John W. McKinstry

Location:

Location: Lee, MA
Country: US

My Latest Followers:

Bvmaestro Homer Ross sparrowbirdy giddykitty hugssandi Charles Thomas Cat Brown Lexie R Oakley Cynthia Wigington Gary Major Sam Searls jeffrey charles foster Greg Patterson Ken Backer Cindy Stammich Gordon Hardy Helen Seiler Patty from Virginia Joy W. Ben Barr Jr Jan Potts John Keane Richard Streib Dusty Turtle Ken Longfield Guy Babusek Jim Fawcett Ken Hulme Robin Thompson Strumelia

Stats

youtube videos: 40
images: 22
videos: 1

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Latest Activity

  All
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • one week ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on "The Seeds of Love":
"Thanks Cindy, and Nate for positive messages. I am reminded of a quote by Marcel Proust: "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • one week ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on "The Seeds of Love":
"Thanks, Gordon. I always love hearing from you and getting your feedback. By the way, that narrative idea, is something I have seen you do so you it shows..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 weeks ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on "The Seeds of Love":
"Some added comments to: "The Seeds of Love".  The gardener was actually mowing the grass when he sang  poetically about "the grass that is trampled..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 weeks ago • comments: 6
Posted a new YouTube video:
"The Seeds of Love"
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace:
"Lovely. Enjoyed you enjoying yourself and becoming a sensitive duo."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen:
"Thanks, Gordon, for your kind remarks. As usual you are very observant. The seascape picture is of the Marginal Way in Oguquit, Me. The overcast day sort of..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new YouTube video:
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Steal Away to Jesus:
"Thank you Richard for this hymn so sweetly done."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • one month ago • comments: 5
Posted a new YouTube video:
How Can I Keep from Singing
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • one month ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
"Thanks Lisa for sharing this song and playing it with such feeling."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Down Came An Angel:
"Thanks Robin, I do appreciate your listening and your comments.  I am glad that we share this love of Appalachian music and are keeping it alive."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Down Came An Angel:
"Thanks for your comments, Cynthia. Knowing that you are quite a musical talent, makes it even sweeter."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Down Came An Angel:
"Thanks for listening, Gordon.  I found this song in The Larkin's Dulcimer Book which first came out in 1982. You can hear Edna Ritchie, a sister of Jean..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 6
Posted a new YouTube video:
Down Came An Angel
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Im Märzen der Bauer:
"Thanks, Ariane.  I typed in "Im Marzen der Bauer" on the internet and got the translation and lyrics:  "The Farmer in March". Thanks for bringing this to..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Thanks, Ariane!.  It's so good to hear from you.  I appreciate your comments and those of others. I am glad this video has been enjoyed. John"
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Thanks, Strumelia.  This rabbit just came out of a hat and so I painted him. I have to admit that like the Gingerbread Boy, I was surprised when he came to..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Thanks, Dusty and Cynthia,, for your comments on "Mr. Rabbit". Soon I will be singing this song our first Great Grand Child. My how the time has flown."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 months ago • comments: 9
Posted a new YouTube video:
Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit

Latest Group Discussions

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John W. McKinstry

Aeolian & Dorian Modes for a baritone?


I have a new baritone dulcimer and have been playing in A D a, and A E...
@John W. McKinstry 5 months ago - Comments: 3
John W. McKinstry

"quick chaning of keys and chords for the dulcimer"


Hi panel, years ago I came across a posting on "Dulcimer Sessions"...
@John W. McKinstry 7 months ago - Comments: 3
John W. McKinstry

A simple chord accompaniment in D A A


In D A A, using the finger- chord style method, I have found that a...
@John W. McKinstry 5 years ago - Comments: 0
John W. McKinstry

Ways of getting people interested in the dulcimer


Here are some ways that I have tried to get people interested in the...
@John W. McKinstry 5 years ago - Comments: 0
John W. McKinstry

Some gimmicks that might be helpful for beginners


In giving a workshop for beginners I found three gimmicks that I would...
@John W. McKinstry 5 years ago - Comments: 3
John W. McKinstry

A recent opportunity to play the dulcimer and sing in church


Well the big day came for me to do some solos in church.  For the...
@John W. McKinstry 5 years ago - Comments: 1
John W. McKinstry

Mt. Dulcimer for loan at library


Hi everyone, Our local library loans out a Ukulele and has had a lot of...
@John W. McKinstry 5 years ago - Comments: 5
John W. McKinstry

Massachusetts Mt. Dulcimer players?


Hi, live in Lee. Western Ma. and I wondered if there are any dulcimer...
@John W. McKinstry 6 years ago - Comments: 0
John W. McKinstry

Placement of position marker at 6 1/2 fret?


I play a lot in D A A, and I was thinking of putting position markers at...
@John W. McKinstry 7 years ago - Comments: 11
John W. McKinstry

Inexpensive items to help beginners?


