Check This Out ...The episode of the PBS TV series, "Song of the Mountains", featuring Ruth and Steve Smith, will be re-aired Saturday, February 9, at 6 pm on North Carolina Public television UNC-TV. Ruth and Steve perform the second half of the show.
And if you're in the western part of the state this weekend, they will be appearing that very same day, live, at the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC (12-3 pm). It's free!
Showing posts with label dulcimer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dulcimer. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Marya Katz - New Book - "Songs and Tunes from the Time of the Underground Railroad"
A dozen of us spent Monday in Winston Salem at a workshop taught by Marya Katz of Blacksburg, VA. She led us through selected tunes from the collection she has recently put together in her new Dulcimations VI book, entitled "Songs and Tunes from the Time of the Underground Railroad". It seemed a fitting thing to do on January 21, 2013 - Inauguration Day and MLK Day - as the nation celebrated the second inauguration of President Obama and honored the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Music has always been important in the heritage of African people, used for telling stories and bringing people together in common cause. Many believe that the spirituals of the slavery era were used to convey coded messages to help bring the slaves to freedom. It's not difficult to ascribe symbolic meaning to "the promised land" as the north, or "Moses" as a conductor of the underground railroad. At the very least, this music would have served as encouragement as slaves made plans to escape oppression.
During the workshop we had fun playing Steal Away, Tryin' to Get Home, Wade in the Water, The Lord is my Shepherd, and Bonnie Dundee. We played AND sang Follow the Drinking Gourd. That was a challenge!
The book contains 39 tunes ... well-known spirituals as well as several fiddle/banjo tunes from the period .... harmonized and arranged by Marya for solo or ensemble performance. Lyrics are included, as well as interesting trivia.
Marya will be teaching at the Winston Salem Dulcimer Festival, May 3 - 4 (see "Schedule of Events" tab on this blog for more information about the festival).
Interested in Marya's music? Want a copy of the book for yourself?
Here's the link: Marya's website
Music has always been important in the heritage of African people, used for telling stories and bringing people together in common cause. Many believe that the spirituals of the slavery era were used to convey coded messages to help bring the slaves to freedom. It's not difficult to ascribe symbolic meaning to "the promised land" as the north, or "Moses" as a conductor of the underground railroad. At the very least, this music would have served as encouragement as slaves made plans to escape oppression.
During the workshop we had fun playing Steal Away, Tryin' to Get Home, Wade in the Water, The Lord is my Shepherd, and Bonnie Dundee. We played AND sang Follow the Drinking Gourd. That was a challenge!
The book contains 39 tunes ... well-known spirituals as well as several fiddle/banjo tunes from the period .... harmonized and arranged by Marya for solo or ensemble performance. Lyrics are included, as well as interesting trivia.
Marya will be teaching at the Winston Salem Dulcimer Festival, May 3 - 4 (see "Schedule of Events" tab on this blog for more information about the festival).
Interested in Marya's music? Want a copy of the book for yourself?
Here's the link: Marya's website
Friday, January 18, 2013
CTO ... EverythingDulcimer.com
Looking for information about the dulcimer? Wishing you could ask other dulcimer players a question? Needing to buy / sell an instrument? Wondering about dulcimer festivals around the country? Want to be connected to the greater dulcimer community? There's a website for that!
Designed to accommodate players of both hammered and mountain dulcimer, www.EverythingDulcimer.com lives up to its name. You'll find articles, discussion groups, tips for beginners, an events calendar, lists of teachers / performers / instrument builders, classified ads, and ... well ... everything dulcimer! All the content is generated and maintained by subscribers. Log in today to join the fun!
Check This Out ... Go to www.EverythingDulcimer.com
Check out what's hot in dulcimer-land. Take your place in the on-line dulcimer community.
Designed to accommodate players of both hammered and mountain dulcimer, www.EverythingDulcimer.com lives up to its name. You'll find articles, discussion groups, tips for beginners, an events calendar, lists of teachers / performers / instrument builders, classified ads, and ... well ... everything dulcimer! All the content is generated and maintained by subscribers. Log in today to join the fun!
