blues patterns from several geographic regions, such as in the style of the Mississippi Delta Bluesmen.  Yes, you’ll need a bass dulcimer for this class and it will need a 1+ fret.

Mountain Dulcimer Master Class -- Sarah Morgan (MD 4-5)
Interested in a different type of workshop? A master class is a refreshing change of pace from the traditional workshops that take place at most dulcimer festivals. Here's how it works: come prepared to play two tunes or songs for the class. You'll each take turns sharing your music, and I'll critique your playing and give my best advice on how to best improve the tune or your technique. If you are new to playing in front of people, this an encouraging, gentle environment to help shake those nerves. If you have an arrangement or technique that needs some work, this is a great opportunity to get some feedback. Come and try something new! Limited to 15 students.

HAMMER DULCIMER
Hammer Dulcimer Road Map: Patterns - Jim Miller (HD 1)
The road map continues with right/left alternation and dominant hand lead.

Repertoire – Stephen Foster -- Linda Thomas (HD 2)
Step back in time to enjoy the music of Stephen Foster on hammered dulcimer – “Gentle Annie”.  Learn melody/embellishment/accompaniment, as time permits.

Around the World with the Hammered Dulcimer -- Steve Eulberg (HD 3-4)
We'll play music from cultures around the globe where the hammered dulcimer is a folk instrument.

GUITAR
Advanced Beginning Guitar – Dan Delancey
Players will focus on the practice of changing chords, anticipating chord changes, good timing and building speed to accompany dulcimer and other instruments.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
Slow Jam for Beginners - Judy House
If you are new to playing the dulcimer or new to jamming, come join in the fun!  We will be learning what it means to “jam”, jam etiquette, basic songs you should know in order to join others in a jam, and have loads and loads of fun and laughs too! I hope to see you there!

Chord Shapes In DAD Tuning - Larry Conger (MD 2-3)
This class is part demonstration, part hands-on and part repertoire.  We will discuss the basic chord shapes in DAD, explore the most efficient fingering for each shape and learn a couple of tunes that make use of these shapes.

Rockin’ on the Bass Dulcimer -- Elaine Conger (MD 3+)
So you’ve mastered alternating bass patterns and you can play along easily with jam tunes.  You can even play some walking patterns here and there and have attempted a little blues and boogie woogie.  Now how do you play bass dulcimer lines for other genres such as rock, pop and blues?  This, then, is the workshop for you.  Participants will receive complete bass tab arrangements for several popular songs. Yes, you’ll need a bass dulcimer for this class and it will need a 1+ fret.

Playing Music for Weddings -- Sarah Morgan (MD 4-5)
Come learn several unique, performance-ready pieces appropriate to play at weddings, including classical, Irish and hymn selections. We will also be covering the logistics of playing at a wedding; what to expect, problems to prepare for, what you should charge, etc.

HAMMER DULCIMER
Hammer Dulcimer Road Map: Melodies - Jim Miller (HD 1)
The road map continues with simple melodies using techniques learned in previous sessions.

Repertoire – Celtic Waltz --  Linda Thomas (HD 2)
Learn to play both melody and back-up (suitable for jam sessions) for this famous title; often arranged/performed in 6/8 meter, we’ll play “Hector, the Hero” as a waltz this time!

Old-Time Tunes! Steve Eulberg (HD 3-4)
In my duo Fiddle Whamdiddle, we love to play (and play with) old time tunes. In this workshop we'll explore the avenues to do that in your favorite tunes.

GUITAR
Advanced Beginning Guitar, con’t.
Players will continue practice of changing chords and building speed for accompanying other instruments and playing in jam sessions.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
New Mountain Dulcimer Players (cont.) - Judy House

Old-Time Fiddle Tunes from Eastern Kentucky -- Sarah Morgan (MD 2-3)
Come learn some unique and fun old-time tunes from the eastern mountains of Kentucky. We’ll learn these tunes by ear, phrase by phrase. But don't worry... I'll send you home with tablature. Be ready to explore other tunings beside DAD. Bring a capo.

Bass and Standard Duets -- Elaine Conger (MD 3-5)
Although we know it’s all about that bass, it’s nice to partner with our good friend and old stand-by, the standard dulcimer.

Civil War Medley -- Larry Conger (MD 4-5)
Learn an upbeat medley of familiar Civil War tunes including, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Goober Peas,” “Bonnie Blue Flag,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

HAMMER DULCIMER
Hammer Dulcimer Road Map: Harmonies - Jim Miller (HD 1)
The beginner class forges on with learning to harmonize a major scale and using those harmonies to play several simple tunes.

Tweaking Twinkles -- Steve Eulberg (HD 2) 

Using the age-old favorite, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, we'll explore ways to add variation to simple tunes to add interest.

Embellishment Techniques – Linda Thomas (HD 3-4)
Practice using different techniques to “dress up” your playing  (intervals, rolled chords, arpeggios, broken chords, flams, rhythms and more) as you progress from a basic melody to a complete arrangement.

GUITAR
Playing Guitar Leads – Dan Delancey
This workshop will focus on playing melodies within a chord shape (as used in Mother Maybelle style).

