Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival

Friday Schedule
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Friday Schedule JPG

Saturday Schedule
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Saturday Schedule

Sunday

Mountain Dulcimer for New Players -- This class is structured for those who have played for less than one year. We will focus on tuning, strumming patterns, understanding how the fretboard works, and reading tablature. A limited number of loaner dulcimers are available, and should be reserved in advance.

I'm in the Mode for Dulcimer! -- Students will explore the mountain dulcimer fretboard with emphasis on getting the most from their instrument. Topics to be covered include: What is a mode? What key am I in? How do I play a scale on my dulcimer? Why are there wide and thin spaces between the frets? How do I play a chord? Bring your own questions with you!

Introduction to Fingerpicking on the Mountain Dulcimer -- This technique gives the dulcimer a much-loved tone and beauty. Students will learn the basic fingerpicking pattern, as well as techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

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Crossing Over to the Fun Side! - This workshop gently guides players to leave the security of playing the melody on one string to exploring the world of cross-picking. In addition to some work with scales and familiar songs, it also gives students the tools needed to begin their own cross-picked arrangements.

Finger-Pickin' Good - a workshop covering the basics of finger-picking on the mountain dulcimer.

Playing Upside Down! - a workshop on playing inverted chords in DAD. The workshop will focus on building proficiency in playing out of inverted chords through skill-building exercises and learning songs which emphasize the technique.

Getting Jiggy with It - basic dulcimer techniques and strumming rhythms for playing Celtic jigs.

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Strum hand techniques - when bum-ditty just won't do anymore. Learn techniques for adding new rhythms and energy into your playing by altering your strum pattern. This workshop will give you refreshing ways to play your favorites. This is a beginner/intermediate, high-energy workshop.

Flip that Dulcimer Over -Why not make better use of that bass string? This workshop will have you playing the 10 basic DAD chords with a bass string emphasis putting another option at your disposal for each song you play.

But I Don't Know That Song! Ever notice how some folks just seem to play along with anything? This workshop will show you the secrets of how to do that. At the end of this workshop, you will never have an excuse to sit idle in a jam again. Jam fearlessly! It's easier than you think.

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Advanced Noter Techniques - How to play with a noter and make your dulcimer sound musical. Noting on more than just one string. Keeping up with the fiddle players.

The Rhythmic Dulcimer - The Jig - How to get those tricky rhythms to sound solid. Secrets of triplets. Learn to make an Irish jig sound Irish and an English jig sound English.

How to Make Your Dulcimer Dance- Learn to play dance music so that it makes folks want to dance! Varying rhythms convincingly, backbeats, syncopation, staccato and other techniques for creating a driving rhythm.

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Finger Picking for Effect - This workshop is designed to assist you in learning how to be expressive while finger picking. You can add dynamics while finger picking that can change the feel of the song you are playing. Song: Unchained Melody Tuning: DAD Requirements: Please bring a tuner to class. You will need a 11/2 fret.

Combining Techniques - This workshop will help you learn to alternate between flat picking and a full strum while also adding feeling to the song. Song: When Silence Was Golden Tuning: AEA Requirements for class: Please bring a tuner to class and a capo.

Ear Training - This workshop will be taught using the “Traditional Style” of teaching (there will be no tab / music hand outs). Feel free to bring your tape recorders and or video cameras. This workshop will be designed to help you learn how to pick out songs you hear without the use of printed music. Song: Dueling Banjos Tuning: AEA Requirements for class: Please bring a tuner to class. Also bring a Capo, a good knowledge of rhythms, and a good knowledge of the fret board

Flat Picking Basics - This workshop is designed to help you understand the basics of flat picking and how to get the sounds you want as you flat pick.

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Swedish & Finnish Music on the Dulcimer - The Swedish compositions will be in D-A-C and the melody will be played on one string. However they will require an ability to execute hammers, pull offs, and slides quickly and succinctly. We will explore the traditional Swedish pipe tune Sackpiplat, a contemporary Swedish tune Konvulsionslaten by Anders Norudde. From Finland we will learn a polka Finnish Polka (D-A-D but the tune is in Bm) and a waltz: Emma’s Waltz (D-A-D capo on 1st. fret). These have a wonderful feel to them and represent quite a departure from the traditional Irish and American tunes.

