Strumelia

Location:

Location: Germantown, NY
Country: US

My Latest Followers:

Robert Owens ccpastork Damon jet3rry gerardo1000 Eiji Higuchi RobMachin GreatLakes73 Neil Elliott LaughingMoose Sea Strings MelSabol Mary_Adelee ChcknJ selkiestrummer Chaplain Peter Bvmaestro colindaguthrie Beth T squeakyhawk chadritchie ccyahwehslady AndiBear Susan Ann MandaPanda jost Holly Tannen ocean-daughter stephenericberry Wendell G Cheryl W Nate Big Bubba oldmdpicker sparrowbirdy dano Ferrator Lancer JCM DulcimerBill Becky Liza Combs Lisa TwoGunBob Noah Cline hstulips tssfulk Hobbyhorse haydee025 PatG

Stats

Blogs: 5
youtube videos: 33
images: 86
Groups: 34
videos: 1

vbs2m8be.jpg  

I love playing lap dulcimer, banjo, epinette, pennywhistle, Cretan Lyra, bones, limberjacks....mostly play old-time tunes, minstrel era tunes, and medieval tunes..

Love my fiddling husband, contra dancing, and playing with our cats.  And my honeybees.  :)

 

 ----------
My Blog on playing traditional style Noter/Drone style mountain dulcimer, including over 30 FREE noter style TABS and video instructions:
Strumelia's Noter Drone dulcimer BLOG

I also run a site for selling music-themed t-shirts:  Harmonia'sBigB t-shirts

And a site for penny whistle players:  https://pennywhistleclub.com/

Need professional patent illustration? Contact  ptiserviceco.com

Mastodon

Latest Activity

  All
Strumelia
@strumelia • 16 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @terry-jaye: Amazing Grace - first music I've ever played in my life
Strumelia
@strumelia • 16 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace - first music I've ever played in my life:
"Well now that was just lovely! You have a very good ear for music- perfectly in tune, good tone and pick handling, perfect timing, and played with feeling.  "
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Hangman's Waltz.:
"Love this! It's also great to hear the back story of your Galax dulcimer."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Hangman's Waltz.
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @greatlakes73: My new Bill Berg dulcimer!
Strumelia
@strumelia • 5 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"If it plays well (and i suspect it must), then if you intend to play dulcimer, even just a little for fun, why sell this at all?  It's a hassle to sell and..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 6 days ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"You could consider Galax players as well if looking for a teacher to hire. Kimberly Burnett, or is Phyllis Gaskins still teaching?Ken Longfield- I am sure..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"What an absolute jewel of a dulcimer!  Do you own it, and if so, where/how did you get it? It's hard to believe that someone would put that much skilled work..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Nicely done, @terry-jaye .  Have you tested it out yet? What starter tune are you experimenting with?"
Strumelia
@strumelia • one week ago • comments: 5
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Not normally a rock song, but...
Strumelia
@strumelia • one week ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Thanks for telling us more about the 2025 Hindman Homecoming event, Ken.I agree, a noter/drone style class would be a natural to include."
Strumelia
@strumelia • one week ago • comments: 21
Liked an events item created by @ken-longfield: Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)
Strumelia
@strumelia • one week ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Louie's Schottische.
Strumelia
@strumelia • one week ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
"If you go down to 20-21" scale length, nudge the fretboard to one side rather than right down the middle, keep the peghead and tail short and maybe even use..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"My only suggestion is-  start with DAA tuning (or CGG, one step lower if you like)... simply because it will be easier to find all the notes you need on the..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon)
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon):
"I always enjoy your traditional folk songs from around the world, Mark."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"Very nice Phil!"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Be Thou My Vision
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Rockin' in the Free World:
"Hi @Alex-Lubet , I fixed your youtube link below so it's working now. I suggest you don't use the Youtube "share" link when inserting a video here. Instead,..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Robert, I'm sure you'll get some good tips on instruction books. You may also enjoy browsing through my free blog specifically for beginner noter/drone..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"P.S. I'd love for you to post your video among our main video section for all to enjoy more prominently in the future here on fotmd (in addition to it being..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robert-owens: Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Oh my, I am so very impressed with the beautiful job you did in bringing that poor dulcimer back to its former 'glory'.  It is indeed glorious!  What a..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Free Tab books, New (taken)":
"How nice!"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Robert Owens: One more question for you (or for anyone)...since my dulcimer is designed with the middle string to be over the frets (along with the melody..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"The dulcimer has 3 strings, and the frets are mostly only under the melody string. This dulcimer was designed to be played noter style, with fretting only..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 39
Posted a new Comment on The Friendly Beasts,(a Christmas Carol) or The Serving Girls Holiday, (14th c Bawdy song) ?:
"Well worth another listen.... beautiful!"
Strumelia
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @sunshinedawn: I acquired this instrument recently at an auction
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @old-dawg:
"Greetings and welcome to FOTMD! Our site is fairly expansive, and might be a little daunting to find one's way around at first. Note that you will only see..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
"Greetings! That is a very cool old box instrument... might even be historically significant. I suggest you JOIN the following Group here:..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Good dulcimer for busking?":
"Here's a handy page concerning busking/playing/performance on NYC subways:..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 3 weeks ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Nesting Season:
"It's true... First performed in 1697, William Congreve's play The Mourning Bride includes as its first line, “Musick has Charms to soothe the savage..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 3 weeks ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Nesting Season:
"I believe that knowing what moments to let float in the air is more effective and meaningful than playing notes all the time. You and Mark do this..."

