Marya Katz Releases New Book of Hammered Dulcimer Arrangements

This past Monday I attended Marya Katz's all-day workshop called, "A Toast to the Table" or "Eat, Drink, and be Merry!" in which she taught tune arrangements from her newly self-published book, Dulcimations VII. The tunes in the new book (61 in all) have titles related somehow to food and drink and having fun with friends. Sounds inviting, doesn't it?

The really fun thing about these arrangements is they are designed to be played with a friend! Each tune has been arranged as a duet … one person plays the tune, the other plays a harmony line or a rhythmic backup. Each part in itself is not too complex, but together they create a beautiful sound.

Suggested chord progressions are included, and while Marya's arrangements have been written with hammered dulcimer players in mind, they would be appropriate for other instruments as well. Perhaps you have a friend who plays the dulcimer ... or the recorder, or the guitar, or something else. You've been thinking it would be fun to try playing some music together, but you don't know where to start. This book gives you that starting place.

Playing music with friends is one of the most satisfying and enjoyable things I do for fun. I encourage everyone to find a music buddy and start having fun!

Bonus:  It's a sure way to give your playing a boost!