Check This Out ... Go to www.EverythingDulcimer.com
Check out what's hot in dulcimer-land. Take your place in the on-line dulcimer community.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
"Mwa, mwa, mwa, mwa ..."
One of my beginning students was in for a lesson today. She is in the early stages of learning root arpeggio patterns. She has practiced and has had some success in playing the "go to" left hand pattern, widely known as the shed pattern. Today, we tackled the "go to" right hand pattern. I call it the backwards checkmark because that's what it looks like to me and I've never heard a better name for it. Do these funny names mean anything to you?
I could tell she was on information overload. Her eyes were glazing over. Then she laughed, and said my voice sounded just like the teacher in the Charlie Brown specials! In case you can't remember what that sounds like, listen to this 14 second clip: Charlie Brown's teacher's voice
I understand what she's going through. Chords, arpeggios, duplicated notes. Add to that the fact that sometimes you must reach down the instrument to strike a note that goes up in pitch! It's enough to make a person's brain explode. Just give me a good ol' melody line!
Mwa mwa mwas mwa .... But, wait! Hang in there!! The time spent working on chords, arpeggios, inversions, etc is time well spent. In fact, it's necessary if mastery of the instrument is your goal. Believe it. Do it!
I could tell she was on information overload. Her eyes were glazing over. Then she laughed, and said my voice sounded just like the teacher in the Charlie Brown specials! In case you can't remember what that sounds like, listen to this 14 second clip: Charlie Brown's teacher's voice
I understand what she's going through. Chords, arpeggios, duplicated notes. Add to that the fact that sometimes you must reach down the instrument to strike a note that goes up in pitch! It's enough to make a person's brain explode. Just give me a good ol' melody line!
Mwa mwa mwas mwa .... But, wait! Hang in there!! The time spent working on chords, arpeggios, inversions, etc is time well spent. In fact, it's necessary if mastery of the instrument is your goal. Believe it. Do it!
- Get the big picture. Chord patterns are next to and on top of each other all over the instrument. Learn how to find them. Take a workshop. Find a teacher. Read a book.
- Bite off a little at a time. Start simple. Apply ideas to tunes you've been playing for awhile. Learn about chord theory. Play backup to tunes you know using the chord progression as a road map.
- Add complexity. Learn about chord inversions, 7 chords, interesting rhythms. Remind yourself of the big picture. Try more ideas in meaningful tune settings.
- Keep at it. One day, you, too, will be fluent in Charlie Brown teacher talk!
PS .... Do you have a better name for the Right Hand root arpeggio pattern?... the one I call "backwards checkmark"? I'd love to hear what it is! Comment below ...
Friday, January 11, 2013
CTO ... Need help figuring out how to play back-up?
There’s
nothing magic about playing back-up. It must be
practiced! Jam sessions have a
spontaneous feel, but you can be sure that those who appear to be playing with
abandon have spent plenty of time honing their chops. If there’s a session tune you love, work out
a back-up plan so you’re ready to spring into action!
The
thrill of knowing a tune that’s being played in a group setting can quickly turn
to boredom after you’ve played it through the umpteenth time. What to do?
- Know the tune
- Know the chord progression
- Know how to play chord patterns
- Know the rhythm of different types of tunes
- Work out your ideas and practice them
- Have fun!
Sue Wilson, teaching at the monthly HD Slow Jam
January 13, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Topic: Playing Back-up, Level of Play: Advanced Beginners
Registration fee: $25
Community of Christ Church, 912 W Chatham St, Cary
For information or to register for the workshop contact Viola
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
How much practice? Just Do It!
I'm going to let someone else do the writing today. This essay was written by Randy Marchany, originally posted to the hammered dulcimer listserv on 2/15/2008, reprinted on Randy's blog on 8/14/2011, and used here by permission. It was a response to the question, "How much should one practice?"