Latest Group Discussions

  All
Strumelia

A choir focused on Alzheimer patients


A cool interactive article about a choir that explores the benefits of...
@Strumelia 5 months ago - Comments: 1
Strumelia

Lucy M. Long's brief history of the mountain dulcimer


A nice succinct article of the basics....
@Strumelia 5 months ago - Comments: 5
Strumelia

The end coming for Finale...


Looks like they are going to stop updating the Finale music writing...
@Strumelia 7 months ago - Comments: 1
Strumelia

Suggestions please for buying a first dulcimer


This has not been discussed in a while so I thought I'd bring it back...
@Strumelia 10 months ago - Comments: 30
Strumelia

The Country Dance Society 1963 newsletter... fascinating!


I found this newsletter online somewhere years ago, and just stumbled on...
@Strumelia 11 months ago - Comments: 2
Strumelia

Antiques Roadshow 1800s dulcimer appraisal


Nice old 1800s dulcimer.  I think one would be very hard pressed to...
@Strumelia last year - Comments: 1
Strumelia

Jean's phone interview with Jean Metcalfe


Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but I had not seen it....
@Strumelia 2 years ago - Comments: 2
Strumelia

Article from Kentucky Educational Television


I'm sure this may have been posted here before, but KET website has a...
@Strumelia 3 years ago - Comments: 2
Strumelia

youtube tv episode on Edd Presnell...


I got the following note from Andy Johnston today: "In the 1970s I...
@Strumelia 4 years ago - Comments: 3
Strumelia

Just ordered a bunch of new strings...


I own two mtn dulcimers, two epinettes, a hummel and a langspil, about...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 9
Strumelia

A little bit of Phyllis Gaskins...yum!


I normally don't post Facebook links here, but Phyllis just posted a...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 5
Strumelia

Ritchie Family Christmas reunion video, 1955


What a treasure this film clip is. Wishing all FOTMD members a...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 1
Strumelia

What is a "luthier" ?


The word luthier always seems to imply a skilled artist who makes...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 21
Strumelia

Hindman Luthiery school giving people a second chance


An uplifting story, includes dulcimers:...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 4
Strumelia

guitars built from a lynching tree


I thought this was a fascinating article about this man who seems to...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 2
Strumelia

2013 article in Antiques Magazine - Virginia dulcimer


Not sure if anyone had posted about this 2013 article, but here it is-...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 3
Strumelia

ZOOM: online group playing via online video


Please share helpful links on how to use Zoom, Google Meet, Group...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 1
Strumelia

The Rockin' LIVESTREAM thread- for all members!


Greetings FOTMD members, and esteemed members of the Rockin' In The...
@Strumelia 5 years ago - Comments: 18
Strumelia

Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!


At first glance it might seem an obvious question, but I bet there are...
@Strumelia 6 years ago - Comments: 24
Strumelia

Stroke victims use music to help them regain speech


I loved this!  SO inspiring:...
@Strumelia 6 years ago - Comments: 1

Latest Audio

  All
Mary Blane

Mary Blane


@Strumelia
10 years ago - Comments: 9
Param & strumelia, yoga w/harmonium_1

Param & strumelia, yoga...


@Strumelia
12 years ago - Comments: 4
Callahan

Callahan


@Strumelia
16 years ago - Comments: 4
Goodbye_Girls,_I'm_Going_to_Boston

Goodbye_Girls,_I'm_Going_to_B...


@Strumelia
16 years ago - Comments: 4
Sally's_Got_Mud_Between_Her_Toes

Sally's_Got_Mud_Between_Her_Toes


@Strumelia
16 years ago - Comments: 0
Lady_of_the_Lake

Lady_of_the_Lake


@Strumelia
16 years ago - Comments: 0
Rattler Treed a Possum-Lisa on banjo

Rattler Treed a Possum-Lisa...


