Rick Thum

Friday 8:45-10:00 Session 1J Hammered Dulcimer Beginner

“Let’s Get Started and Fall in Love with Your Dulcimer” -We will learn the basics you need to start playing your dulcimer. You do not need to read music. I will show you the tricks to learning a song and your first embellishments. You will understand how your instrument works and will be able to make it sound like what made you want to play it. Come and get started.

Friday 10:15-11:30 Session 2L Hammered Dulcimer Advanced

“Syncopation” -Syncopation makes your music fun. Learn what it is and how to do it. You will work with the tune “Ragtime Annie” to give us a good syncopation workout. A fun class with lots of playing. See you there! 

Friday 1:00-2:15 Session 3K Hammered Dulcimer Intermediate

“Chords Will Firm Up Your Love Affair with Your Dulcimer” -You will learn how to play chords, using the whole dulcimer, without knowing the names of your notes. Chording does not have to be hard. Chords unlock your instrument. This is the first class to beginning to understand how to play chords. A fun and easy way to start using more of your dulcimer. See you in class!

Saturday 10:15-11:30 Session 7H Caring and Feeding Your Instrument

“Care and Feeding of Your Instrument” -This class is designed to help you take care of your instrument. Come learn how to change a string, set a bridge, or just how to keep it in good playing order. We will be open to your questions. It will be a fun class.

Saturday 1:00-2:15 Session 8L Hammered Dulcimer Advanced

“Part 1, Learn “Turn Around” A Love Song from a Parent to a Child” -You will learn the tune and then start to work on how to find where embellishment notes come from. This is a two-part class.

Saturday 2:30-3:45 Session 9L Hammered Dulcimer Advanced

“Part 2, “29 Ways to Embellish Your Love Song” -Now that we know the song and where the embellishment notes are, let’s look at several ways to deliver those notes. You will find ways to inspire your creativity.

Saturday 4:15-5:15 Session 10L Hammered Dulcimer Advanced

“Set List Design” -Why are some performances more powerful than others? Can the order of the songs really make a difference and if so, why? This is a fun class with a lot of input and discussion from the students. You will experience the results of the techniques being taught. Even if you do not have plans to perform, this class will help you enjoy what you play more fully.