REFERENCES
PERFORMANCES---
It's such a treat when you share your infectious music with us at the Olde Time Fair. Your melodies add the perfec, old time atmosphere. Thanks so much for bein generous with your time and talent...we look forward to having you again.
Sue Graham, Twinsburg Historical SocietyDear Brett--
We want to thank you so much for helping to make the Senior Network Spring Fling in May a huge success.
Your musical performance on the dulcimer was wonderful and soothing in the lobby prior to the event.
Thank you again for your time. The Spring Fling was the best ever!
All the best-- Autumn, Wendy and the UHHS BMC Senior Network University Hosptial Health System Bedford Medical Center, Bedford, OHThank you so much for providing wonderful music for our mini-golf event. I hope you agree that the evening was a fun and engaging event. We heard so many wonderful comments about your playing. Please extend our appreciation to the rest of your group!
Peter Grossetti Willoughby Fine Arts Association Willoughby School of Fine Arts, Willoughby, OHSCHOOL ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS ---
"I highly recommend the Ridgeway's program "Anyone Can Make Music". Their Nov. 13, 2003 assembly was ideal for our elementary school (grades 4-6) and the children enjoyed every moment of it. The students spontaneously began clapping in time to the music and later in the program, when the music was softer, they hushed one another's clapping so they were sure to hear the instruments. The children were also very entertained by seeing their teachers and classmates trying their hand at some early American instruments. In addition, Brett Ridgeway did a very good job of weaving Civil War history and music together in an entertaining and memorable way.
The best testimonial for a program is if it inspires change. My daughter came home inspired and motivated to learn to play the mountain dulcimer that we have had hanging on our family room wall for years. She spent the evening learning Christmas carols rather than watching TV!"
Pam Leuenberger PTO Program Vice President Oakview Elementary West Middlesex, PennsylvaniaTo Whom It May Concern:
Brett and Serenity Ridgeway gave a wonderful day of performances to my students at Lodi Primary, grades pre-school-2. They were very talented musicians. In addition, they were very easy to work with and adapted readily to each situation.
They began our day by "sitting in" on four of my first grade music classes. Actually, they completely taught each class giving every child a chance to play the Appalachian instruments that they were sharing. They even accommodated double and triple classes to allow each first grader this more intimate experience.
Later in the afternoon, they gave a large-scale assembly to the entire 2nd grade class and our kindergarten and pre-schoolers as well. The auditorium was packed, but they kept the kids attention for a full 45 minutes entertaining them with historical American works on the lap dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo to mention a few. In the middle, we needed to change our set-up to accommodate all the kids they went right with the flow without hesitation. They also involved the teachers in a bit of a demonstration of how easy these instruments are to begin to learn. Everyone enjoyed the show!
The Ridgeways not only play the American folk instruments, but they also dress the part and give age-appropriate historical information as they go. I think they would be a wonderful assembly for older kids as well. I highly recommend Brett and Serenity they are an excellent duo.
Sincerely, Kristèl Behrend Cloverleaf Local School District 8525 Friendsville, Rd. Lodi, Oh 44254STRING BAND CLUBS ---
Brett has contributed to the extra-curricular programs at Valley Christian Academy by extending his expertise and leadership in developing a music club featuring the banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, mountain dulcimer, and hammered dulcimer instruments. He was a wonderful speaker at one of our chapels in the fall and he demonstrated the instruments through his message focusing on the music from the Civil War Period. His explanations, demonstrations, and oration were captivating and engaged the entire audience which had classes from kindergarten through the sixth grade. After the initial introduction to our student body through this presentation Brett planned, and coordinated the effort to establish a music club for the children of Valley Christian Academy. He was thorough in his planning and communicated frequently concerning the details. His proposal was accepted by our school and in May the [Traditional String Band Club] began with teachers, parents, and students participating.
He taught in a round robin style and had the adults as teachers in each group. Many adults met privately with Brett before the club session to be able to understand what the group would be learning. The groups were established upon the instrument. Guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, mountain dulcimer, and hammered dulcimer were represented. Each club meeting had a different format and Brett would move from group to group to assist and teach.