Contemporary Dulcimer Technique - Neal will illustrate his style of dulcimer technique by teaching some of his own compositions he has written for the dulcimer. In this workshop we will explore changing modes and keys without retuning as well as hammers, pulls, slides and other embellishments. The student will learn how to play in G, Em, Bm, D and Am all in the D-A-D tuning. Utilizing the dulcimer as a percussive instrument will be taught as well. Neal will also illustrate the styles of Joni Mitchell and Richard Fariña.

Celtic Ballads For The Dulcimer - Though its not a traditional Irish instrument the Mt Dulcimer lends itself perfectly to Irish music. In this workshop the student will learn how to utilize the dulcimer in a classic ballad setting such as A Stór Mo Chroí and Ye Banks & Braes. Playing the melody of each composition will be illustrated as well. Utilizing chords to both back up the voice as well as to add tone coloring and texture will also be emphasized

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Get right with rhythm - The secret of great players is this: The better your rhythm, the better you sound. Using a series of fun and non-traditional techniques we're going to get our rhythms right.

I don't improvise, I just make stuff up - Improvisation is not merely for the so-called "wizards" or advanced players, it's a bit of variation on the melody (and knowing which rules to break)

Thinking inside the Box - Using the three finger technique and a series of fretboard "boxes" will help you play quick and notey tunes with ease and aplomb.

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How to play with freedom and passion without memorizing a bunch of intricate tabs - I'll show you how. This class is co-taught and compatible techniques will be taught for players of all skill levels. (I know there are those out there who cringe at "all level" workshops, but trust me, this really works.)

Chord class - Three chord shapes that lead to arpegios, which lead to arranging, which opens the door to improvisation. This method makes memorization and utilization a reality.

Foundational techniques for beginning mountain dulcimer players. - Expect strumming, fingering, chords, scales, exercises, practice tips, and some especially satisfying tunes.

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The Ins and Outs of Ins and Outs – A crash course in multi-pedal, stomp, and rack effects and how they can be applied to shape the sound of dulcimers. From subtle reverb to grinding distortion, there is an entire world of effects available for the dulcimer player to use. Just because they seem to be made exclusively for the guitars doesn’t mean we can’t stomp into their world and take over. This course will introduce you to the different types of effects available and their myriad of uses both on stage and in the studio. Approached from a dulcimer player’s standpoint, learn how to use equalizer settings to make yourself sound better in any venue; use a light overdrive to give you a bit of an edge or even a simple volume boost to drown out the banjo taking over the spotlight; learn about frequency peaks and Fletcher-Munson Curves. This course also briefly covers the different types of pickups available to dulcimer players and how to shape the output for a more pleasing sound. If you are confused by or worried about the vast amount of effects jargon, this class will cover many of the behind-the-scenes buzz words and secrets of the studio and stage. Come to learn or just come to listen!

Technique is Just a Technical Problem – Professional slide, bend, and picking techniques that will set your playing apart from the ordinary. Learn how to be in complete control of the dynamics of your instrument and music at all times through various types of bends, slides, and master pick techniques such as Ghost Bends, Rakes, Stop Slides, Harmonic Picking and much more.

Two-Handed Tapping Techniques - Teaching a technique used by Jazz and Heavy Metal guitarists alike, this workshop lets the strumming hand in on the fretting fun by using the fingers of the right hand to perform additional hammer-on and pull-off tones. For intermediate to advanced players comfortable with hammer-ons and pull-offs

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Mountain Dulcimer | Hammered Dulcimer | Other Instruments

Variation (or, "Never the same way twice") - We'll take some basic tunes and explore a multitude of variations, or in other words, fill up a bag of "tricks" that can add some excitement to everyday playing.

Minor/Major - We'll use some Scandinavian tunes to explore the
challenge of switching between modes on the hammered dulcimer.

African polyrhythms - Learn "Marenje," a Shona song from Zimbabwe that makes your hands play in a double meter and triple meter simultaneously.

