DXing Workshop: Karen Ashbrook
Bringing Melodies To Life: Dressing Tips and Techniques
Thurs Jan 7th, 5 pm MST
Warm a Winter's Day with Improvising with Modal Pentatonic Scales with Karen Ashbrook
Workshop level: level 3 (intermediate) to 4 (int/adv)
Workshop description: Pentatonic scales are found in many cultures around the world. They provide an easy entry to improvising while creating music that nurtures your soul and for others. We'll explore different ethnic and modal scales, along with chord progressions to enhance the music. (Aimed at Intermediate/Level 3 and up)
For 50+ years, Maggie’s Music Artist Karen Ashbrook, has been a pioneer and advocate in the revival of the hammered dulcimer. From her home in the Washington, DC area, she has shared the magic of the resonating dulcimer strings with the children who attended her “hedge schools” in Irish culture, to the elderly and infirm with whom she engages as a certified therapeutic musician. She performs virtually, internationally and domestically, often with her husband, Belgian multi-instrumentalist Paul Oorts as the duo "KA/PO–music from the cultural crossroads of Europe."
The Maryland State Arts Council recognized her as a Master of Hammered Dulcimer with an Apprenticeship Folklife Award in 2021.f
"Hands of the Healer–Gentle Music for the Spirit" is her newest CD showcasing her love of music for wellness and the beauty of the dulcimer.
Her subscription app/website “Dulcimer with Heart” has monthly gatherings, new tunes, and jams (including Paul!) that emphasize chordal work in a festive communal atmosphere. Free trials available! The final run of her popular virtual 8-week course “The Mystery of Modes” starts this February, 2027.
