Learn to play the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer or learn to play better! In this fun three day workshop, we will start at the beginning, from the correct way to hold your instrument, to basic and rhythmic strumming, flat-picking, and fingerpicking, how to play in different octaves and playing "up the neck", back-up and lead, chords, as well as exploring various techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, chokes, and more. You will be playing a tune within the first five minutes of the workshop and will gain the tools and understanding necessary to play proficiently by the end of it! There is no need to read music or have any prior musical ability.
Several tunes will be taught, and you will leave with an understanding sufficient enough to continue learning on your own. It is recommend to bring a dulcimer capo (available for purchase with prior notice). There are a very limited number of mountain dulcimers available to rent with prior notice. This is not only a great introduction to this traditional instrument, but will get you well on your way to becoming an accomplished instrumentalist!
Brett Ridgeway currently teaches private and group lessons on an almost daily basis. He is the longest standing instructor of traditional and Appalachian intruments at the GitterPicker String Factory in Twinsburg, Ohio. Brett is also on faculty at the Willoughby School of Fine Arts, in Willoughby, Ohio. He is founder of the Laurel Highlands Dulcimer Workshop in Farmington, Pennsylvania and also a standing contributor to performances and workshops at Historic Roscoe Village, Coshocton, OH including their Dulcimer Days Festival, the oldest dulcimer festival in the eastern United States. His dedicated love for traditional American music is why he works to educate others about this style of music. Brett's philosophy is simple yet far reaching: "anyone can make music, regardless of age, musical ability or knowledge...or any other excuse someone can come up with"! Brett Ridgeway has been teaching stringed instruments for 30 years and currently has over fifty students. He has produced several HD CD lessons and is consistently receiving requests for more. This is a good opportunity to have an intimate, personal, and fun workshop that will teach you to not just play tunes, but to play and understand your instrument! He has taught students from three years old to folks nearing their nineties!
Touchstone Center for Crafts
Farmington, Pennsylvania
Contact & Scheduling:
724-329-1370 phone
724-329-1371 fax
