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hammered dulcimer
Learning the notes on hammered dulcimer (Tuning Game)
by Steve Eulberg 
People always ask me if it is necessary to read music in order to play the hammered dulcimer. My answer is always the same, "No, it is not necessary. But it can be good tool." It IS necessary to know which notes you have on your instrument in order to tune it, however. And learning that is a LOT more fun if you have a game to play to help you learn! 
When I first started playing hammered dulcimer, I used a vocal pitch pipe to match pitches with the strings and I found it a lo…
Cimbalom Player Sighting!
by Steve Eulberg Author Annie Dillard counsels that things come to the one who is observant. (warning--non-dulcimer content: She's a terrific author--I highly recommend Pilgrim at Tinker's Creek, An American Childhood, and Teaching a Stone to Talk. Now, back to dulcimer content:) There was an open door at the end of the hall on the floor where the Private Guerilla Showcases were being held and I peeked inside to see what kind of music was happening there (I was at the FarWest Regional gatheri…
Hammered Dulcimer Player Sighting!
by Steve Eulberg At the FarWest Regional meeting of the Folk Alliance in Eugene, Oregon, Oct 20-23, 2011, I was able to hear this lyrical hammered dulcimer player for the first time.
Carolyn Cruso, from Orcas, Washington, plays in a spirited way bringing music from mystical places. As we talked, I realized that my workshops at Dusty Strings (Seattle) the previous weekend, included one of her new beginner students. Let her know you appreciate her playing! www.carolyncruso.com
Angle of Attack?
by Steve Eulberg A common question heard from and debated among hammered dulcimer players is: “What is the best angle to use for playing?” From the images I've included here of my friends, you can tell the answer varies widely from player to player, and even (within the player) from situation to situation and day to day. These are the extremes that you can readily see. 
But I've seen each of these players also choose to play use different angles to play, depending upon their situation. Bill …
How should I practice? The 5 Finger-Regimen
by Steve Eulberg I hear this question all the time from students in my private studio, from my Jamplay.com guitar students and dulcimercrossing.com students. The Five-Finger Practice Regimen is what I always suggest:
1. Tune up.
It doesn't matter what instrument you play, it will sound better (and therefore encourage your practice) if it is in tune. [Note for hammered dulcimer players: Tune ALL the strings on the instrument, not just the ones you use most!! A significant part of the hammere…
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