Mountain Dulcimer: Aaron O'Rourke, Aubrey Atwater, Bruce Ford, Butch Ross, Stephen Seifert

Hammered Dulcimer: Stephen Humphries, Dan Landrum, Mark Alan Wade

Other Instruments: Elwood Donnelly, Randy Clepper, Bob McMurray

Registration is open. Click the Prices/Lodging tab. 

Download the ClassSchedule by clicking here.

Class Descriptions

Aaron

Beyond Basic Backup - (intermediate/advanced) This class will emphasize making ourselves feel good for this act of musical selflessness that is playing accompaniment for a group or individual.  We'll talk about different approaches to accompaniment borrowing techniques used on bass, mandolin, and guitar.  We'll also cover chord substitutions and ways you can improvise while playing accompaniment.  DAD tuning.  Bring a capo

 
Fiddle tunes from Funksy to Folksy - (beginner/intermediate) This workshop uses fiddle tunes as a way to show how to add variation to tunes you already know.  Variations will be split into rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic variations and then put together into a fiddle tuney collage of awesomeness. DAD tuning. Bring a capo.

 
Exercises for Improving Technique - (beginner/intermediate) It's sometimes amazing just how rebellious your hands and fingers can be when it comes to doing what you want them to do on the instrument. This workshop is designed to get your left and right hands working in sync by improving dexterity, finger independence, and comfort with the entire fretboard. We’ll also cover techniques that will give you greater control of your tone and dynamics.  In short, your hands will never question your authority again.

Licks and Improvising - (advanced) We'll spend the first 90 seconds of class mostly scared we're going to play a wrong note.  We'll spend the following 3,510 seconds exploring the creative possibilities we have on this instrument that are not bound by a specific melody or notes on a page but influenced by ideas we can prepare our fingers to execute spontaneously.  In other words, we're going to spend the last 58 minutes and 30 seconds rocking out and it's going to be awesome.

 
Composing and Arranging for Mountain Dulcimer - Whether you can play thirty or three hundred notes per minute, regardless of technical ability, writing your own music can be very fulfilling AND very approachable. We’ll talk about ideas for inspiring creativity as well as how to optimize your composition to fit the dulcimer fretboard.

Atwater/Donnelly

Playing for Contra Dances - (all levels) Tunes and tips to keep the dancers shuffling.

Chording and Singing Ballads - (beginner/intermediate) Participants will learn basic chords for the DAD Mixolydian tuning and how to sing and play at the same time! Aubrey will choose from some of her favorite traditional ballads. 

Using the Dulcimer as a Harmony Voice  - (Intermediate/Advanced) Aubrey will share what she has learned over the years from Jean Ritchie: creating a second voice with the dulcimer while singing.

Fingerpicking for the First Time - (Beginner/Intermediate) Aubrey will provide a framework for fingerpicking simple tunes on the mountain dulcimer. Participants will learn several basic patterns for vocal accompaniment as well as a method for fingerpicking a melody as an instrumental.

Improvising on the Mountain Dulcimer - (All Levels) Related to playing by ear, learn to play along with the group in an informal, loosely structured manner. The workshop will discuss how to improvise with chords, lead and bass note playing and will articulate some of the tricks and structure behind what appears to be pure artistic "happening."

Bruce

Daily PT for mountain dulcimer - (beginner/intermediate):  This is the workshop that is causing allthe buzz.  This workshop teaches techniques for drilling very specificskills that are common to all our mountain dulcimer playing.  Youwill leave with several skill-building drills reinforced withrepetition, and the knowledge to incorporate drills into your practicethat will take your playing to the next level.

Singing with the mountain dulcimer - (all levels) Even if you've never tried singing while playing, this workshop gets you started down a warm andrewarding path. You will learn playing techniques that free your brainup to sing.  You will also learn how to find an apply a near endlesssource of enjoyable songs to sing.  If you've ever thought aboutsinging and playing, don't wait any longer.  You know, I've never met anyone who can sing and stay in a bad mood! 

Embellish the songs you already know - (all levels) Okay, so you can play everysong in your tab book, but this workshop focuses on making these songsbetter and more interesting.  You will leave with a checklist ofembellishment ideas to apply to your songs to really give them thatpolished touch.  It's up to you to do the dazzling. 

 Flip that dulcimer - (Intermediate/Beginner) Stuck on the melody string?  You're notalone.  It's true that switching to the bass requires differentskills.  We'll break through that barrier and get you startedincorporating that lovely, deeper sound into your playing.

Butch

Show Off! - (advanced) Learn to make unusual, offbeat and fun sound on the dulcimer. In short stuff that sounds cool! Learn string bending, natural and artificial harmonics, Two-hand tapping, slapping, hammer-ons, pull-offs and using the dulcimer as a drum. 

