March 2nd 9-7:45 pm CST

(in Central Time)

9-10 am Forum: Introduction, Welcome and Teacher's Roundtable hosted by DJ Hamouris of Dulcimoon.com

10:05-11:05 am Workshop 1:   Jonathan Schultes

Introduction to Equidistant

Transitioning from 3 to 4 strings: Take those double melody strings and spread them evenly for a whole new world of possibilities.  More strings means using more fingers, so I'll help you get used to both! We'll take a look at hand shapes for easier playing, find out how the little finger becomes invaluable in a four string setup, and even apply the little finger for barre chords. Finally, apply this to a few songs we already know - Boil The Cabbage and Wildwood Flower - so you can adapt four strings to anything!  Getting used to the extra string and how the little finger becomes invaluable in this setup. Using D-A-d-d tuning. Class will include a touch on flat-picking and best hand positions for chording, including using the little finger for barre chords. 

11:15-12:15 Workshop 2:  Heidi Muller

4-Equidistant String Fingerpicking

Explore the interesting chord voicings and fingerpicking patterns of 4-equidistant strings in D-A-d-d tuning. We’ll discuss how this is different from fingerpicking a 3-course dulcimer, learn techniques for both left and right hands, and practice picking patterns on some beautiful slower songs.

12:30-1:30 pm Workshop 3:  Neal Hellman

Using Tuning Variations to Expand Possibilities

Utilizing a Descending chord line in D-D-G-d. I will demonstrate this technique with my tune Durango.  Utilizing the D-D-G-d tuning to back up your voice. Lord Franklin and if I can Walk in the Room.   Playing in a minor mode in D-A-d-C. I will illustrate some simple chords. Picnic On the St. Croix, The Cuckoo

Lunch / Student Sharing / Open Mic / Optional Break Out Rooms

2:30- 3:30 pm Workshop 4:  Mark Tindle

4-String Expressions
By using a simple approach to the 4-equidistant string style, Mark will show you how to improve sustain, smoothness, and expressiveness in your playing by using open strings, four-note chords, harp runs, and crosspicking. The O’Carolan tune Blind Mary will be used to illustrate chords and harp runs, while KINGSFOLD (commonly known as Star of the County Down) will demonstrate various crosspicking “patterns” and some arranging ideas. All material will be taught in the D-A-d-d tuning.

3:45 - 4:45 pm Workshop 5:  Stephen Seifert

Morning Birds by David Schnaufer
In the 1980s, David was spending a good bit of time around many of the most active four-string equidistant dulcimer players in the United States. He also played for and recorded with Chet Atkins, the master guitar player, whose techniques and arranging influenced Schnaufer. While David was mostly a three-string player (his melody string was doubled), he composed and arranged a number of pieces for four-string that are some of the best uses of this tuning in recorded history. In this workshop, I’ll share with you his composition “Morning Birds”, which is in the DAdd tuning and capoed at the fourth fret. I’m continually updating my understanding and tablature of this piece, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.

5:00 - 6:00 pm Workshop 6:  Hunter Walker

An Escape to West Virginia

We’re going to learn a well-known West Virginia fiddle tune as a vehicle to approach a West Virginia love ballad. Three-to-four string conversion tactics will be addressed as we approach this!

6:45 pm  Faculty Concert-Round Robin (live-streamed on the DulcimerCrossing Facebook page)

SCHEDULE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. *workshop titles and descriptions coming soon*