Randy Marchany's self-described interests are cyber-security, music, and volleyball. I'm not sure in which order he would prioritize the three! He's a great teacher, a fabulous musician, and an awesome entertainer. You may find him at dulcimer gatherings as part of the dynamic dulcimer teaching duo, "Randy & Wes" (Chappell). They, in turn, are both part of the award winning quartet "No Strings Attached". See links at the end of this post. And now, without further ado ...
Just do it!
Can't tell you how many times we've seen our students hover over the correct note to hit but they can't bring themselves to hit it. We whisper in their ear "just hit it" and magically it happens.
For those book learners, there is a great book called "This is Your Brain on Music" by D.J. Levitin. There's a great section that deals with talent and being a virtuoso. The author claims that research studies show it's 10,000 hours of practice makes a virtuoso and not talent. Studies maintain that 10K hours of practice are required to become a 'world class expert in anything'. 10K hours of practice is the equivalent of 3 hours/day of practice for at least 10 years. After playing with a bunch of yang-qin players, I'm convinced this is true.
One cohort of HD player/festival instructors (Ken, Linda, Rick, Karen, Nick, Dan, Russell, Dana, John, myself, Wes, etc.) is at a certain skill level simply because of the number of years we've played the HD. The more senior cohort of Sam, Malcolm, Walt, Paul simply have more hours than we do. The younger player/instructors like the Tinas, Brenda, Sam, and others are at another "practice" level. In other words, the 3 cohorts I mentioned (and there are a ton more) are at different spots in the 10K practice cycle.
I personally believe that PRACTICE gives you the skill set you need to be creative. TALENT is how you put everything together. The less you have to think about HOW to do something, the more you can think about WHAT to do. Bottom line is that to become a better player, you must practice.
The amount of practice depends on what else is going on in your life and your motivation to become a better player. Play to enjoy the music, practice appropriately. Play to become a performer, practice accordingly. Play to match the international players, start now because 10 years is a long time! ~ Randy Marchany
Randy Marchany's self-described interests are cyber-security, music, and volleyball. I'm not sure in which order he would prioritize the three! He's a great teacher, a fabulous musician, and an awesome entertainer. You may find him at dulcimer gatherings as part of the dynamic dulcimer teaching duo, "Randy & Wes" (Chappell). They, in turn, are both part of the award winning quartet "No Strings Attached". See links at the end of this post. And now, without further ado ...
Just do it!
Can't tell you how many times we've seen our students hover over the correct note to hit but they can't bring themselves to hit it. We whisper in their ear "just hit it" and magically it happens.
For those book learners, there is a great book called "This is Your Brain on Music" by D.J. Levitin. There's a great section that deals with talent and being a virtuoso. The author claims that research studies show it's 10,000 hours of practice makes a virtuoso and not talent. Studies maintain that 10K hours of practice are required to become a 'world class expert in anything'. 10K hours of practice is the equivalent of 3 hours/day of practice for at least 10 years. After playing with a bunch of yang-qin players, I'm convinced this is true.
One cohort of HD player/festival instructors (Ken, Linda, Rick, Karen, Nick, Dan, Russell, Dana, John, myself, Wes, etc.) is at a certain skill level simply because of the number of years we've played the HD. The more senior cohort of Sam, Malcolm, Walt, Paul simply have more hours than we do. The younger player/instructors like the Tinas, Brenda, Sam, and others are at another "practice" level. In other words, the 3 cohorts I mentioned (and there are a ton more) are at different spots in the 10K practice cycle.
I personally believe that PRACTICE gives you the skill set you need to be creative. TALENT is how you put everything together. The less you have to think about HOW to do something, the more you can think about WHAT to do. Bottom line is that to become a better player, you must practice.