If You Like One Tune, You'll Like 'em Both - (novice and up) By learning to recognize structure, recurring motives and reused "licks" in old-time tunes, you can quickly learn new tunes. In this class we'll learn 2 or three in an hour.

From Tune to Arrangement (part 1) - (intermediate and up) Learn how to take a basic tune and turn it into a complete arrangement. we'll discuss embellishments like hammer-ons and pull-offs as well as structure, arranging, reharmonizing, chords and chord substitutions.

From Tune to Arrangement (part 2) - (intermediate and up) Now that we know to do it, you will pick a tune and we will make it an arrangement.

Beginner's Toolbox - (beginner/novice) - This class doesn't give you a fish, it teaches you how to fish. Get a solid foundation on the info and techniques you need to be a solid and self-sustaining player. We'll cover chords, strumming, ergonomics and all the music theory you need (and none of what you don't).

Dan

Pivotal Hammering - (all levels but GREAT for beginners) make more music with less effort by using this easy to understand, but tough to master, technique. This is the most important class a beginner can take (that I teach) so please take this class if you're a new hammerer. It serves as a refresher for veterans as we'll get very picky about what is and isn't happening with your hammers.

Powerful Paradiddles and Why They're Particularly Practical - (intermediate/advanced) this could be THE most important rudiment for strengthening your weaker hand. There's much more to paradiddles than RLRRLRLL.

Double your pleasure with double strokes - (intermediate/advanced) Called the diddle, or bounce stroke—master this and you'll instantly add pizazz to any tune you already play.

The II V I Progression - It isn't just for jazz players. (advanced) The II V I progression is easy to play on hammered dulcimer and sounds harder than it is!

Dampers: How to Use Them - (all levels) Dampers are crazy good at creating cool sounds on hammered dulcimers. Dampers themselves are not something new. They've been around for hundreds of years. If you're lucky enough to have them, or are considering getting an instrument with dampers, then this class is for you. 

Piano Dulcimer 101 - (all levels) The Sam Rizzetta designed piano dulcimer has re-energized my excitement about dulcimer playing. I think it will do the same for you. I'll make sure this demonstration class doesn't conflict with any other instruction classes so you can come check it out for yourself. I'll have a couple of instruments available for you to try (or buy) for yourself. 

Mark

How to Plateau in Your Musicianship and Never Get Any Better - (all levels) This is a great workshop for under-achievers and other musician wannabes with no clue how to get to the next level. We will spend most of our time discovering what successful musicians are doing in their practice sessions that make them better and better. Once you hear all of the productive strategies & practice habits that can actually make YOU play better; if you are still content playing right where you are- do the opposite.

Essentials of Music Theory - (all levels) Mark teaches music theory and aural skills at Denison University in Ohio and LOVES to break it down to a practical level for dulcimer players. We will discover: why notes sound good or bad, the Western tonal system, building chords, chord substitutions, modes, modal borrowing, musical syntax, voice-leading and more! We will dig in as deep as you’d like; however, the focus will be on info that is instantly applicable. Music literacy is NOT required.

Hand Independence in Time for Christmas Carols! - (intermediate/advanced) I’m going to use Carol of the Bells to trick you into learning how to run a bass line AND play a fast ¾ melody at the same time! This is a very handy technique that can be applied to MANY pieces, but this way you can get the skills in time to play this great piece (and others) for the holidays coming up!

Filler Notes - (intermediate/advanced) Do you ever wonder what all the fast filler notes are when you hear good dulcimer players playing a simple tune but with a bunch of other notes around it? Learn WHAT they are, and HOW YOU can do it too!

Stephen H.

The Practice Room - (All levels) Developing exercises and practiceroutines for the hammered dulcimer.  This session is for players whoknow tunes and are comfortable with scales and chords, but need somefresh ideas for how to better develop technique and make practice timeinteresting and productive.  This class will be helpful for teachersas well as students of the instrument.

Rhythm Workshop - (All levels)This workshop will focus onexercises to develop your rhythmic ability, creativity, understandingof syncopation, and hammer control.  Handouts with exercises will beprovided.
 

Rudiments and Stick Control - (Intermediate) Percussion Techniqueon the hammered dulcimer.  Your key to improving speed, control,strong hand vs. weak hand issues and rhythmic accuracy in playing.Through studying materials from the Percussive Arts Society, we willdiscover ways for more efficient and exciting playing.  Handouts withexercises will be provided.

Hand Interdependence - (Intermediate-Advanced) Teaching your handshow to work together.   We will work on playing rhythmic/harmonicpatterns in one hand while playing a melody in the other, and applyingit to both hands around the instrument.  These exercises will help youget the essentials out of your head and under your hammers where theyneed to be.  This workshop will be helpful for developing technique aswell as arranging and composing music.  Handouts from my new book onthis topic will be provided.

