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

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.

Monday's Muse

"Good enough."  ~  Sue Wilson

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

'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.

Monday's Muse

"There is no boundary between the music and myself.  The thin layer that separated me from it has dissolved.  Now, I am the music.  This is a time of great joy."
~ Ravi Shankar
RIP April 7, 1920 - December 11, 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.