For young players whose feet don't reach the floor I have made lap...
@John W. McKinstry 7 years ago - Comments: 5
John W. McKinstry

Substitute for a turkey quill?


Hi everyone. Recently on Fotmd videos i watched John Henry play Pretty...
@John W. McKinstry 7 years ago - Comments: 3
John W. McKinstry

Dulcimer Discovery Workshop Experiment


Hi everyone,  A dulcimer student of mine is a children's librarian and...
@John W. McKinstry 7 years ago - Comments: 0
John W. McKinstry

Rediscovering Ionian while in D A d' tuning


I have just rediscovered that you can play Ionian tunes while in the D A...
@John W. McKinstry 7 years ago - Comments: 2
John W. McKinstry

Mozart's Trilogy


I have just formed a Mt. Dulcimer group with three of my students.  We...
@John W. McKinstry 7 years ago - Comments: 3
John W. McKinstry

An adjusted music stand for the dulcimer


I have a cheap metal collapsible music stand that I bought for a...
@John W. McKinstry 8 years ago - Comments: 1
John W. McKinstry

A place for my pick!


I pass this tip on to others who like myself have had a problem losing...
@John W. McKinstry 8 years ago - Comments: 13
John W. McKinstry

Soundboard for a Sweetsong Dulcimer?


I just purchased a walnut Sweet Song Dulcimer kit and was thinking of...
@John W. McKinstry 8 years ago - Comments: 9
John W. McKinstry

Videos on FOTMD lead to gig!


After posting three videos on FOTMD and telling our choir director about...
@John W. McKinstry 8 years ago - Comments: 1
John W. McKinstry

A hollow possum board?


I was wondering if anyone has made a possum board out of an old hollow...
@John W. McKinstry 8 years ago - Comments: 10
John W. McKinstry

Noter attached to dulcimer?


Hi friends, I am new to this group. I have made a few dulcimers from...
@John W. McKinstry 8 years ago - Comments: 25

Latest Audio

  All

Latest Videos

  All
"The Seeds of Love"

"The Seeds of Love"


@John W. McKinstry
2 weeks ago - Comments: 6
How Can I Keep from Singing

How Can I Keep from Singing


@John W. McKinstry
one month ago - Comments: 5
Down Came An Angel

Down Came An Angel


@John W. McKinstry
2 months ago - Comments: 6
Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit

Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit


@John W. McKinstry
2 months ago - Comments: 9
Cluck Old Hen

Cluck Old Hen


@John W. McKinstry
3 months ago - Comments: 3
Balm in Gilead Spiritual

Balm in Gilead Spiritual


@John W. McKinstry
4 months ago - Comments: 8
All Through the Night

All Through the Night


@John W. McKinstry
5 months ago - Comments: 7
Help Somebody Today

Help Somebody Today


@John W. McKinstry
5 months ago - Comments: 4
Bring a Little Sylvie

Bring a Little Sylvie


@John W. McKinstry
6 months ago - Comments: 6
Sweet Hour of Prayer

Sweet Hour of Prayer


@John W. McKinstry
6 months ago - Comments: 8

Latest Photos

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Dad's Kings.jpg
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Dad's Mary on donkey.jpg

Latest Forum Discussions

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New Year's Resolution: "Help Somebody Today"

Posted: Sunday January 8 2023, 6:54 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Favorite Lenten Hymns?

Posted: Saturday January 30 2021, 1:29 PM
By: @John W. McKinstry

Translating tab to printed music

Posted: Monday January 11 2021, 11:43 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

How to be sure about a copywrite?

Posted: Saturday November 3 2018, 2:12 PM
By: @Strumelia

New password?

Posted: Thursday June 28 2018, 11:37 AM
By: @John W. McKinstry

Three or Doubled Melody Dulcimer?

Posted: Tuesday April 4 2017, 5:07 PM
By: @Strumelia

Poetry celebrating the beautiful music of...

Posted: Monday April 3 2017, 10:43 AM
By: @John W. McKinstry

Looking for clarification on D A d

Posted: Saturday August 9 2014, 10:36 PM
By: @John W. McKinstry

Comments

Strumelia
10/08/20 12:58:46PM @strumelia:

John, you generous site donation is very much appreciated. Thank you!  sun


Richard Streib
02/10/18 07:19:11PM @richard-streib:

John, What a great idea to offer a loaner at the library. I hope the library will become an avenue of introducing the dulcimer to others.


Ben Barr Jr
02/14/17 01:12:57PM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:

Hi John, it would be a pleasure.  I would love hearing your latest songs and the ones that i have heard thus far are very good.  Yeah, we got quite a bit of snow...maybe better than two feet (not including the drifts) and another storm to begin on Wednesday.  Thanks for stopping by.  Ben


Strumelia
06/09/16 04:52:58PM @strumelia:

Hi John,

I received your kind site donation today, and I was very touched by it.  Thank you so much for helping FOTMD in honor of your late friend Steve Deckard.   flower


Robin Thompson
04/23/16 09:40:10AM @robin-thompson:

John, thank you for your kind, generous comment!  It is my privilege to call you a friend.  