Brett's knowledge, patience, and gentle demeanor allowed students of all ages to be free from anxiety and everyone experienced the joy of being able to play a song in a relatively short time period. The groups played alone, and together which added interest. Brett demonstrated a love for music, but also the ability to assist students of all ages towards grasping musical concepts. He is an encourager, and a wonderful role model for children who openly displays his passion for music.
As a participant, I highly recommend Brett Ridgeway as a professional teacher who has the ability to coordinate large numbers of students and help them learn as individuals while still participating in a musical group.
Connie Eide, Principal Valley Christian Academy 1037 East Blvd. Aurora, OH 44202 Phone: 330.562.8191And Another...
A RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING THE STRING BAND CLUB AT VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
July 7, 2006
As Principal of Valley Christian Academy I have been so pleased that Brett Ridgeway extended the opportunity for our students, teachers, and parents to become members of a String Band Club. He has developed all forms of communication for the VCA families and has enlisted twenty members from our school who are learning various instruments. I am participating as an active learner all with students, parents, and teachers. I think the method of round robin teaching is a great idea to allow small group instruction with professional input. The adults will learn faster than the children and are the group leader while Brett is working with another group. He has adapted to any class setting. Our club has met in classrooms, the old gym, the new gym, and the music room. Children and adults alike are enjoying the experience. Brett varies the class session format which enhances interest and gives all students an opportunity to play for the rest of the club. He has established times for our club to play this summer and that also has stimulated interest. He is highly professional in his teaching style and has demonstrated a high level of patience while working with such a diverse group in ability and age. I knew summer would be a challenge because families are often gone, but the club has continued to meet and Brett is an encourager about the endeavor. I am anticipating a resurgence of interest and a higher level of participation in the fall when the students are back in session. I am thankful personally for the opportunity to learn how to play the hammered dulcimer and it is a joy to see children learning to appreciate and delight in their music. I value the learning that our students are receiving as a result of participation in the club.
Connie Eide; Principal Valley Christian Academy 1037 East Boulevard Aurora, OH 44202 Phone: 330.562.8191A THANK YOU LETTER FOR STRING BAND CLUB AND STUDENT PERFORMANCES AT A LOCAL FESTIVAL
Sat. Sept 13
Dear Brett,
All three family groups were terrific. I was so impressed as to how well the children performed. With less than a year of lessons, they played as if they'd been playing much longer. Perhaps it indicates that you're a pretty good teacher! Please thank them for us.
Sincerely, Sue Graham Twinsburg Historical SocietyA THANK YOU NOTE FROM A PARENT OF A STRING BAND CLUB STUDENT
(June 3, 2009)
Brett & Serenity,
Thank you for being such role models for our NBCS String Band! Your leadership and Christian character are appreciated.
Jackie JuddWORKSHOPS ---
"Just got back from the Laurel Highlands Hammered Dulcimer Workshop held at Benner's Meadow Run Campground in Farmington, PA. What a fabulous weekend. The weather, campground, and workshop were so much fun my whole family is looking forward to going again next year.
"The instructor for the workshop was Brett Ridgeway and I can tell you this is one workshop where you will not have to hunt for him or race to catch him. He was available for questions and more for nearly EVERY waking hour. We learned some tunes, techniques, embellishments, and so much more. It was definitely NOT hard to learn how to play with Bretts' method of instruction. We even participated in a mini concert for the other campers at the campground. In fact, his style is so straight forward that my wife saw how easy the dulcimer is to play and now she has enrolled too. We also had an 'absolute' beginner who did just fine. The truth is, she picked it up faster than I did. (Great job MaryLou!)
"Our whole family went since the campground has plenty of other activities for all ages to enjoy while I was enjoying the workshop. So don't leave others in your family behind, take them too. Plans are already being laid out for next year, so watch for more information and mark your calendar. I know we are going back." -- Dave Willis, Indiana
"Just got back from Brett Ridgeway's workshop at Benner's Campground in Pennsylvania. It was a delightful and very educational weekend. Even though I've been playing for 6 years (sort of), I came away with a lot of very helpful information as well as learning five new tunes.
