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hammered dulcimer
It’s Not WHAT … It’s HOW You’re Practicing
Too often, our focus lands on what we are practicing – whether it’s your dulcimer, a sport, a language, or a skill. However, the true essence of mastery lies not just in the act of practicing, but in how that practice is approached and executed. It's a subtle yet profound distinction: it's not what you're practicing; it's how you're practicing that truly matters.
Quality Over Quantity:
Mindless repetition of tunes or exercises does not lead to improvement. The key lies in the quality of pra…
You're Awesome!
I have a self-confidence issue. I never think I’m getting a new tune fast enough, playing it well enough to perform for others, or have practiced it long enough to be completely prepared to share. I’m harder on myself than ANYone else would ever be. And why is that? Maybe I’m just being too critical of myself. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations. Or maybe I need to listen to some positive thinking tapes.
I have had a few full-time jobs playing the dulcimer. When I got the job at the Butter…
Enough with the QUICK FIX
In today's fast-paced world, the desire for quick fixes permeates every aspect of our lives. Whether it's in our quest for physical fitness, mental well-being, financial stability, or being able to play our dulcimers … the allure of immediate results often leads us to look for shortcuts and temporary solutions. However, too often these quick fixes are just Band-Aids
For example, when I am practicing and come across a section that is difficult (usually my own fault, because I “write” all my own …
The Same, But Different
We moved six months ago into a senior community. It is a wonderful neighborhood … peaceful, friendly, and very well maintained. However, when you first drive into the neighborhood, you may think that all the houses look the same. We are hooked together like quadplexes with no steps – same metal roof, same postage-stamp-sized front yard, same double garage, same inset front door.
But when I ride up and down the neighborhood streets in my golf cart, I don’t see the sameness anymore. Every famil…
Live Workshop Archive
In addition to all of our filmed lessons at DulcimerCrossing, we also have been hosting Monthly Live Workshops from a variety of respected hammered dulcimer players/educators for years. Workshop and Mentor Level students have access both to these live workshops AND the Video Archive replay of the Workshops for later. DIY members can upgrade to Workshop and attend for half-the-price of the ala carte ticket.
Others can purchase an ala carte ticket for a particular subject or instructor and also…
Lifelong Benefits for Children
I belong to several Facebook dulcimer groups, and I am always thrilled when I see a young child holding a dulcimer, learning to play. Here are several compelling reasons why it is advantageous for children to embark on a musical journey:
- Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Playing an instrument stimulates various cognitive functions, including memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Children learn to read sheet music, interpret musical symbols, and coordinate their hands and fingers to …
Tell Your Backstory
One of the best ways to get someone interested in playing the dulcimer is to tell your backstory. The term “backstory” refers to the history or background, especially one created for a fictional character in a movie or TV series. But your own backstory is valuable too. I have found that one of the best ways to get someone interested in playing the dulcimer is to tell my personal backstory.
Telling your own backstory may …
- Build Connection with Others: Sharing your backstory allows others to…
Is the 3rd Time a Charm?
The phrase "third time's a charm" is a common saying that suggests that after two unsuccessful attempts, the third one is more likely to be successful or fortunate. While it may sound like a superstition or a simple play on words, history has supported the belief that the third attempt at something often proves to be the most successful.
When you are struggling with anything physical, whether it’s learning to play the dulcimer or ride a bike, there’s always this great source of pride and joy wh…
Practicing as a Child vs. an Adult
I am a senior now (our son calls my husband and I the “geriatrics”), and there are a lot of things I didn’t like to do as a child that now I crave time to do as an adult. For example …
- Reading: Some of my grandchildren find reading boring, and their parents have to insist they get their noses out of their devices to read a real book. As an adult, I never go anywhere without making sure the Kindle app on my phone is loaded and ready to go with my latest mystery.
- Eating My Vegetables: Well,…
Teaching a Dog New Tricks
In the past, I wrote a few newsletters about our cocker spaniel named Keyla, but she has been gone for two years now. And so, last week we finally got a new dog. Her name is Peaches. She is a cocker spaniel, and we “rescued” her from a breeder.
Since Mike and I are older and more prone to falls, we need to be able to walk Peaches without her jerking on the leash and lunging forward. So I have been consistently trying to teach Peaches to “heel” on every walk, and while walking today (and sayi…
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