This week presents the best in mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer music and instruction, with many of the world’s best dulcimer musicians. Both of these instruments provide a user-friendly welcome to new players and can challenge, support and inspire those who already play. Dulcimer Week offers carefully planned classes and a supportive and engaging social community in a setting of mountain beauty and comfort. You can sign up for classes in one or both instruments. Class sizes are limited to allow for individual attention to our students. All participants get three 75 minute class periods a day, providing over 18 total hours of class instruction. Beginners in both instruments remain with their instructors to comfortably build a solid playing foundation. Our participants often tell us that they learned as much at Swannanoa’s Dulcimer Week as in six months of study at home! Our after-lunch Communal Gatherings are a favorite, and feature a new “close-up” performance each day by our instructors. Evening activities include a Sunday night Welcome Celebration at which you will meet other participants and the staff. On Monday night our exciting Staff Concert runs the gamut of dulcimer versatility and talent. There will be a Students’ Open Mike for participants to share their music, and Thursday night’s exciting Old Farmer’s Ball is a great opportunity for some dancing in the beautifully renovated Bryson Gym. Evenings are also the time to hone your skills in playing with others at our “slow” or “moderate” speed jam sessions, led by staff members. Informal jams continue into the wee hours and are legendary for their fun and lively music. This year’s sing-alongs should be wonderful, led by Warren Wilson President Emeritus Doug Orr and his wife Darcy, Joe Holbert, and Thomasina. We will have some surprise special sessions, and a fun opportunity to try the Bowed Dulcimer with virtuosic multi-instrumentalist Kenneth Bloom. Some of our favorite evaluation comments from last year’s participants:“It was like being in ‘Brigadoon’ for a week. Never saw a frown on a face – everyone always smiling, polite, helpful.” “Instructors made sure we understood the music, both in class and in jams. They were accommodating, patient, funny, dedicated and really great players.” “The schedule was well thought out – plenty to do without feeling pushed.” “An atmosphere that encourages ‘risk taking’ and trying new things.” You can view classes here as well as staff bios.
Or go directly to an individual instructor’s bio by
clicking one of the names to the right.
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