"Even though Brett doesn't read music, he has a very good ear and a special knack for teaching that anyone can understand & follow and not, so to speak, get left in the dust.
"If anyone gets an opportunity to take one of Brett's workshops, I highly recommend it." -- Mike Reese, Ohio
"I have to say the 6 hour drive was well worth it . This workshop was one of the best that I have taken . The camp ground was great & Brett made you feel right at home . If anyone has had trouble learning the HD his workshops are for you .I have been to Evert twice, great time but lots of people . It was nice to have the close attention to work out the problem parts without making you feel stupid .
"Looking forward to his September workshop!" --- Dave Zarnstorf, New York
"Brett, I took note of your emphasis stroking at the (Laurel Highland's) workshop when you were playing Morrison's Jig and using that technique has helped me with my RDD. Got it down pretty good now and up to speed. Wow! Me? Still working on the other
jigs and hornpipes. I'm doing pretty well. Thanks more than you could know." --- Lynn Cox, FL
"Hope this finds you both well, have had some computer issues so....better late then never to tell you how much I enjoyed the dulcimer workshop. It was a day well spent, you made it easy to follow from the workbook to the hands on. Alot of areas were covered that helped with understanding things better and it was also fun trying some new things. It will definitely help in practicing...thanks again for a good day..."
--Gail OviattJust wanted to write a note of thanks for the great dulcimer workshop you put on last weekend! It was very informative and helpful. I have been to a couple of others, but I must say I got the most from your workshop. I really love your Hammered Dulcimer CD lessons, also. I want to purchase the rest of them when I am able to. Thanks again! Please know that if you ever hold another dulcimer workshop in the area, I will be there! --Kathy McGinnis
Just want to say thank you for the Appalachian Dulcimer Workshop held in
Macedonia, Ohio. I learned many new ways to play the dulcimer and I am sure I will
continue playing with these new skills. --Pat Johnson
LESSONS, TEACHING METHODS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ---
"I recently ordered Brett's Hammered Dulcimer lessons. So far, I've completed the first three CDs. I want everyone to know that I'm totally elated with the results. Over the years I've tried, with very little success, to understand other methods of playing the hammered dulcimer, but I found them difficult to understand. I'm over 50 and need something simple to understand and Brett has done it in his lessons. I have learned in one day, from listening to his instructions, things that I never could quite grasp before. He teaches the embellishments, rolls, drones, fill-ins etc. on a particular tune, I've managed to follow his instructions and put those same embellishments into other tunes as well.'
"Before I started with Brett's lessons, all I could do was hit the string I was told to hit - I had no understanding of why I was doing what I was doing. There was no connection between the strings. I couldn't add notes to fill out the song at all. Brett had me doing that and more in a just the first three lessons!'
"These lessons make it easy for anyone to learn to play the hammered dulcimer, even those with no music experience at all!'
"The only problem I've found with Brett's lessons at all is that he doesn't offer them once a week. I have to wait a whole month for the next one to arrive!"
Mary Boardman, a Very Satisfied Brett Ridgeway for Life Student in Des Moines, IA
"I just recently tried an instructional tape to learn some old hymns. The tape was produced by Brett Ridgeway, and I recommend it highly. He has also produced a tape of old hymns that was exactly what I have been seeking. His manner of teaching is so simple it is unique and a whole hymn can be learned in one day if one will listen and practice along with the tape, There are also some little goodies that have puzzled me up to this point. Mysteries solved! "I have learned all of the hymns and from your instruction have already learned a few more using the techniques and embellishments I have learned from the tapes. It is so encouraging to realize that I can learn even with...a 'tin ear'."