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HD - We'll explore Irish ornaments as they are used in a tune.

An Introduction to the Modes Commonly Used in Old-Time and Celtic Music - Students should be able to tune their own dulcimer, know where their notes are, where the keys are, and where the chords are on their dulcimer. They should be able to play their scales, and several tunes up to speed. Reading music is helpful, but not absolutely necessary.
(This workshop extends through 2 class periods.)
In this workshop, I discuss modes in general - what they are, why it's good to know about them, and how they relate to the more familiar major and minor keys. I identify the modes commonly used in Celtic and Old-Time tunes, and show how to tell what mode or key a tune is in from either looking at the printed music or simply knowing how to play the melody, addressing common mistakes people make in doing this. In relation to this, I demonstrate the difference the mode makes in the feel of a tune.
Players of Old-Time and Celtic music on other instruments can also benefit from this workshop. While the workshop content is presented on the dulcimer, the information on modes is generally applicable to all instruments.

This is a good companion workshop to the Intro to Playing Backup, but can be taken alone. Please note that this is not primarily a playing workshop, though there will be some playing.

Introduction to Playing Backup - Students should be able to tune their own dulcimer, know where their notes are, where the keys are, and where the chords are on their dulcimer. They should be able to play their scales, and several tunes up to speed. Reading music is very helpful, but not absolutely necessary.
(This workshop extends through 2 class periods.)
This workshop concentrates on the use of 2-, 3- and 4-note chords, and scales to play backup (accompaniment) for tunes and songs. I start by reviewing some different basic chord and scale patterns, and progress to an understanding of how they can be used separately and in combinations to play an interesting accompaniment. Handouts with dulcimer diagrams and music notation of chords, as well as handouts of tunes (music notation) with example accompaniment parts are used in class and for the students' later reference.also available is a set of example accompaniment CDs. They include the example tunes used in the workshop played, first, up-to-speed with accompaniment, then melody only played at various speeds, starting slowly, many times through with which to practice. I recommend taking the companion workshop, Introduction to the Modes before this workshop, to supplement your understanding of how to make educated guesses at chords to use and chord progressions when faced with playing backup when you don't have the chords available.

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Ensemble playing - This class will be taught with my band.
Different ideas for accompaniment vs. lead playing. Playing in
contemporary styles.

Genre Gypsies - This class is for the eclectic musician who wants to
learn some tips and tricks for adapting different styles to your
instrument.

To Damp or not to Damp? - How to use dampers by effectively incorporating them into your music, whatever the style. Features Dan Landrum and Mark Alan Wade

Rudiments/Percussion Technique on the dulcimer. What's that allabout? Your key to improving speed, control, strong hand vs. weak hand issues and rhythmic accuracy in playing.

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My Classes will focus on using the Percussive Arts Society's 40 rudiments as the basis for learning hammered dulcimer. I will teach this in three classes that get progressively tougher.

Rudiments I - You only get two sticks - The basic rudiments in this class are essential for all players and all songs.
Rudiments II- We work on intermediate rudiments which are the key to improving speed, control, strong hand vs. weak
hand issues and rhythmic accuracy in playing.
Rudiments III- Combining advanced rudiments to create mind bending riffs on hammered dulcimer. Co-taught with Stephen Humphries (because he can do stuff I can't.)

(The Saturday morning rudiments II class begins at 8:30 so we can do a quick review for those who couldn't take the rudiments I class. This will allow those who aren't sure if this is for them to decide by 9am if they want to stay in the class, or head to another. At 9am we begin the rudiments 2 class.)

Hammered Dulcimer without Music -This class will include learning to play tunes on the HD without written music, learning the patterns for harmonies “in the box” for several keys, and being able to easily apply the harmonies to the tunes. We will explore several familiar tunes – learning to play the tunes without using music written on paper. After the harmonies are applied to the tunes, we will then explore several ways to create variations in using these harmonies in each tune. Handouts will include a pattern chart for third harmonies.