The amount of practice depends on what else is going on in your life and your motivation to become a better player. Play to enjoy the music, practice appropriately. Play to become a performer, practice accordingly. Play to match the international players, start now because 10 years is a long time! ~ Randy Marchany
Friday, January 4, 2013
CTO ... Finale NotePad, Your FREE introduction to musical notation software
Many of my students are beginning to apply their own ideas to tune arrangements. Yippee! That means I'm doing my job! But once a person starts having ideas, the challenge becomes how to remember those ideas. There are several approaches. Pick one that works best for you!
Check This Out ... Download Finale NotePad today. It's your FREE introduction to musical notation software. Discover how easy it is to put your musical ideas into print, to hear your ideas played back, and to share written music with your friends ... and with your teacher!
- Record yourself using one of many available recording devices.
- Develop a personal type of short-hand to describe ideas in a way that jogs your memory. Keep a notebook of ideas, or write the notes directly onto printed music sheets from which you've learned the basic tune.
- Write out your musical ideas by hand using blank music staff paper.
- Write out your ideas using computer software designed especially for notating music, i.e. word-processing for music.
Of course, there are many products out there. Research them for yourself. Personally, I got started many years ago with the free Finale NotePad. While the free version does have its limitations, I have to say it has served me well. I can't imagine teaching without it! Recently, I upgraded to Finale PrintMusic. It has way more bells and whistles, and allows me more control in formatting the page.
I've always printed out copies of sheet music as needed, but more and more I'm finding the need to make files available to my students through email and the web. This year I'll be encouraging my students to download the free version of NotePad so I can easily share my sheet music files via the internet. And BONUS ... with an electronic file, not only can you read the music, but NotePad will play the music back to you with high-quality sound.
Check This Out ... Download Finale NotePad today. It's your FREE introduction to musical notation software. Discover how easy it is to put your musical ideas into print, to hear your ideas played back, and to share written music with your friends ... and with your teacher!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Playing More Music ... High on Your New Year's Resolution List?
Happy New Year!
Friends and family have returned home. I've just put the last of the egg nog into a bundt cake batter. Today's the first workday of the year for many. And while the Christmas tree still looks good in the corner over there - I may hold out for the entire 12 days of Christmas this year - holiday festivities are behind us, punctuated by the grand celebration of the arrival of the new year. It's time to assess where we are in life and move forward with intention!
Are you thinking about taking your hammered dulcimer skills up a notch? Maybe you need a little boost in the right direction? A few lessons can really give you a jump-start, increasing your understanding of what is needed to master the instrument and providing good motivation to keep at it.
There are several good instructional opportunities coming up in the not-too-distant future.
If private lessons are on your list of things to do in the new year, come and see me in Pittsboro. Lessons begin again next week. Your time slot is waiting! Details at www.SueWilsonDulcimer.com
Friends and family have returned home. I've just put the last of the egg nog into a bundt cake batter. Today's the first workday of the year for many. And while the Christmas tree still looks good in the corner over there - I may hold out for the entire 12 days of Christmas this year - holiday festivities are behind us, punctuated by the grand celebration of the arrival of the new year. It's time to assess where we are in life and move forward with intention!
Are you thinking about taking your hammered dulcimer skills up a notch? Maybe you need a little boost in the right direction? A few lessons can really give you a jump-start, increasing your understanding of what is needed to master the instrument and providing good motivation to keep at it.
There are several good instructional opportunities coming up in the not-too-distant future.
- Dulcimer Winter Weekend, January 3-6, Lake Junaluska (this coming weekend!)
- Chords and Back Up, for advancing beginners, Yours Truly, January 13, Cary
- Tunes from the Time of the Underground Railroad, Marya Katz, January 21, Winston-Salem
If private lessons are on your list of things to do in the new year, come and see me in Pittsboro. Lessons begin again next week. Your time slot is waiting! Details at www.SueWilsonDulcimer.com
Friday, December 28, 2012
CTO ... Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival Poster, Corrected
I posted this announcement several weeks ago. It turns out the date for the concert was incorrect on the original poster. Here's the corrected version. Feel free to share with other dulcimer enthusiasts. Don't miss this fantastic dulcimer event, right here in our own "backyard". Make plans to attend. Mark your calendars today!
