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Benefits of a Repertoire List
I played a concert for a group of seniors on September 9th – right between Labor Day and 9/11, the annual day of remembrance for the terrorist attack. The concert date wasn’t selected for that reason … it was just the normal 2nd Monday meeting date. But the playlist was a no-brainer for me. I just had to brush up on my patriotic repertoire list.
A repertoire list is a list of pieces that you have mastered and could confidently perform at any given time. It should include a variety of styles an…
It’s not the What, When, or Where! It’s the “How!”
I believe that It's the “how” you're practicing that makes a difference in the quality and effectiveness of your practice sessions. Simply going through the motions without focus or intentionality may not yield the desired results in terms of skill improvement and musical growth. Here are some key points to consider.
Focused practice: Concentrating on specific goals and areas of improvement during practice sessions can lead to more significant progress. Identify your weaknesses or challenging pas…
Try That Again, Slowly
Is there any benefit to playing something more slowly if you don’t have to? Absolutely! Actually, playing a tune at a slower tempo is sometimes more challenging that playing it at your normal speed. But it’s worth the effort and here are some of the benefits.
- Builds Muscle Memory: Slow practice allows your muscles to memorize the correct movements and positions.
- Improves Accuracy: Slowing down gives you the time to focus on hitting the correct notes, rhythms, and articulations.
- Enhan…
The 3 S’s of Learning Anything!
There are three words of advice that begin with the letter “S” that will apply to mastering anything you want to learn – not just learning to play the dulcimer.
- Schedule Regular Practice: Consistent practice is essential for improving your skills and mastering an instrument (or any hobby). Set aside dedicated time each day to practice, even if it's just for a short period. Regular practice helps build muscle memory, improve technique, and enhance overall musicality.
- Stick with It: Learn…
New Feature: Audio Enhancement
There is another new feature/tool in DulcimerCrossing and I made video to describe it to you!
Sometimes it helps to enhance the audio in our lessons or workshop archives.
Click the image above or
The "ear-shaped" icon is the tool which is available by the audio volume control of any audio or video in our site.
Try it out and let us know how it helps you! Who knows? Maybe this can assist you in learning to play by "ear."
ahem...
Steve Eulberg
Accountabili-buddies
Accountability
With any creative pursuit, accountability is a necessary and beneficial tool to keep us moving through our various creative processes so that we can actually help our imagination take shape in the world outside of our brains
This is also a word that can cause some of us to sort of slink away because it feels "too much like work" or "I feel guilty when I don't practice" or "I'm afraid I really can't DO this".
There have been times when I have heard those phrases passing through …
New Feature: Transcriptions of All Video Lessons
I am so excited about this new tool and feature in DulcimerCrossing that I had to make a video to describe it to you!
For those of us who are helped by reading what is being spoken in a video, we have upgraded our platform in order to provide closed-captioning AND transcripts of all of our video lessons in our 220+ courses.
Click the image above or
We are creating Transcriptions of all of our over 3,000 videos in the DulcimerCrossing site. Not every lesson has the vide…
Sneaky Self-Saboteurs
We’re all guilty. We have all done one or more of these things from time to time. We have knowingly or unknowingly sabotaged our own music practice time. Not me, you might say. Well, read my list and see if any of these triggers a memory or tweaks your conscience.
- Lack of motivation: If you're not motivated or passionate about practicing, it can be challenging to stay focused and dedicated to your dulcimer. Finding ways to stay inspired, setting specific goals, and reminding yourself of t…
Chromatic Mountain Dulcimer Resources
This is the summer of CHROMATIC DULCIMER RESOURCES!
Erin Mae has pulled together Newly Published resources for learning and playing Chromatic Mountain Dulcimers, together with some that have been available for awhile.
Which ones to you already know about and use?
BOOKS
Method for Chromatic Mountain Dulcimer Book by Bing Futch: https://folkcraft.com/.../bing-futch-method-for-chromatic...
Chromatic Mountain Dulcimer Chord Encyclopedia by Erin Mae Music: https://www.erinmaemusic.com/store
…It’s Good for the Whole Family
Over Memorial weekend, my husband and I went to a 3-day bluegrass festival at Salmon Lake in Grapeland, TX. What I noticed was that many of the performing groups were all family members. Then we left there to go to Larry Bruce Gardens for a Sunday buffet after church. While everyone was enjoying the delicious meal, there was live music being played for us. And everyone on the stage was a family member.
I was overjoyed to get to see Margaret Wright again, who has been our friend for at least 3…
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