We are really pleased to welcome Karen Mueller for this online Mountain Dulcimer Workshop. Karen is a much-loved tutor on both mountain dulcimer and autoharp, and has taught at many workshops and festivals throughout the USA and in the UK. Karen bridges many mountain dulcimer traditions to formulate her own dynamic style.
Her repertoire incorporates traditional Appalachian and Celtic music as well as pop, jazz, and original material. Her techniques range from rhythmic flatpicking and strumming to sensitive fingerpicking.
Workshop Schedule
Saturday, 19th September: 3:00 – 6:00 pm (BST) (3 hours)
- 3:00 – 4:00 Introductions & Session 1 – Fun Fiddle Tunes
- 4:00 – 4:05 (Break)
- 4:05 – 5:00 Session 2 – Arranging a Waltz
- 5:00 – 5:05 (Break)
- 5:05 – 6:00 Session 3 – Just Strumming Along
Workshop Descriptions
Session 1: Fun Fiddle Tunes – We’ll begin our session with a couple of fun fiddle tunes to get our fingers moving, practicing the backup chords as well. Fiddle tunes are relatively short dance tunes that can come from a number of countries. Their format allows the tune to be broken down into smaller phrases that are often repeated within the tune, making them easier to learn quickly. These will be strummed primarily, with a little picking included.
Session 2: Arranging a Waltz – We’ll look at arranging a pretty waltz tune, beginning with the basic strummed melody line and backup chords, then moving into combining these into a chord/melody arrangement. Finally, we’ll break this down into both flatpicking and fingerpicking versions. Both techniques will be taught in detail. You’ll be able to take this concept and apply it to arranging your own tunes.
Session 3: Just Strumming Along – In this session, we’ll work on strumming techniques, and using them with chords to accompany singing some familiar songs. Included will be rhythms in 3/4, 6/8, and of course 4/4 time, including the syncopated calypso strum. If you have a thinner, more flexible pick to use for this, please bring it along.
Practicalities
This workshop is for mountain dulcimer players of all levels. Any level of participation is welcome; everyone will be able to participate at whatever level they wish. If a tune or technique seems beyond your current experience, there will be options to play along and practice what is comfortable.
All music will be in DAD tuning. Music for the workshop will be made available a few days beforehand, together with a link for the Zoom session.
You will need to be able to download an up-to-date version of Zoom (v.5.0 or later) before the workshop. A laptop or iPad work best, but a smart phone is also fine. If you are unfamiliar with the technology and need help, please contact Hilary Davies, or join one of the Nonsuch Online Zoom sessions to try it out.
Booking
The cost for the workshop is £25.
Payment is via PayPal, Debit or Credit card at time of booking through our online booking form below.
Contact Hilary Davies for more information.