"I (also) recently purchased Brett Ridgeway's set of six instructionals, "Hornpipes, Jigs & Such" and am more than pleased--even elated. Again he teaches in a simple unique way using "vocal tab". He coaches techniques that have improved my playing even in my own personal repertoire. One learns a lot more than just the tunes provided and this reason alone makes them well worth the price. I am convinced that anyone can learn to play the HD. I had purchased the hymn lessons earlier and immediately learned all of them. That is a real accomplishment for me. It is very encouraging! He has a web site or can be reached at his Email address. Visit him!...I highly recommend both sets of lessons." --Lynn Cox, FL
"I've been struggling with my HD for more years than most of today's players have been around. I live in the suburbs of Seattle and have no access to any one close to me that teaches by ear. I've only just started with Brett's tapes but feel that this is the approach that I've been looking for. I don't read music and rely on my hearing to learn tunes. Brett has set up a very simple system that even I can understand. After 20 years of on and off attempts at learning the HD, I'm now beginning to make real progress with Brett's series of instructional tapes. I feel this is a real break through for me and I thank Brett for giving me hope when I'd given up!"
A few weeks later we received this:
"Please put my order in for a second series. I am progressing (slowly) but I'll tell you it's a GREAT improvement over any other method I've tried in the last 20 years! I feel so good about the progress I've made. I'm a sold believer in your teaching methods." --Evie Scott, WA
"Brett, you are truly amazing to come up with these lessons. I've learned so much from the first tape, can't wait to get the rest of them...I've had fun with the lessons, hard to believe I can play from a tape, but you make it so easy. I love the lessons; I plan to buy every one you make... Keep the tapes coming. Bless you." --Karen Bloomer, MI
Karen recently wrote:
"I'm sending my check out tomorrow for the new lessons. I'm learning all the songs from the last tape and can't believe I can play so pretty. Learning things I never thoiught I could, rolls , drones etc. so pretty. Looking forward to the next tapes"
"Thanks for your prompt delivery on the tapes I ordered. My wife and I really enjoy listening to the hymns and the instructional tape is A+. I am a beginning player and your tape makes it so easy to follow and play. I have learned some things that I thought would take me a long time to learn. I look forward to getting the rest of the series and learning them also. Keep up the good work!!" --Jerry Truett , TX
"Brett Ridgeway, has created a great way to teach others how to play the hammered dulcimer. His tapes can teach even those who have no experience with music at all. Brett's voice on the tape is patient, clear and soothing. His instructions are precise and easy to follow. For anyone wanting to learn the hammered dulcimer, Brett's program is an excellent tool to use." --Judy Caudill, PA
"Thanks so much for your tapes. I have just learned "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and really enjoy teaching method. I am looking forward to learning the other fine hymns. I'm eager to order your next sets as well. Your teaching of fill-ins, rolls, drones,etc. is great as well. I am already trying some of these ideas with some Christmas tunes and having a lot of fun." --Janie Bartel, NM
"Well, I must say that I am impressed. I started on the tape on Saturday morning and went right through it. Within an hour, I had it down. Today, I am almost up to speed. It is absolutely the fastest I have ever learned a tune. I think you have a winner with your technique. Keep it up! Thanks again." --- Marion Cashion
"I just wanted to let you know I received my order yesterday! I sat down last
night and have memorized the verse to "Sweet Hour of Prayer". I love it!! I
even got up this morning and played the verse part a couple more times. I
definitely love your method of instruction and it is the way I tend to learn
the best so I am definitely looking forward to learning all the songs." -- Wanda Hinnant
On a personal note, regarding your hammered dulcimer CD lessons, I never would have imagined that I could play a hammered dulcimer. I have always loved the instrument and enjoyed listening to others play it, but just the looks of it alone intimidated me. After watching you share your hammered dulcimer with my students last sememster I felt that I might be able to tackle it. When you shared that you had lessons on CD, I was so excited since I enjoy your style of teaching and felt that I would be able to learn under your direction. I have only been playing a few months and feel as though I have learned so much from your CD lessons. I am grogressing much more quickly than I did on the mountain dulcimer as a result of these lessons. I hope you keep them coming!
--- Anne M. Slanina, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
I received your two CDs - and Wow - the Morrison's Jig - I can acutally play this - your method really worked for me. How do I keep these lessons coming to me?
--- Thanks
Bob Sullivan
Brett,
A sincere and heartfelt thank you for all you've done to teach and inspire Mitch in playing the guitar! You've greatly enabled him to make the most of his gift!
--Greg Pollock