Group Discussions

Tuning to C

When tuning to the key of C, is the bass string tuned to middle C or the next lowest?  I have broke one string already don't want to do that again.
@Peggy M started 9 years ago - replies: 3

First Performance

A year ago I never would have thought *I* would be playing a musical instrument, let alone performing with one.   I just discovered the dulcimer a...
@Kandee started 9 years ago - replies: 2

Play it however you want, but do record.

Not intending anything other than an easy discussion on the various ways to approach learning a new instrument.1. Get a book or dvd2. Read info...
@Mandy started 9 years ago - replies: 18

Am I too old to learn to play dulcimer?

I thought this would be an interesting discussion in the beginners' group.I just wrote a blog post about this question, and here are my thoughts on...
@Strumelia started 15 years ago - replies: 32

An adjusted music stand for the dulcimer

I have a cheap metal collapsible music stand that I bought for a dollar at a tag sale. When sitting however the music level on the stand is too...
@John W. McKinstry started 9 years ago - replies: 1

Interactive Rhythm Tutor on-line

I see a lot of beginners, and any who come to me for help really struggling with reading rhythm, or even asking questions about it. I was thinking...
@Cynthia Wigington started 9 years ago - replies: 10

Squeaky strings

Thanks to all of the answers I received about my tuning problem. As a newbie, I have one other question. When moving between frets quicklywithout...
@Gail Webber started 11 years ago - replies: 8

How to maximize the learning experience at a festival?

Hello All,I am going to my first festival this weekend (2/28/15). Any tips out there for a newbie to maximize the learning experience? I am taking...
@Neil W. Millard started 9 years ago - replies: 11

Great resource - Stephen Seifert Join the Jam videos

First let me say I do not know Stephen and have never met him. I am not affiliated with him in any way, I'm just a very satisfied customer and...
@Mandy started 10 years ago - replies: 2

My first MD :)

On March 17, St. Patrick's Day, I've received my dulcimer from Rodney Hensley!I like it very much. It has adorable sound - not so mellow, but not...
@Volha started 9 years ago - replies: 24

Piano as 1st Language

It's said your first language colors your thinking. (Trust me, thiswill get to the dulcimer.) Back when folks learned computer programming, the...
@Lois Sprengnether Keel started 9 years ago - replies: 12

Playing in a different octave

As a beginner 3 years ago April 1st, I began playing in DAd, and didn't change tuning for quite sometime. When I finally discovered CGC, it was a...
@Terry Wilson started 9 years ago - replies: 10

Doing a video series of beginner play along videos

On my YouTube page, I decided to do a video series so beginners can play along with what I am playing. What I will be doing is one week I will...
@James Phillips started 9 years ago - replies: 5

Finger dancing basics?

Have been away from FOTMD a bunch lately, but notice Finger Dancing mentioned in passing on some recent discussions. Ever since I discovered this...
@Lois Sprengnether Keel started 9 years ago - replies: 17

Singing With the dulcimer can be fun.

A beginning student of mine wants to play the dulcimer while she sings nursery rhymes to her grandchild. I have written the fret numbers on a small...
@John W. McKinstry started 9 years ago - replies: 5

What is a good timeframe for a lesson?

Hello All,I am a new student of the dulcimer within the past month. I was wondering how long an individual lesson should be? I just had a lesson of...
@Neil W. Millard started 9 years ago - replies: 14

Can a dulcimer change? Sustain is. . .loud

Hi All,I really love my instrument -- I play at least a little while almost every day. Recently it seems like the sustain (vibrato) is louder and...
@Ellen Rice started 9 years ago - replies: 17

How to speed up learning by slowing down .... (not just for beginners)

Ever wondered how a song in a video on here, or anywhere, is played but the finger movement is so fast or complicated that you can't take it all in...
@Mark Brothers started 9 years ago - replies: 8

My first Video; Sugar Hill, tuned CCgg

Please go to my google file and watch: advise, suggestions are most welcome. Sorry Friends, I have challenges with technology, up loads...
@Lexie R Oakley started 9 years ago - replies: 9

Irish Washerwoman Tablature

I heard this song played on YouTube and really enjoyed the melody.Does anyone know of simple tablature for it played in the noter style?Thanks.
@Garland Coulson started 9 years ago - replies: 3