Instruction
for the Hammer Dulcimer!
We have many more pieces of instructional materials than we are
showing here ... but we have chosen some of our more popular and successful ones
for your consideration.
McCutcheon Video
One of the country's most popular dulcimer players gives us a
very personable and user-friendly video jam-packed with 90 minutes of tips,
tricks and tunes. John gives you the tools you need to work out melodies of your
own choosing. If you apply yourself to this video people will be hiring
you to play at their parties by the time you're finished. He does a simple version of a tune, then
shows you how to embellish it. He deals with holding the hammers, finding the notes, tuning the instrument and setting it up, coordinating right and left hands, and techniques like rolls and
flams. It includes a chart of the
members of all major and minor chords. McCutcheon
Video Price: $39.95
To Order!
Striking Out and Winning
This is probably our most comprehensive learning aid. It
is recommended for those who already read music or want to learn with the
Dulcimer. A three (3) Cassette Tape series is available that goes along
with the book and gives you a chance to hear the lessons and see what they
"should" sound like. This is a comprehensive study that starts
at the beginning. She also has a follow up book and tape series that goes
farther and focuses on chording, accompaniment and filling in with the dulcimer.
This beginning series will keep you busy for a while, though!
Striking
Out & Winning (book only) Price: $35.00
Set of 3 companion cassette tapes Price:
$32.00
To
Order!
Kendra Ward Videos
If you think you might feel more comfortable with video instruction that moves a little
slower ... and many folks do! ... one of Kendra's works: Hammer Dulcimer Basics
or Playing with Arpeggios, could be just right for you.
Hammered Dulcimer Basics
is 60 minutes and has lessons on playing scales, locating duplicated notes, learning melodies, adding simple harmony, and using "guitar" chord
harmony. Her goal seems to be to give a good foundation for playing the dulcimer in whatever style you choose.
Playing with Arpeggios is 55 minutes
and has lessons on defining and playing arpeggios, building harmonics, creating interesting endings, developing unique fill-ins, embellishing and using your entire instrument. The thrust is on individualizing your playing style.
Kendra Ward Basics Video Price:
$30.00
Kendra Ward Arpeggios Video Price: $30.00
To Order!
Linda Thompson Book & Tape
For
a book and tape combination that is based on tablature rather than standard
music notation this tandem might seem a little less daunting. This
instruction contains 43 reasonably familiar tunes, including Simple Gifts,
Ashgrove, Oh Susannah, Wildwood Flower, etc. The tunes are played exactly as they appear in the book.
Linda uses a numbered tablature with left and right hand designated, and standard notation with chords written above.
Thompson Book & Tape Price:
$20.00 Book & CD
Price: $25.00
To Order!
Instruction
for the Bowed Psaltery!
Video or Book
The
Bowed Psaltery is one of the easiest instruments in the world to play. Not
only is it a lot of fun, because it's so easy, but the tone is positively
"ethereal." The video covers bowing techniques, how to
tune, 13 beginning songs, how to play with two bows, how to play harmonies by
yourself and more. If you like to see someone actually playing ... this
is the ticket!
Psaltery Video Price: $39.95
To Order!
The book gives you 76 different melodies to work on including
18 Christmas, 14 Hymns, 13 English, Scottish & Irish, 16 O'Carolan and 15
miscellaneous others. It also gives chords for all but a few of the tunes.
It includes a history of the BP, as well as scales in different keys. It gives
suggestions for bowing up or down with each note on the first couple of songs.
Psaltery Book Price: $14.95
To
Order!
If you haven't checked out our Bowed
Psaltery Page yet, give it a look!
If you have questions, need more
information,
or would like to place an order, please . . .
E-mail us at: INFO@SONGOFTHEWOOD.COM
Call or fax us at: 828-669-7675
Visit or write us at: Song of the Wood
203 West State Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Or fill out the form on our Order Page.
