Class descriptions - WSDF 2025

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Mountain Dulcimer with Nancy Galambush:

A Day of Musical Inspirations  (Intermediate and up )

It may come as a surprise to learn that composers working on "new" materials may be "inspired" to use/borrow/steal from music written by others. In this class we'll be looking at Pop tunes and Hymns "inspired" by Classical music.  We will also look at the reverse, Classical music which was “inspired” by folk tunes.  Be prepared for a full day of . . . Oh, let's call it inspiration.  While learning all this music (and being inspired by it), we will work on  chords, making playing easier through thoughtful fingering and working out appropriate strumming for each piece.  Please bring a capo.  

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Hammered Dulcimer with Marya Katz:

Holy Modal (“Beyond Beginner” level)

Most sacred songs are either in major or minor tonality; this course will feature tunes in three of the ancient church modes: Dorian, Mixolydian, and Aeolian (also minor, but without the raised 7th in the harmony – ie., the “natural” minor).  We’ll explore several of these melodies during the morning session; then, in the afternoon, try some 3- or 4-part arrangements of the same tunes.  While this workshop is focused specifically on the hammered dulcimer, other instruments are welcome to come learn the tunes as long as the participants realize that they will simply need to follow standard music notation, with little to no assistance from the instructor.  Be prepared to enjoy some hauntingly lovely music!

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Bowed Dulcimer with Ken Bloom:

Morning - All Levels --the use of both hands will be examined with a goal for using them in the most ergonomic and least painful way. Making gravity your friend is key to this.  Along the way, we will also look at all the many resources that a dulcimer player has for more expressive playing such as dynamics, attack,  and artistic considerations. Open to all levels. Beginners can profit from this careful examination of playing methods as well as more experienced players.

We will also look at using both left and right hands to bring out more expression. This is accomplished by a more ergonomic use of your hands as well as focusing on what you want to say with each piece of music you attempt.

In the afternoon - We will look at each individual in the workshop and how each one can improve their playing. For some it is a better understanding of the fingerboard. For others it is a more effective use of the bow. For others it might be an expanded concept of music. Everyone is welcome but this will focus on more experienced players.