Mark Gilston

Location:

Location: Cedar Park, TX
Country: US

My Latest Followers:

Keltia RobMachin Bvmaestro Wayne G StudentofRhythm AndiBear MandaPanda rayhomewood oldmdpicker DulcimerBill Diane R Ubulele hstulips haydee025 Elvensong Sue MacKenzie - ADK Friends Selah Joyoussinger Pluckette Mark C Kathyb53 Mary MacGowan Kevin R. DianeL Redmando Repp Leo Kretzner Charles Thomas Tricia Monica Cat Brown Volha Bob Reinsel Lexie R Oakley Melanie Cook Gregg Schneeman Gary Major Ginney Camden jeffrey charles foster Greg Patterson Bob Tumbleweed Mr. Phil Mcdaniel Elliot Actor Steven Berger Jimmy Sample Steve Battarbee Stanley Adams PDGotro Pine

Stats

youtube videos: 99

2016 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion.  I'm a professional musician and music teacher and I offer mountain dulcimer lessons via Skype:  https://www.markgilston.com/ 

Born and raised in New York City. Both of my parents were steeped in the folk music revival scene of the 1950’s. I grew up listening to 78’s and LP’s of American, Russian, Spanish, Caribbean and Israeli folk music. Learning guitar and taking piano lessons starting at age 5, I was constantly immersed in music.

In my youth, I gained a love of traditional American ballads and Old-Time songs and instrumentals from recordings and from my father, who often sang the old ballads which he had learned in his youth in Appalachia. From my early years in college, I often played these tunes and accompanied myself on the mountain dulcimer.

I post new dulcimer videos every week.  If you enjoy a video and want to be able to go back and listen again, give it a "like".  "Likes" are very appreciated, and when deciding which videos to keep on the site and which to replace, videos with 3 or more "likes" get preferential treatment.

Latest Activity

  All
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 weeks ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dorozhen'ka:
"The Leadbelly connection definitely makes it possible that they were acquainted.  My dad certainly knew Leadbelly, and there is another family friend, Ruth..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 weeks ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dorozhen'ka:
"Strumelia: Very nicely played, Mark! A rather interesting and pleasing structure to that tune. You learned this as a child? You must have had a childhood..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 weeks ago • comments: 6
Updated a YouTube Video:
Dorozhen'ka
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 weeks ago • comments: 6
Posted a new YouTube video:
Dorozhen'ka
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • one month ago • comments: 1
Posted a new YouTube video:
Echale Guinda al Pavo
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Metsakukkia

Latest Group Discussions

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Mark Gilston

Playford - English country dance tunes


I thought it would be nice to collect English country dance tunes in...
@Mark Gilston 9 years ago - Comments: 2

Latest Audio

  All

Latest Videos

  All
Dorozhen'ka

Dorozhen'ka


@Mark Gilston
4 weeks ago - Comments: 6
Echale Guinda al Pavo

Echale Guinda al Pavo


@Mark Gilston
one month ago - Comments: 1
Metsakukkia

Metsakukkia


@Mark Gilston
2 months ago - Comments: 0
When Fortune Turns the Wheel

When Fortune Turns the Wheel


@Mark Gilston
4 months ago - Comments: 1
Still More Mother Goose

Still More Mother Goose


@Mark Gilston
5 months ago - Comments: 0
Shenandoah

Shenandoah


@Mark Gilston
6 months ago - Comments: 0
Benjamin Bowmaneer

Benjamin Bowmaneer


@Mark Gilston
6 months ago - Comments: 2
Come Home Father

Come Home Father


@Mark Gilston
9 months ago - Comments: 2
Along the Village

Along the Village


@Mark Gilston
10 months ago - Comments: 1
Thousands or More

Thousands or More


@Mark Gilston
10 months ago - Comments: 0
Dona Nobis Pacem

Dona Nobis Pacem


@Mark Gilston
10 months ago - Comments: 6
What's the Life of a Man?

What's the Life of a Man?


@Mark Gilston
11 months ago - Comments: 0
Otdavali Molodu

Otdavali Molodu


@Mark Gilston
last year - Comments: 0

Comments

Selah
11/05/17 07:46:35PM @selah:

Wonderful! Thank you, Mark... I'll be in touch! 


Selah
11/05/17 07:32:37PM @selah:

That would be great, Mark! Just may have to talk to you about some lessons... I'm as green as green can be! I would love to know about local events to attend also, could you direct me where I should look to be informed?


Mark Gilston
09/09/16 04:37:13PM @mark-gilston:

Strumelia:


Hey Mark, have you ever played "Emperor of the Moon"?  If so, I'd love for you to post a video of you playing it either on concertina or dulcimer or any instrument you play.  I've recently been taken by the tune. flower



It's not a tune I was familiar with, but I like it.  The penultimate sharped 7th pushes it into chromatic dulcimer territory if I were to try to play it on dulcimer.  But I suspect it would be a lot easier to learn on concertina.  I'm traveling for the next several weeks, but I'll put it on my list of tunes to learn.


Strumelia
09/09/16 01:07:40PM @strumelia:

Hey Mark, have you ever played "Emperor of the Moon"?  If so, I'd love for you to post a video of you playing it either on concertina or dulcimer or any instrument you play.  I've recently been taken by the tune. flower


Maxspop
05/10/15 04:16:09PM @bobby-maxspop-bingham:

Honored to have such a great player as my friend. Have a nice day.