Backup Variations - This class will include learning to play the three common chords found in most tunes from a basic chord pattern chart, how to determine the chord progression in a tune, how to make a chord chart from any tune, various methods of using these common chord patterns to play back-up in tunes, as well as how to choose and/or vary the back-up techniques for each tune. Music for a few very simple tunes will be provided to use as work sheets and practice for the various back-up methods. Handouts will be provided for each method covered.

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Dulcimer Effects - string bends, glissandos, pizzicatos - getting more from your instrument.

How to add chords to melodies.

Playing nicely with others, rounds, and duets.

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Building A Foundation - Establish your foundation on solid ground! - Take your playing to a new level by developing the essential skills that every player must know! (Beginners to intermediate players.)

Licks and Tricks for Inventive Arranging and Interesting Variations - Rethink the whole arranging process! Unleash your creativity and harness the inspiration to develop your own personal style!

Chords, Backup, Rhythm and MORE! - Understanding chords, providing solid backup and utilizing rhythm is the key to good musicianship and spontaneous playing! Fun and exciting new ways of playing rhythm will be explored as well as chords and MORE.

Mountain Dulcimer | Hammered Dulcimer | Other Instruments

Ken Bloom - Bowed Dulcimer
Intro to the Bowed Dulcimer
For those interested in finding out about this new development in the dulcimer world. Some history, a few tales, descriptions and hopefully examples of the various types and some
hands-on try it out for those who have been thinking about getting into
the bowed dulcimer

Bowed dulcimer playing class
For bowed dulcimer players at all levels. We will discuss bowing techniques, left hand positions and strategies, as well as how to go about attempting a wide range of
musical styles, traditional fiddle tunes, Early music, jazz, and also how to fit in with any group.

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Randy Clepper - Bouzouki & Irish Music
This class is open to all instruments. Ken Doyle (whistle) and Fletcher Bright (fiddle) will be guest melody players where we demonstrate jigs, reels, hornpipes, slip jigs, etc., and talk about what any player needs to know to play either melody or accompaniment.

Fletcher Bright - Fiddle Class
The Fiddle class is for intermediate to advanced players.

Players should at least have a command of the instrument. Ability to read is desirable but not required.
We will cover various bowing techniques and patterns for traditional fiddle tunes - how to deliver rhythm and "danceability."

We will take these ideas and apply them to a specific tune using the bowing principles covered. If time permits we can cover fiddle in band situations, backing up a singer, improvisation techniques, playing in various keys, and a brief discussion of harmony.

Fletcher was recently awarded Tennessee's prestigious Folklife Heritage Award, a tribute to his many years of energetic dedication to the fiddling music he so loves to play and teach. With many years of teaching under his belt (eleven years at Augusta Bluegrass Week), Fletcher specializes in bowing patterns, double stops, tone quality and back-up and classic bluegrass breaks. His fiddling career began in the 40's listening to Chubby Wise, Benny Martin, and Tommy Magness on the Grand Ole Opry. He knows more bluegrass and old-time fiddle tunes than most people ever hear in their lives.

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Will Smith - Autoharp
Co-ordinating your hands
We'll isolate the actions of each hand by performing their functions separately - then put them back together so your playing will be smooth and steady. This technique can be used anytime you are learning a new song.

Circle of Fifths - There is a rhyme and reason to the way standard autoharp buttons are laid out. We'll demonstrate songs in which theory and practice intertwine by examining how chord progressions follow patterns of button placement. Common modifications to the standard layout will also be discussed.

Introduction to diatonic autoharp - Explanation of the way lock bars work to enable "open chord" melody and accompaniment methods. Songs will be played in both styles. Some extra chord bars may be provided for those interested in trying at home.

Rhythmic variety - Add some spice and dynamics to your right hand technique. Using simple progressions, we'll incorporate patterns of pinches and backstrokes to make the rhythm more interesting. Demonstration of Carter lick and calypso and other styles that can be adapted to any number of tunes.

Agene Parsons - Autoharp Beginner
Just the basics, please. Agene gets you started on the Diatonic autoharp.

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The Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival

Mountain Dulcimer | Hammered Dulcimer | Other Instruments