That was some interesting information, Salt-Springs!  How I interpreted the writer's explanation of "audition" is that the person needs to know the tune, run it in their head, then can go from there to figure out how to play it.  I guess that is how it works for me.  Cut down on practice time?  Hmm…it seems that I still spend a boatload of time doing just that.  Lol!  However, in my case, audition does not apply to writing.  That’s different as there is nothing there to follow in my mind.  This is where the “feelings” comes in.  It could be related to synethesia but not as in “seeing” music as colors, although colors may play a roll as I feel those too.  Still, I think for me, writing music does involve multiple senses.  I really appreciate you sharing those links.  Fascinating stuff, for sure!

Thank you so much, Lynn!     That is very nice of you and I appreciate it!

That is very kind of you, Robin - thank you!  Wow and awesome on canoeing the Boundary Waters - very impressive!  Yes, I do understand about the snow thing.  The day my paddleboat was delivered we had an unexpected wind which brought snow.  It certainly was a chilly first ride!  

Thank you, Irene - I really appreciate that!  And I am happy that you like my little haven!  

YO...wonderful playing.  love the background too. aloha, irene

Wonderful Christine!  The setting reminds me of the many Fall canoe trips I did about 20 years ago through the Boundary Waters just before the first snows (and sometimes during them!!!)

That was incredible Christine!!!

I think you have described what some of the brain science folk call audiation which is like musical imagination on steroids and from what I have read can cut practice time way down and make ones skills go way up.   The other "gift" or anomaly as some call it is synethesia which is really wild and lots of major artists have it.   I first became aware of this stuff years ago when listening to an interview with Mannheim Steamroller.  Kaitlyn Hova has a TED talk on this and how she sees and hears music as color.  I found it fascinating to watch and the link below will give some sound samples of her music.....really interesting and magnificent.  (I'm betting that you already know all this stuff....but I am also betting that some of the folk here do not and might find this absolutely amazing.) 

http://www.easyeartraining.com/learn/the-secret-music-practice-skill-audiation/#

http://rightbrain.kaitlynhova.com/

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140904-i-see-songs-in-colour

Salt-Springs, you are a fascinating fellow!  I enjoyed reading Karl Barth’s thoughts regarding Mozart vs Bach.  I believe I understand his reasoning.  I appreciate you sharing that!  

     I don’t know if this will make any sense to you but how music works for me is that I feel it before I hear it.  I am not one of those who “see” music as in actual notes.  For me, there is a vibration, an emotion, before the actual sound, so it is that which I follow.  As to your own abilities, I suspect that you are being overly humble.  From my experience of you, that seems to be your way.  A gift…I am of the opinion that all of us who play or write music have been given a gift.  The gift of a means to express the shifting sands of our inner world.  All of our joys, sorrows, passions, childlike wonder and even playfulness.  It’s a gift that all of us here at FotMD share.  I am grateful to have found so many kindred spirits.  I appreciate Strumelia gathering all of us together and providing such a warm and welcoming place to experience each other’s worlds…and a certain fella’s deep thoughts.     

I greatly appreciate that Dusty, Monica, and Gail.     Thanks so much!!!  Annie...is that a good thing?     If so, thank you!!!  

That's soothing music, right there. Nice.

OK Christine. I have no words. Which is rare.

Gorgeous playing , I love the sound of your baritone!!

Wonderful tune and playing and I love the setting, too!

Christine.....awe shucks.......forgive me for waxing philosophical......

Anyone can play a musical instrument of some sort with varying degree's of success.  All that is required is time, practice and maybe a tab or two in the case of the dulcimore.  However, only those who have been especially gifted can hear the music before it sounds in time and space are able to give it voice in the here and now.   Karl Barth who was one of the greatest theological thinkers of the 20th century adored Mozart above and beyond Bach.  Because, he once wrote, Mozart expressed himself with, "joy and freedom".  If I remember correctly, he said that when the angels wished to praise G_d, they played Bach, but when they sat en famille they played Mozart.  Joy and freedom expressing the harmonics of creation is what marks one who has been gifted. You are gifted.

And with regard to your ability to swim and your amp's, not so much, that is where I would place my self.......you can really play, me....not so much.

Aww...thank you very much Terry!!!  Outdoor acoustics...well, that and a Fishman amp.     I find the sound on my McSpadden baritone lacking in presence without amplification.  I didn't have it right next to me this time.  The dock is very shaky.  I can swim, but the amp...not so much.       

I don't know about the "gift" Salt-Springs, but what I do know is that the dulcimer speaks to my heart and the conversation tends to spill out when I am writing and playing.  I greatly appreciate all of your support - thank you!!!  

That is so kind of you Jeff, Marg, and Steven - thank you so much!!!  

Christine,  that was awesome.   Totally out there.

Your song may be the best sounds I have ever heard, from a mountain dulcimer.  Seriously. 

Whats remarkable, you are playing outside. Acoustics must be great in your neck of the woods.

Really like this!

Steven