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Technology--Tool or Crutch?
By Linda Ratcliff
Technology can be an amazing aid — as long as you don't get too dependent on it.
There are free or low-cost apps you can load on your cell phone and iPad, such as a metronome and a tuner, which are essential tools for practicing.
And, of course, Dulcimer Crossing's online lessons include videos and animations – which make practice time fun.
However, some students are TOO DEPENDENT on the technology aids. They feel discouraged if they can’t play a tune exactly the way it i…
Music is the Best Medicine
by Linda Ratcliff
Researchers at Brunel University in the United Kingdom studied the relationship between music and patients undergoing surgery.
The study followed about 7,000 patients, and discovered that patients who listened to music before and after their surgery recovered more quickly than those who didn’t. In addition, they found that those who listened to music depended less on their painkillers.
So, I am wondering – what about patients who PLAY music?
Could there be an increase in recove…
Performance Anxiety
by Linda Ratcliff
Stage fright is experiencing intense feelings of nervousness before or while you’re playing your instrument in front of people. In fact, it is also called performance anxiety.
But the truth is, when we feel this way, we are determining the outcome in our imagination before it actually happens. We are visualizing a complete mess-up, and we expect to either strike or strum the wrong strings at any moment.
You’re not alone.
When I used to perform on the piano, I remember standing …
What Do I Want to Accomplish Today?
by Linda Ratcliff
Sometimes I practice from a list. For example, right now every chance I get, I am playing through all the patriotic tunes I know – since the 4th of July is right around the corner.
However, just playing through my list isn't the same thing as practicing.
Before I begin to practice, I need to think more about what I want to accomplish with my limited practice time.
Maybe I should focus more on the patriotic tune I find the hardest, breaking it down line by line.
Maybe I should …
New Video Explains DulcimerCrossing
We are excited to unveil a new 30 second explanation of what DulcimerCrossing is all about! Watch below:
Click here to join today! Spread the news! Like this video using the heart icon. Share this video with your friends using the little paper airplane icon.
[note: this is an historical video, our website looks differently today.]
Introducing a New Instructor!
DulcimerCrossing is excited to welcome Aubrey Atwater 
(of Atwater-Donnelly) to the instructional team. Aubrey teaches mountain dulcimer, from the Jean Ritchie family tradition. Visit the Teacher Page and watch her introduction video. Or, visit the Live Events page and watch the highlight video of her recent Premium Concert Window Show. Subscribe here, to have access to all of her lessons!
Neal Hellman Featured in Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast
Wayne Jiang and Patricia Delich host this informative conversation with players of the mountain dulcimer across the country and across genres. This edition features samples of music from several of Steve's recordings:
Neal Hellman has played the mountain dulcimer for more than 40 years and is the founder, director, and one of the primary artists on the Gourd Music record label. Gourd Music recordings ar…
Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast
Wayne Jiang and Patricia Delich host this informative conversation with players of the mountain dulcimer across the country and across genres. This edition features samples of music from several of Steve's recordings:
Music: • Black Tail Weasel from the CD Old School Old Time (2012) • Spotted Pony from the CD Old School Old Time (2012) • Dancing with Wu-Li from the CD I Celebrate Life! (2005) • Seto…
Playing with a Backing Track
Steve Eulberg demonstrates the beginning of a new Lesson Series at DulcimerCrossing.com: Playing Mountain Dulcimer with a Blues Backing Track.
He will demonstrate the Pentatonic Minor Box and how to move it around the fretboard to find the notes that will work for playing Blues in the key of E on an instrument tuned to DAd. (He also describes this process in his book, Playing Blues on the Mountain Dulcimer, which is available for sale on his website here: OR, Free to his Patrons on Pa…
Backing Tracks Library
Here is a view of the new Backing Tracks Library which is a resource at DulcimerCrossing.com for Premium Members. Backing tracks are a way to play along with a "band" while not having to worry about any egos (yours or theirs!) or other people who are going to get knocked off track when you make an error. (You'll notice I didn't say "if"!) Steve uses these to get comfortable making and recovering from the errors and slips that inevitably come when playing music. And sometimes, these "happy acci…
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