@Strumelia
16 years ago - Comments: 0

Latest Videos

  All
Clyde the limberjack

Clyde the limberjack


@Strumelia
2 years ago - Comments: 6
Handsome Molly (2009, short clip)

Handsome Molly (2009, short clip)


@Strumelia
6 years ago - Comments: 13
Three Ravens on Langspil

Three Ravens on Langspil


@Strumelia
6 years ago - Comments: 29
Nicaea hymn tune on penny whistle

Nicaea hymn tune on penny whistle


@Strumelia
7 years ago - Comments: 21
Silver Lake Waltz

Silver Lake Waltz


@Strumelia
8 years ago - Comments: 7
Carve That Possum

Carve That Possum


@Strumelia
8 years ago - Comments: 19
The Cuckoo - penny whistle

The Cuckoo - penny whistle


@Strumelia
8 years ago - Comments: 14
Pretty Saro - penny whistle

Pretty Saro - penny whistle


@Strumelia
9 years ago - Comments: 16
Limberjack dancing

Limberjack dancing


@Strumelia
13 years ago - Comments: 27

Latest Photos

  All
langspil bows_1.jpg
4.jpg
3.jpg
1.jpg
2.jpg
pear peghead block.jpg
langspil-tail.JPG
langspil-head.JPG
strumelia-langpsil.JPG
Langspil strumelia.jpg
langspil_5.jpg
langspil_4.jpg
langspil_3.jpg
langspil_2.jpg
langspil_1.jpg
rogue-whistles.jpg
carvethatpossum2017_s.jpg
silverlakewaltz2017_s.jpg

Latest Forum Discussions

  All

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 8:10 AM
By: @Terry Jaye

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Monday April 28 2025, 11:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

RIP to our good fotmd friend Terry Wilson

Posted: Sunday March 16 2025, 4:18 AM
By: @Jan Potts

The Drifting Thread...

Posted: Monday January 13 2025, 5:00 PM
By: @Strumelia

What Are You Working On?

Posted: Sunday January 5 2025, 2:16 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

FOTMD needs your support

Posted: Wednesday January 1 2025, 12:43 AM
By: @Maddie Myers

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FOMTD MEMBERS!

Posted: Tuesday December 31 2024, 7:02 PM
By: @Richard Streib

Bowed Psaltery

Posted: Sunday December 8 2024, 2:57 PM
By: @Susie

Dick Van Dyke.. at 99 years strong!

Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 5:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Showing support for FOTMD ?

Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 1:57 PM
By: @Strumelia

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise,...

Posted: Tuesday November 12 2024, 10:51 AM
By: @robert schuler

Indoor House Plants

Posted: Wednesday September 11 2024, 5:25 AM
By: @akituko

Choosing for bad weather..?

Posted: Friday August 9 2024, 11:47 AM
By: @Strumelia

What's your current fave GO-TO instrument...

Posted: Monday July 29 2024, 10:57 AM
By: @Jerry Posner

Use Descriptive thread titles

Posted: Sunday June 2 2024, 7:55 PM
By: @Strumelia

FOTMD one year anniversary on July 29th,...

Posted: Wednesday May 22 2024, 10:29 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Frame Drums

Posted: Tuesday May 7 2024, 4:55 AM
By: @shanonmilan

April Come She Will (Simon & Garfunkel)

Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 7:12 PM
By: @ocean-daughter

Contra dancing :)

Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 1:09 PM
By: @ocean-daughter

Kurt Vonnegut quote...

Posted: Monday October 23 2023, 5:49 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Show Us Your Pets!

Posted: Monday October 16 2023, 10:50 AM
By: @dtortorich

FANS OF NATE

Posted: Tuesday August 29 2023, 1:27 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

R.I.P. George Haggerty

Posted: Thursday June 8 2023, 4:12 PM
By: @Strumelia

FOTMD Advisory...

Posted: Wednesday April 19 2023, 8:36 AM
By: @Strumelia

FOTMD Chat Room!

Posted: Friday November 18 2022, 5:50 AM
By: @Strumelia

Thanks to our FOTMD welcoming "Greeters"!

Posted: Tuesday October 25 2022, 9:53 AM
By: @marg

RIP Bill Taylor

Posted: Wednesday May 11 2022, 4:36 PM
By: @Leny-Sue

Joni Mitchell's song "River"...

Posted: Friday March 11 2022, 7:20 AM
By: @Alegre1

Remembering "Deputy Mo" / The Friendly Beasts

Posted: Sunday December 26 2021, 11:17 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Terry Hennessy

Posted: Sunday November 28 2021, 7:21 PM
By: @John Dunn

Comments

Intelisano
04/17/25 06:16:26AM @intelisano:

smiler


Intelisano
04/15/25 05:28:36PM @intelisano:

I understand about the loops. However, whoever put these strings on, twisted the loops until there were no more loops. As though they would never have to be changed...I'm taking my violin to a luthier next week and I think I'm just going to take this dulcimer and maybe he has some tool that can get them off. Hope so. 


