The 4 T’s of Learning to Play the Dulcimer

I read an article recently about the 3 P’s of music mastery. The three 3’s were Practice, Perseverance, and Patience. I found the article motivating, so I wondered if I could follow the same pattern for your newsletter – but by using a different letter. This is my first attempt. I was looking for the 3 T’s of learning to play the dulcimer but, instead of 3, I came up with 4.

• Time:  Consistent practice over time is essential to master the dulcimer. After all, practice makes perfect, as they say. Regular practice sessions help reinforce muscle memory, improve technical skills, and deepen your understanding of music theory. Learning to play the dulcimer may take more time for some than others and progress may be gradual. Just continue to stay dedicated throughout the journey and you will see results.

  
• Technique: This involves the physical aspects of playing the instrument, such as how you hold it, finger positioning, hand coordination, strumming or hammering patterns, and body posture. Developing good techniques is essential for playing efficiently and avoiding injury.


• Tenacity: The reason so many people quit early on when trying to learn to play a new instrument is that they really, really suck at it. I mean, they’re really bad and they can hear it. That’s where tenacity needs to kick in. Think of it as a musical initiation, a rite of passage into the wonderful world of music. Be tenacious, and you’ll get over that early speed bump in no time.
  
  
• Tunes: Learning and mastering tunes or pieces of music is a significant part of playing an instrument. Practicing different tunes helps you apply and reinforce the techniques and theories you've learned, and it also keeps your learning engaging and enjoyable. Tunes can range from the simple fiddle tunes we play at jam sessions to complex compositions, providing a variety of challenges to improve your skills.

But music is so much more than mastering the 4 T’s. It’s a journey filled with the sweet tones of the dulcimer. Kick back and enjoy the journey.

Happy dulcimering,
Linda