Check This Out ... The website is still under construction, but you can get a sneak preview of what's being planned for the Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival at W-S Dulcimer Fest 2013
Check This Out ... The website is still under construction, but you can get a sneak preview of what's being planned for the Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival at W-S Dulcimer Fest 2013
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Playing Music for Others is the Greatest Gift
I'm continually surprised at the people I run across in the community who make a point of telling me how much they have enjoyed hearing my music. It happens quite frequently this time of year because I've been "out" there a lot, performing special music during church worship services, presenting programs at holiday events, playing at private parties. People get quite specific about how a particular tune made them feel, or how the ambiance of the evening changed their mood. It's clear to me that music touches us deeply, and one never knows how far-reaching the effect might be.
One thing I have learned for sure. The opportunity to play music for others is a gift. It's not about me. It's not about the beautiful arrangements and carefully worked out medleys. It's not about a perfectly executed program. It's simply about the music. It's about the real-time energy that flows from me ... my heart, my mind, my soul ... through my hands, into the hammers, onto the strings, and through the air, creating an ocean of sound that washes over the listener, awakening him / her to a different way of being.
Let us all aspire to use that great Ocean of Sound to serve the way of understanding and love.
One thing I have learned for sure. The opportunity to play music for others is a gift. It's not about me. It's not about the beautiful arrangements and carefully worked out medleys. It's not about a perfectly executed program. It's simply about the music. It's about the real-time energy that flows from me ... my heart, my mind, my soul ... through my hands, into the hammers, onto the strings, and through the air, creating an ocean of sound that washes over the listener, awakening him / her to a different way of being.
Let us all aspire to use that great Ocean of Sound to serve the way of understanding and love.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
CTO ... Ruth Smith's Music Keeps Me Sane
I stuck Steve and Ruth Smith's holiday recording, "An Appalachian Winter", into my car's cd player a couple of weeks ago, and there it has stayed, keeping me company as I drive around town, completing the many errands that must be accomplished this time of year. Gentle instrumentals, played from the heart ... just the thing to cultivate a little calm at the center of this busy time!
Check This Out ... If you haven't heard Steve and Ruth's music, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Steve and Ruth Smith - Appalachian Winter
Check This Out ... If you haven't heard Steve and Ruth's music, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Steve and Ruth Smith - Appalachian Winter
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
'Tis the week before Christmas ...
... and all through the house, not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care. The decorated tree looks good over there.
And I'm in my 'jammies, despite things to do, but, boy, am I sick! At least it's not flu.
Just when you think you've got everything figured out and neatly fit into a manageable schedule, life throws a curve ball (or three) forcing a re-prioritization of "things". That's how the last few days have been around here. You never know what the day will bring!
But at the end of the day, it does help to remember ....
What is done, is done;
What is left undone, remains undone.
From my cozy perch on the couch, covered with a blanket of fleece, I'm thinking about what gives me joy ... the presence of family and friends, gathering around the table - even for something as simple as soup and bread, watching the effects of Christmas magic on the face of a child, singing songs of old.
Today I don't have any profound dulcimer-playing words of wisdom other than this ...
Do what you love ~ love what you do. Take time to play some music!
The Light is descending, hopes are high. Embrace your family, the solstice is nigh.
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care. The decorated tree looks good over there.
And I'm in my 'jammies, despite things to do, but, boy, am I sick! At least it's not flu.
Just when you think you've got everything figured out and neatly fit into a manageable schedule, life throws a curve ball (or three) forcing a re-prioritization of "things". That's how the last few days have been around here. You never know what the day will bring!
But at the end of the day, it does help to remember ....
What is done, is done;
What is left undone, remains undone.
From my cozy perch on the couch, covered with a blanket of fleece, I'm thinking about what gives me joy ... the presence of family and friends, gathering around the table - even for something as simple as soup and bread, watching the effects of Christmas magic on the face of a child, singing songs of old.