Stephen S.

Learn Like Grandpa Did - DAD (beginner)
Learn in a do-as-I-do style that's very similar to what a lot of folks did in the old days. You don't need to have a great ear to take this class. It's mostly learn by-eye. We will cover about three Old-Time tunes, TAB included. You will leave with these tunes in your head and under your fingers. If you've had trouble in jams, this class will help.

Group Improvisation Games - DAD - (intermediate) Bring Capo
My secret weapon has always been my ability to goof off on the dulcimer in new and interesting ways. It's the way I make Old Joe Clark new every time I play it. These short and easy games are designed to open you up so you can start to find your own voice. Each is designed to create interesting music.

Painless Chord-Melody Arranging - DAD (all levels)
Before I knew all the chords and what their names were, I discovered this system to put chords to any melody note. You’ll pretty much have it down by the end of the class. I’ll make sure you leave with the basics in writing.

Bluegrass and Blues Tunes in A - DAD - Capo 4 (advanced) Having both the 6 and the 6-and-a-half frets makes this capo position extremely versatile for the sophisticated sounds of Bluegrass and the Blues. We'll cover Black Mountain Rag and Maiden's Prayer. Included will be a bunch of tips on fingering and right-hand work. (The Friday and Saturday classes will use different tunes)

Using Arpeggios to Guide Your Arrangements Improvisation  - DAD (intermediate and advanced)
It's important to be able to play from your gut, but that doesn't mean leaving your mind behind. We'll work through three arpeggio shapes that will forever more guide you to right notes and not-so-right notes as your improvise, arrange, play harmonies, or backup. If you're tired of hitting "wrong" notes when you make stuff up, this will fix you up. (This is exactly how I come up with cool licks and endings for all the stuff I play.)

 

Randy

Citterns, Zouks, and Mandos in Irish Music - (all levels, open to all mandolin family instruments -- citterns/bouzouki/octave mandolins, mandolins, mandolas, etc.)  Relative newcomers to the tradition, we'll explore the versatile roles these instruments can play in Irish music covering melody, countermelody, and accompaniment.  GDAD and GDAE-based tunings welcome.

Playing in an Irish Session - (all instruments, all levels)  All you ever wanted to know about playing in an Irish traditional music session but were afraid to ask.  Here's your opportunity to participate in one in a non-threatening environment.  A great primer for the evening sessions!

The Irish Tenor Banjo - (all levels)  The tenor banjo has come into its own in Irish music both on the Emerald Isle and in the 'States.  Whether you're considering taking up the instrument or still struggling with those triplets, come and get some pointers.  (If you don't have your banjo on you, bring your mando-family instrument -- some of the same techniques will apply).

elevation 1920'

Nestled in Sixty-five acres of mountain woodlands and open fields, the DuBose Conference Center is perfect for the Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival - plus, it's the perfect time of year to enjoy the glory of fall among the trees and trails atop the Cumberland Mountain Plateau.

 

All packages include, meals, workshops & concerts. Lodging packages include Thursday night through Saturday night. Meals start with breakfast Friday morning and end with breakfast Sunday morning. All workshops, dance, and concerts are included, so go to as many or as few as you like. We are unable to break meals out of the package prices. The kitchen staff is willing to create special meals for those with specific dietary needs.

After choosing which package you'd like by clicking one of the Add to Cart buttons below, you'll be able to choose whether to use a credit card or paypal. You'll also be able to send us a note with any special instructions, but this comes near the end of the process. You can always just drop us an email to angie AT dpnews.com, or just pick up the phone and give us a call (423) 886-3966. We know some of you would rather talk to a human than use a credit card online. We promise to be as human as possible. :-) 

Packages with lodging:

Tent Package: $190

Bring your own tent and bedding to camp on the lawn. You can use the group cabin restroom.

RV Package: $214

You can use the cabin restroom. There are no hookups.

Cabin Package: $229

The cabin accommodates 24 persons in two large sleeping rooms with bunk style beds.

Dorm Package - Single: $283

Dorm Package - Double: $247

Claiborne Hall is the historic main building which has dorm style rooms with two single beds. Rooms are located on the second and third floor (no elevator), and have bathrooms in the hall of each wing.

Motel Package - Single: $325

Motel Package - Double: $277

Bishop’s Hall has motel style rooms, each with private bath, double beds and heat and A/C. It has two floors.

 

Packages without lodging:

Full Package - No Lodging: $169

Single Day - No Lodging: $92

 

 

We have limited vending space in a covered, basketball court sized paviliion. If you're interested being a vendor, email Lisa Ferguson, fergusonlisa AT mac.com (replace the AT with the @ symbol).

We've invited several vendors for this year's festival and will list them here as soon as they confirm attendance.