Ron makes some very nice, sweet sounding dulcimers, and I'm sure you'll be pleased with your purchase. I've not been to Gebhard Woods, but the Festival has a long history and you should be very welcomed. My advice is to take whatever classes appeal to you, regardless of the so called "skill level" listed. Take the beginner classes, of course, but don't feel that you should only take those. One day, down the road, something will happen and you'll go "THAT's what that teacher at Gebhart meant!
A number of years ago I wrote a booklet called I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What? . It's an illustrated glossary of dulcimr terms (so we all speak the same jargon), plus answers to many beginner questions about the tuning, playing, care and feeding of your new 'friend'. Here's a link to the booklet to download or read on line:
Ken Hulme's "I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What?" Article - Strumelia | fotmd.com
Anytime you have a question, feel free to ask them here, There are no dumb questions, just ones that you haven't gotten answered yet.