Today I don't have any profound dulcimer-playing words of wisdom other than this ...
Do what you love ~ love what you do. Take time to play some music!
The Light is descending, hopes are high. Embrace your family, the solstice is nigh.
Friday, December 14, 2012
CTO ... Snark tuners make great stocking stuffers!
I just placed an order for a bunch of Snark SN-2 Chromatic Tuners, taking advantage of a $0 shipping and handling deal on Amazon. If anyone is having a tuning emergency, they'll be here before Christmas!
I keep tuners on hand for my students, and I love the Snark. It's so easy to use! It clips right onto your instrument, so no separate wire and contact mic. It's convenient, precise, and reasonably priced. And the ones I ordered today are RED!
Check This Out ... Looking for the perfect little stocking stuffer for the musician in your life? Or the next cool gadget to keep in your gig bag? Check out the Snark tuners.
PS Be sure to shop around! You'll see quite a variation in prices. You should be able to find the chromatic Snark online for $10-15.
I keep tuners on hand for my students, and I love the Snark. It's so easy to use! It clips right onto your instrument, so no separate wire and contact mic. It's convenient, precise, and reasonably priced. And the ones I ordered today are RED!
Check This Out ... Looking for the perfect little stocking stuffer for the musician in your life? Or the next cool gadget to keep in your gig bag? Check out the Snark tuners.
PS Be sure to shop around! You'll see quite a variation in prices. You should be able to find the chromatic Snark online for $10-15.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Make Your Practice REAL
I hear my students complain about how hard it is to maintain a decent level of enthusiasm for practicing. Here's an idea ... schedule a gig for yourself. It's a great way to make your practice more meaningful. It gives you a deadline and forces you to focus on getting it right.
If you're feeling shy, start by playing background music. One of my long-time dulcimer buddies refers to this as "potted plant" music. Believe me, playing in the background and playing on stage are two different experiences. Do yourself a favor. Take yourself out of the limelight. In some settings, the audience won't even know live music is being played. They'll think it's a cd!
What's that you say? Nobody's beating down the door with invitations for you to play? No worries! There are plenty of ways to make your own gigs.
My first public appearance was at a fundraiser ... a contra dance sponsored by our local non-profit Education Foundation. Without much fanfare, I set up my dulcimer in the middle of the floor during "intermission". I played a few tunes. I don't think many folks paid much attention. But Jim did. He happened to be assistant coach of my son's soccer team. As I was packing up he approached me and said, "I didn't know you played the hammered dulcimer! I play the fiddle. We should get together and play some music sometime." That's how Blue Moon Rising got started. The two of us invited two other friends and formed a band that played together for 10 + years.
So, use your imagination. Put yourself out there! You never know what it might lead to. And it might be just the thing to take your practice and playing to the next level.
PS ... This time of year, some venues are overrun with do-gooders, and I do mean that in the most positive way. Scout troops, Sunday school classes, amateur musicians :-) are all thinking about caroling and looking for ways to spread good cheer. Think about scheduling an appearance in January or February when entertainment is more scarce.
If you're feeling shy, start by playing background music. One of my long-time dulcimer buddies refers to this as "potted plant" music. Believe me, playing in the background and playing on stage are two different experiences. Do yourself a favor. Take yourself out of the limelight. In some settings, the audience won't even know live music is being played. They'll think it's a cd!
What's that you say? Nobody's beating down the door with invitations for you to play? No worries! There are plenty of ways to make your own gigs.
- Play at a family gathering or neighborhood party.
- Play at church, nursing homes, the VA hospital, or your local Hospice facility.
- Present an Elder-Hostel program.
- Support your favorite non-profit organization by playing at a fundraising event.
- Play in the park or at your local farmers' market.
- Provide music during brunch or sign up for open mic at your favorite local cafe.
- You may be sick of politics, but political functions are great places to hone performance skills.
