New Years Resolutions for Dulcimerists

A New Year is like a blank book, and your dulcimer is in your hands.
It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. 

By Linda Ratcliff

New Year's Resolutions for Dulcimerists
The New Year is coming up in just a few days, and now is the perfect time to make some musical resolutions! As usual, I've made a list of resolutions that are fun, and they will support any practical music goals you’ve set for yourself.

• Establish a regular practice time. It's not as easy as it sounds to get into a regular routine. Too often, life gets in the way and practice falls on the back burner. But try to find a window of time you can dedicate to practice.
• Expand your practice time by just a little. If you normally practice about 20 minutes, try playing for 30 minutes. If you play for 30 minutes, consider playing for 45 minutes. You will see very steady growth in your skills.
• Start taking lessons, or start AGAIN. There are so many benefits to having a music teacher, If you feel like you've come to a dead end, gone about as far as you can go, find a teacher in your area or join Dulcimer Crossing for online lessons.
• Explore new repertoire. We all have a few favorites when it comes to music genres. But if you always play pieces that sound the same, it can slow down your progress. Step outside the box. Try learning to play the blues, classical music, or bluegrass.
• Play more with others. Jamming with a small group of peers gives you extra practice. In addition, you will probably get some valuable feedback - especially if there are sections that are tripping you up.
• NO MORE SELF-JUDGMENT! Your fear of making mistakes is holding you back. Connect with your music, and don't worry about who might be listening.

The sky is the limit when it comes to learning to play your dulcimer. Whatever resolutions you decide to make, the hardest part will be sticking to them. We believe in you! Happy resolution making, and Happy New Year!