Lexie R Oakley
03/04/16 01:02:16PM @lexie-r-oakley:

Thank you John for letting me know about your beautiful song "When I shelter my sheep".

I really enjoy listening to you sing and play. By the way that is a beautiful dulcimer you play.

I been recovering at my Mom's after breaking my knee cap 6 wks ago, oh that darn ice.

Everything is healing fine and I am now walking pretty well. I think I have 3 weeks till I can do strengthening physical therapy, but for now it is just wait and heal.

Thanks John, you are sweet to think of me....Lexie


John Keane
02/02/16 07:16:35AM @john-keane:

Thank you, and I did enjoy your video very much.


Strumelia
01/26/16 08:48:41PM @strumelia:

Hi John,

You can ask site questions on how to use the site right here:

http://fotmd.com/forums/forum/new-site-questions-how-do-i

-click on the Plus sign Button (+) to add your new question/discussionthread.

There is already a discussion there outlining how to send private messages:

There is also a thread there about how to add an audio music file, etc.

Look through the threads in that Site Questions Forum and you'll get lots of answers to questions you haven't even asked yet!  ;)

 


Gordon Hardy
01/26/16 06:00:45PM @gordon-hardy:

Hello John, re Where will I shelter my sheep tonight, I sent you a personal message for you to reply to or you can contact me on my home email gjhardy@abnorth.com Thank you.


Gordon Hardy
01/26/16 12:49:55PM @gordon-hardy:

Hey John, sure glad we're following each other, is there a chance that you might share your tab for: Where Will I Shelter My Sheep Tonight. It is a fine song. Thank you.


Joy W.
01/09/16 11:36:14PM @joy-w:

Sounds like your guitar is right on track. I was playing on a three-string baritone dulcimer tuned AEa when I recorded "I Never Will Marry."


Ken Longfield
08/04/15 11:11:10AM @ken-longfield:

Hello John. The only way to do this that I know of in this new system is to place a comment on someone's page asking them to follow you. People need to follow each other in order to send private messages. Yes, I still assemble kits for folks. The cost depends on the time I spend and what type of finish people want on their dulcimer. For a McSpadden Sweet Song the cost starts at $75 plus finishing material and shipping.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."


Steven Deckard
06/17/15 10:57:09PM @steven-deckard:

Glad to hear from you John.  I really feel good about you continuing your ministry with children.  I still get a kick out our your dulcimer story telling at the library.  I'm not famialiar with the songs you played for the children in church.  I'll have to see if I can find them.  Hope things are well with you all.  My older brother passed a week ago today from myxofibro sarcoma.  There is no cure.  He said he was prepared to meet Jesus.  I'm glad we are too.

This new web site is going to take some getting use to.   

 


Lexie R Oakley
05/06/15 03:32:43PM @lexie-r-oakley:

Sorry John, I checked my friends list and you are not listed, but you are when I am on your page. Well no worries, just a ning glitch, I know you are a friend huh!....Lexie


Lexie R Oakley
05/06/15 03:28:56PM @lexie-r-oakley:

Thank you for the friend request John. I enjoy your songs and smile when I see your posts.

I took a look at you A.W. Jefferies Dulcimer, what a beautiful treasure. Do you play it very often? I would love to hear how it sounds to compare it to the Jefferies prototype Robert Schuler made in which I bought, it has a very sweet sound.

I play with a noter and love the history of our dulcimer and the ole' style sound.

Blessings to you....LexieSmile.gif


Tumbleweed
05/06/15 10:27:19AM @tumbleweed:

Hi John, thank you for your comment on my video. It is so nice to see so many brethren on this sight. Your wife and you are very talented and gifted3.gif

TW


Ken Longfield
04/21/15 11:35:25AM @ken-longfield:

Thank you John. I appreciate your comments.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."


Saul Chapnick
04/10/15 11:15:27PM @saul-chapnick:
Thank you for your welcoming words, John. Glad to come on board! Lee is one of my favorite places on earth. I visited the berkshires twice a year for nearly thirty years. It is beautiful as well as cultural. Saul
Stephanie Stuckwisch
04/05/15 10:51:40PM @stephanie-stuckwisch:

Please let me know when you post the videos.

I do have a love of Taize music. Simple chord accompaniment on the dulcimer fits it nicely.


Cynthia Wigington
03/19/15 05:59:10PM @cynthia-wigington:

John, funny I thought you looked familiar. I have done serious time at Hitchcock, and probably saw you about. The only church I know in Wilder is St Paul's. I will learn the melody to Beach Spring, so hopefully I can teach that one to the folks at the litte church here in West Fairlee. I sure love hearing the shape note tunes and am working on a number of them.