My first public appearance was at a fundraiser ... a contra dance sponsored by our local non-profit Education Foundation. Without much fanfare, I set up my dulcimer in the middle of the floor during "intermission". I played a few tunes. I don't think many folks paid much attention. But Jim did. He happened to be assistant coach of my son's soccer team. As I was packing up he approached me and said, "I didn't know you played the hammered dulcimer! I play the fiddle. We should get together and play some music sometime." That's how Blue Moon Rising got started. The two of us invited two other friends and formed a band that played together for 10 + years.
So, use your imagination. Put yourself out there! You never know what it might lead to. And it might be just the thing to take your practice and playing to the next level.
PS ... This time of year, some venues are overrun with do-gooders, and I do mean that in the most positive way. Scout troops, Sunday school classes, amateur musicians :-) are all thinking about caroling and looking for ways to spread good cheer. Think about scheduling an appearance in January or February when entertainment is more scarce.
Friday, December 7, 2012
CTO ... Plans for Winston-Salem Dulcimer Fest are Underway
Check This Out ... Hot off the press! What a line up!
The Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival takes place annually on the first full weekend of May. It's a great place to meet up with old and new dulcimer buddies. Expect top-notch instruction, inspiring and entertaining concerts, jam sessions, dulcimer related cd's, books, and accessories for sale, and a whole lot of fun ... right here in central NC. Mark you calendar now and make plans to attend!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Silence as Technique in Music
One of the challenges and creative thrills in playing the hammered dulcimer is coming up with your own arrangements. If anyone had told me 15 years ago that I would be arranging my own music I would have laughed in disbelief. But it happens. As you learn your way around the instrument - practicing scales and chords, increasing your repertoire, accumulating ideas from other player's arrangements - you fill up your own bag of tricks. You develop opinions about what you like to hear and what you like to play. Out of this, your personal style emerges.
Now, the "bag of tricks" can be quite complex. But today I have one thing on my mind ... fill notes.
One arrangement idea is to fill "space" in a tune using arpeggiated chords, pieces of chords, pieces of scales, drone notes - or some combination of all these things - as "fill notes". The technique can be very effective. It creates a full sound. The instrument is laid out perfectly for it. It's fun! AND ... it's easy to get carried away. Don't overdo it! Plan for "empty" spaces.
Now, the "bag of tricks" can be quite complex. But today I have one thing on my mind ... fill notes.
One arrangement idea is to fill "space" in a tune using arpeggiated chords, pieces of chords, pieces of scales, drone notes - or some combination of all these things - as "fill notes". The technique can be very effective. It creates a full sound. The instrument is laid out perfectly for it. It's fun! AND ... it's easy to get carried away. Don't overdo it! Plan for "empty" spaces.
- Let the tune "breathe". It will give you (and your listener) the opportunity to breathe.
- Give the melody its own space. The melody is THE thing and should always come through loud and clear ... or at least more loudly than the accompanying notes. Avoid crowding the melody by surrounding it with too much fluff.
- Leave some notes out. While it might be instructional and useful to your practice to fill every eighth note division of time, it's often more pleasing to the listener to leave some space. You'll find that even some melody notes are dispensable. It's OK to eliminate notes that are not critical to the bare bones of the tune.
- Use dynamics. It's never too early in your playing career to start thinking about dynamics, i.e. playing more or less loudly. Lighten up on the fill notes to allow the melody to shine through.
- Record yourself and listen with a critical ear. Can you hear the melody? Is it too busy? Is there room to breathe? Are you satisfied or worn out in the end? Make adjustments.
Good luck incorporating more "space" into your arrangements. Here's one jazz musician's take on The Role of Silence in Music .
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Attitude of Gratitude
I love the Thanksgiving holiday. The main event is all about gathering with family and friends and sharing good food ... two of my favorite things! Around our house, the extra long weekend tends to be relaxed, with plenty of time to indulge oneself in projects, games, long walks ... and, of course, playing lots of music.