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
New Mountain Dulcimer Players (cont.) - Judy House

Learn the Old Time Tune, “Stump Tailed Dog” -- Sarah Morgan (MD 2-3)
Come and learn one of my favorite old time tunes! It is an infectious and fun tune with lots of impressive and interesting passages. We'll learn this tune, by ear, phrase by phrase but I'll hand out tablature at the end of class. Be ready to explore the DGD tuning.

Bass and Standard Duets, cont. -- Elaine Conger (MD 3-5)
One session just isn’’t enough to cover all the cool duet arrangements out there!

Southwind In Three Keys – Larry Conger (MD 4-5)
Have fun while working outside your comfort zone to create an arrangement of Southwind in the keys of D, G and A. DAD tuning.

HAMMER DULCIMER
Fiddle Tunes for Beginning Hammer Dulcimer - Jim Miller (HD 1)
Several simple tunes commonly played in jams will be taught.

Parallel Hammering Exercises and Rhythm Camp -- Steve Eulberg (HD 2)
Being able to play what we want, when we want, regardless of which hand is ready, is a skill that will help us grow as musicians who play dulcimer.

HD Plays MD -- Linda Thomas (HD 3-4)
“September on the Mississippi”, written by Larry Conger for mountain dulcimer, also sounds beautiful on hammered dulcimer. Learn melody/embellished version/accompaniment and play this one as a duet with mountain dulcimer players!

GUITAR
Playing Guitar Leads, con’t. – Dan Delancey
A continuation of the study of Maybelle style, players will begin adding single-note phrases.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
New Mountain Dulcimer Players (cont.) - Judy House

Right Hand Mastery -- Sarah Morgan (MD 2-3)
This class will focus on developing a strong, consistent, and interesting strumming hand. We'll cover pick selection, clean flatpicking, volume control, developing speed, how to play syncopated rhythms with confidence, and how to add rhythmic drive and energy to your playing.

Dulcimer Ensemble Repertoire -- Elaine Conger (MD 3-5)
For skilled players who have a thorough knowledge of theory as it applies to the dulcimer and are fluent tab readers. Improve your ability to play in a dulcimer ensemble by honing your skills in steady beat, expression, dynamics, and overall musicality. (Other instruments in the dulcimer family will be utilized like bass and baritone in addition to standards, so bring them if you have them!)

1-3-5 or D-F#-A Tuning – Larry Conger (MD 4-5)
Come and experience the rich, full sound of this tuning and discover why it is useful when playing certain songs on the mountain dulcimer. Several arrangements will be presented in this class.

HAMMER DULCIMER
Care and Feeding of the Hammer Dulcimer - Jim Miller (HD 1-2)
Covers tuning, changing strings, cleaning, and care of a hammered dulcimer.

Hand Separation -- Steve Eulberg (HD 2)
Using the “Lullabye of Muffe” and more, we'll develop our hand separation skills

Repertoire – Old Time Style -- Linda Thomas (HD 3-4)
Learn an old-time Kentucky fiddle tune, “Glory in the Meeting House.” A unique feature of the tune is using both minor/major parts within the song.  Great fun to play!!

GUITAR
Rhythm Guitar for Accompanying Dulcimer – Dan Delancey
Players will focus on rhythm styles using strumming styles, bass runs and arpeggios.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER
Slow Jam for Beginners - Judy House
If you are new to playing the dulcimer or new to jamming, come join in the fun!  We will be learning what it means to “jam”, jam etiquette, basic songs you should know in order to join others in a jam, and have loads and loads of fun and laughs too! I hope to see you there!

Left Hand Mastery -- Sarah Morgan (MD 2-3)
This class will focus on developing an articulate, accurate, and smooth, fretting hand. We'll cover ergonomic fingering in both melodic phrases and chords, comfortable and sustainable playing posture, developing speed without sacrificing cleanness, and how to play melodies across the strings as opposed to only on the melody string. I'll also share some fun and lesser-known left hand techniques such as brushes and trills.

Dulcimer Ensemble Repertoire, cont. -- Elaine Conger (MD 3-5)
This is a continuation of the class offered during Sat session 3. Participants will hone one of the arrangements taught in order to prepare for performance on the evening participant sharing session.

Stephen Foster Medley – Larry Conger (MD 4-5)
This class combines tunes such as “Hard Time,” “Old Folks at Home,” “Gentle Annie” and “My Old Kentucky Home” into a clever medley that will make a great performance piece.  DAD tuning.

HAMMER DULCIMER
Hammer Dulcimer Jam for Beginners - Jim Miller (HD 1)
Learn how to participate in a jam on the hammer dulcimer.

Rich Chords to spice up your Gumbo -- Steve Eulberg (HD 2)
By just adding 1 or two notes to our chords, we can open up a whole new world for playing our favorite tunes.

Hammered Dulcimer CAN play with others -- Linda Thomas (HD 3-4)
All instruments are welcome in this demonstration/participation workshop. Practice techniques for developing arrangements and playing in jam sessions that simply make playing music fun! This workshop will be taught jointly by Linda Thomas (HD) & Dan DeLancey (Guitar).

GUITAR
Playing with Other Instruments -- Dan Delancey
All instruments are welcome in this demonstration/participation workshop.  Practice techniques for developing arrangements and playing in jam sessions that simply make playing music fun! This workshop will be taught jointly by Linda Thomas (HD) & Dan DeLancey (Guitar).