Brudar
02/10/25 10:54:36AM @brudar:

Yes, the gecko is a watercolor I did a few years back. The painting is intended as a 3-D optical illusion, as everything you see in the picture is painted - including the artist’s hand and brush and even the low-tact tape around the borders of the paper. Attached is a photo of the “model” for the painting. Glad you enjoyed it!


Hayland
01/23/25 05:02:16PM @hayland:

Well said!  I am enjoying some long goodbyes.


Maddie Myers
01/04/25 07:07:12AM @maddie-myers:

You're very welcome, Strumelia.  Wish it could have been more and I wish I had been more aware of the need sooner.  I'm a little embarrassed I was so oblivious.  Will plan for support more regularly in future.  Thank you for all you do.

Maddie


John C. Knopf
11/15/24 07:42:36PM @john-c-knopf:

You are most welcome, Lisa!  Keep on keepin' on!


simond
09/26/24 04:08:38PM @simond:

Hi Strumelia!  

Thank you for your response.  I will just have to try to improve my version I think!

Simon


Hester1950
07/31/24 09:08:23AM @hester1950:

Thank you for your response on how to get feedback.  I clicked on the link you provided, I do not see a "new post" button/link.  Please tell me where I click to create a new post.  Thank you again!


John Pettreemusic
04/03/24 01:21:32AM @john-petry:

Hi there your Most High Moderator!

  I did sell the Hughes style I had for sale....Could you please drop the listing for me? I did make a "donation" of $5 via paypal....but the e-mail I use there is different than my FOTMD account. It probably came across as mannaacres@frontiernet.net.

  Thanks for doing all that you do,

Shalom,

john


Jerry Posner
03/28/24 11:02:32AM @jerry-posner:

I do live near Dewey Hall ... but I don't dance! smiler


john thorp
01/04/24 11:55:42AM @john-thorp:

Thank you so much. I found the link and I was able to find the article. This  is a great site and I look forward to more interaction.


dtortorich
10/15/23 07:02:07PM @dtortorich:

Thanks!  Sorry for the delay.  I have been busy with other things.  


MacAodha
07/28/23 05:56:23AM @macaodha:

I think I play that as Roger and Lorraine Lee Hammond, maybe not note for note, have a listen to their version. I was partly aware of the story related to the dance tune. Thank you for comment and information.


DJMalus
05/21/23 01:03:12PM @djmalus:

Thanks! It's a Warren May I picked up at an estate sale about 10 years ago. I was late to the sale and shocked it was still there. My music teacher at the time thought it was probably because of the 0.5 fret. From what I read recently in the Folkcraft newsletter the 0.5 fret is getting popular. I had to put the dots on the fretboard because it was really confusing me. krazy


colindaguthrie
02/18/23 11:46:07AM @colindaguthrie:

Mrs. Strumelia,
Greetings from Green Country! Thank you. It is truly incredible, the amount of time and work gone into this website. I first heard John Barleycorn when my husband’s group, Bear Creek Troupe, added it to their set list. After your mention this morning I cruised on over to YouTube to listen to Traffic. It’s great and so are they. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
Kind regards 
Colinda Guthrie


Beth T
09/01/22 03:02:18AM @beth-t:

You’re welcome Strumelia. I know how much time and effort goes in to maintaining a supportive forum such as this. You and your colleagues do a splendid job of it.


shawsg
01/23/22 04:52:24PM @shawsg:

Hi Strumelia, 
I'm not sure where the best place to post this is.  

I'm going to be buying my first Dulcimer soon and am looking around. I'm a trained musician but new to Dulcimer.  I think I want to get a baritone as I plan mostly singer/songwriter stuff.   Do you have any recommendations on models, and beginning?
Also, I have a particular limitation - I don't have a ring finger anymore - do you think I could adapt with my other fingers?  I tried a dulcimer yesterday and wasn't sure if there would be too much strain on my wrist to adjust to other fingers, l leading to carpal tunnel Thoughts?

thanks!


dtortorich
01/13/22 07:48:23PM @dtortorich:

Thanks!  Sorry for the delay in responding.  I need to get online more often.  There is so much on this site. 


Susan Ann
02/18/21 03:16:07PM @susan-ann:

Thank you Strumelia!  I'm excited to be part of the Mountain Dulcimer family.  I found the links you sent me very informative.   I'm learning my way around FOTMD and will try to post some pictures.  Looking forward to staying in touch!


Holly Tannen
11/20/20 10:28:19PM @holly-tannen:

Hi Strumelia!

I've enjoyed your posts during my time lurking.

I'm a pretty good dulcimer player, but I've come to computers late and get confused easily. Please accept my apologies in advance if I don't answer or make mistakes.