This year we were on the road for Thanksgiving, but I toted an instrument along, just in case. With 28 folks expected for the "big" dinner celebrating Thanksgiving AND my mother's 72nd birthday there wasn't much time or space for the dulcimer. But in between the ample appetizers and the fantastic feast I did manage to get in a few familiar tunes, including these Thanksgiving classics ... Over the River and Through the Woods, We Gather Together to Ask the Lord's Blessing, and of course, Turkey in the Straw.
So, here come the holidays ... and the tone is about to be amped up, thanks to the associated hype that surrounds us. No matter how you and your loved ones participate in the holiday season, the cultural environment in which we live can get pretty intense this time of year. Set your intention now - while "giving thanks" is still on your mind - to approach it all with an attitude of gratitude.
Between now and the end of the year, start each day by acknowledging one thing for which you are thankful. Think of something different every day. Write it down, if you want. Or say a little prayer. Make up a mantra. Reward yourself with a chocolate kiss. Whatever! Have fun with it.
I'll get you started. Today, I'm thankful for the gift of music. As I practice and prepare for holiday gigs, my intention for my music is to start at the beginning, to play through to the end, and to play with joy and gratitude for the gift of music and the opportunity to share it.
I wish you joy in the coming weeks ... along with a heaping helping of sanity!
This year we were on the road for Thanksgiving, but I toted an instrument along, just in case. With 28 folks expected for the "big" dinner celebrating Thanksgiving AND my mother's 72nd birthday there wasn't much time or space for the dulcimer. But in between the ample appetizers and the fantastic feast I did manage to get in a few familiar tunes, including these Thanksgiving classics ... Over the River and Through the Woods, We Gather Together to Ask the Lord's Blessing, and of course, Turkey in the Straw.
So, here come the holidays ... and the tone is about to be amped up, thanks to the associated hype that surrounds us. No matter how you and your loved ones participate in the holiday season, the cultural environment in which we live can get pretty intense this time of year. Set your intention now - while "giving thanks" is still on your mind - to approach it all with an attitude of gratitude.
Between now and the end of the year, start each day by acknowledging one thing for which you are thankful. Think of something different every day. Write it down, if you want. Or say a little prayer. Make up a mantra. Reward yourself with a chocolate kiss. Whatever! Have fun with it.
I'll get you started. Today, I'm thankful for the gift of music. As I practice and prepare for holiday gigs, my intention for my music is to start at the beginning, to play through to the end, and to play with joy and gratitude for the gift of music and the opportunity to share it.
I wish you joy in the coming weeks ... along with a heaping helping of sanity!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Ted Yoder Visits the Triangle
I met a new-to-me hammered dulcimer player the other night. Ted Yoder, of Indiana, performed a house concert in Durham on Sunday evening. He presented an informal program of original and familiar tunes, including such crowd-pleasers as Chocolate Skies (the title track of his new cd), Bach's Cello Suite, Carol of the Bells, and Eleanor Rigby. Now that's diversity!
On top of that, he accompanied himself on a few vocal pieces. I'm not talking about striking little chords here and there in between phrases. He was playing full out arpeggiated chords throughout the entire song! A member of the audience asked if singing and playing at the same time is difficult. He said no, that his experience singing with the piano helped. Impressive! I would have given a different answer to that question.
Ted's background in piano is evident in his varied repertoire and his use of interesting chord progressions. He plays with the deftness of a drummer ... hand separation, stick control, rhythmic variety ... but denies having previous percussion experience. I consider Ted to be a member of the "new generation" of hammered dulcimer players. His percussive style breaks away from the more traditional manner of play. Yet, with that full wall of sound he has enough control of the dynamic range to allow the melody to stand out.
I'm inspired to incorporate some of this type of play into my own practice ... better hammer control and better execution of complex rhythms seem like good goals. And I have to admit - I do have damper lust!
Click here for more info: Ted Yoder's Music
PS It was great seeing some of my students and dulcimer buddies at the concert, too! I'm curious ... Are you ready to "yoderize" some of your arrangements?
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