Cynthia Wigington
12/12/14 06:05:46PM @cynthia-wigington:

I'm honored Mark. Always enjoy your videos. This was a particularly sweet arrangement of one I play in the most boring fashion, so it was a joy to listen to it.


Gordon Hardy
09/29/14 09:49:23PM @gordon-hardy:

Hello Mark, I received the "Grandad's Favorite" CD some time agoand am enjoying your musical stylings very much. Thank you for this. Best regards, Gordon


Jon Timlin
05/14/14 09:41:20PM @jon-timlin:

Thanks again, Mark. I am honored to be considered a "friend" on Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.

I'd love to meet you in person some day. Where are you performing this summer?


Ken Hulme
01/16/14 04:52:52PM @ken-hulme:

Ayup, I'll need a good email address anyway. Digital file I should be able to ship electronically. I'm away from the boat until next week, but once I'm back there I have a buddy who has all the good digital recording equipment.

I'll pick out five songs and record them back-to-back with an hourglass and a teardrop.


Karel Votanek
12/07/13 01:05:31AM @karel-votanek:

Hello Mark,es freut mich sehr,dass Du mich unter Deine Freunde eingeladen hast.Es ist fr mich groe Ehre.Schada ist,dass ich nicht englisch kann,nur tschechisch(ich bin aus Prag),deutsch(ich wohne in Deutschland),und russisch.Ich bin kein Profimusiker,wie Du,ich spiele aber hnliche Instrumente(Konzert-und E-Gitarre,Ziehharmonika,5-Seitiges Banjo und mehrere Kleininstrumente.Dudelsack aus Schotland liegt nur auf dem Schrank,Sitar aus Indien wartet im Eck,bis ich Zeit habe das Sitarspiel zu verstehen und lernen.)Also,nochmals vielen Dank!

Karel Votanek

E-mail Adresse: votanek@kabelmail.deSmile.gif Smile.gif 103.gif


Susie
11/09/13 12:32:52PM @susie:

Hey Mark, do you still have your Doug Berch dulcimer? I'm going to be ordering a custom dulcimer from him. He and his wife are long-time friends of mine from Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. His dulcimers are beautiful (as is his playing).


Jim Damico
10/11/13 01:17:17PM @jim-bagsh:

Thanks for the friend request Mark. I've been watching your videos all morning. Amazing. Maybe some day I'll have 1% of your talent. Looking forward to seeing more of your playing in the future. :)


Carlos Eduardo Fermoseli Simas
05/17/13 12:50:26AM @carlos-eduardo-fermoseli-simas:

Hello Mark ! Very nice your arrangements, repertory and vdeos. Very good !113.gif


Alaska Pfeiff
04/02/13 03:39:22PM @alaska-pfeiff:

HI Mark,

Thanks for watching the video. Your playing is really quite accomplished--I see from your website that have been able to make a profession of it! How nice.

I AM interested in the possibility of lessons, but for the moment I am going to explore some online resources. I am heading into the Alaskan summer, during which time I am so busy that I won't be able to focus much on my new instrument. However, come next fall, I may be more interested!


Susie
11/19/12 02:39:43PM @susie:

Mark, I'm not sure if you read what I put on the "Little Dulcimers" page, so, I'll thank you here, just in case. I had asked you some questions about getting a travel dulcimer, specifically about Ron Ewing's. You gave me alot of great advice and things to think about. In the end, I evaluated my personal "wants" in a travel dulcimer, and decided to go with Mike Clemmer's TN Sweetie, Church model. I wanted to stay in the key of D and didn't want to go overly small (octave dulcimer). I liked the reviews that Mike's Sweetie (Church) got with the deeper body. After talking to Connie on the phone, I decided to go ahead and order one. So, it will have a sassafras top and a walnut body. I think it will be everything I'm looking for and I am really excited to get it. I know Ron's dulcimers are top notch and I appreciate all your advice. I think you'll agree that there are several great choices out there. Thanks for your help and posting great video's to watch.


Sylvia Moore
07/06/12 02:39:34PM @sylvia-moore:

Hi Mark, I was told you live nearby. I enjoy your videos though I must admit, I have never heard most of those songs. Thanks for the invite.


Carrie H
05/09/12 10:18:43PM @carrie-h:

Mark,

I am honored to be your friend. I got the Fast Fret today. It made a big difference. Maybe it was the combination-better technique, already had Finger Ease on the strings which helped but not as much as I had hoped and then today put the Fast Fret on. I am very pleased with the results but not near as fast as one would think I should be with all this going on. I do like my new baritone. I hope it is a good addition to our dulcimer group.

Carrie


John Henry
02/04/12 04:13:04PM @john-henry:

Thanks for info Mark, will act on it

JohnH


Linda I. Vickers
07/26/11 05:00:01PM @linda-i-vickers:
Thanks for the invitation Mark. It's encouraging to see these wonderful tunes being played so well. Keeps us inspired to play on. Linda
John Keane
04/23/11 10:45:27AM @john-keane:
Thanks for your invitation. You are quite skilled and an inspiration to those of us trying to figure this dulcimer thing out.