Blog
What is Your Method of Exercise?
by Steve EulbergI remember the question from the cardiologist I visited on my 33rd birthday.
I was there because my heart was skipping beats periodically and heart disease runs in my family.
After the stress test failed to produce any abnormalities they concluded that the source of this anomaly may be just day-to-day stress, rather than being physical activity-induced.
So their strategy was to be certain that I was building a strong physical system that could withstand the mental, social and emotio…
Don't Marry Your Tablature
At jam sessions, I have noticed the tendency for a group to play the same tune through several times, verse after verse after verse. Now, many of you have set up your music stands with your notebook of tablature right in front of you. And I’ve seen you reading your tabs for that tune, over and over and over. Now there’s nothing wrong with that … except … I think it stifles creativity.
My system is to learn the basics of a tune, and then put the sheet music or tablature away. …
Technology--Tool or Crutch?
By Linda Ratcliff
Technology can be an amazing aid — as long as you don't get too dependent on it.
There are free or low-cost apps you can load on your cell phone and iPad, such as a metronome and a tuner, which are essential tools for practicing.
And, of course, Dulcimer Crossing's online lessons include videos and animations – which make practice time fun.
However, some students are TOO DEPENDENT on the technology aids. They feel discouraged if they can’t play a tune exactly the way it i…
Music is the Best Medicine
by Linda Ratcliff
Researchers at Brunel University in the United Kingdom studied the relationship between music and patients undergoing surgery.
The study followed about 7,000 patients, and discovered that patients who listened to music before and after their surgery recovered more quickly than those who didn’t. In addition, they found that those who listened to music depended less on their painkillers.
So, I am wondering – what about patients who PLAY music?
Could there be an increase in recove…
Performance Anxiety
by Linda Ratcliff
Stage fright is experiencing intense feelings of nervousness before or while you’re playing your instrument in front of people. In fact, it is also called performance anxiety.
But the truth is, when we feel this way, we are determining the outcome in our imagination before it actually happens. We are visualizing a complete mess-up, and we expect to either strike or strum the wrong strings at any moment.
You’re not alone.
When I used to perform on the piano, I remember standing …
Upcoming Lesson: Playing with a Backing Track
Coming soon from the DulcimerCrossing editing bay: A new lesson series with coaching and suggestions for playing along with a Blues Backing Track. Using the example from the Backing Track Library for our members, Steve Eulberg demonstrates the power of the Pentatonic Minor Scale as a strategy for playing along with recorded music (without any written tablature!)
If you really want to dig in deep and understand what is going on inside the blues and how the mountain dulcimer is particular…
What Do I Want to Accomplish Today?
by Linda Ratcliff
Sometimes I practice from a list. For example, right now every chance I get, I am playing through all the patriotic tunes I know – since the 4th of July is right around the corner.
However, just playing through my list isn't the same thing as practicing.
Before I begin to practice, I need to think more about what I want to accomplish with my limited practice time.
Maybe I should focus more on the patriotic tune I find the hardest, breaking it down line by line.
Maybe I should …
New Video Explains DulcimerCrossing
We are excited to unveil a new 30 second explanation of what DulcimerCrossing is all about! Watch below:
Click here to join today! Spread the news! Like this video using the heart icon. Share this video with your friends using the little paper airplane icon.
[note: this is an historical video, our website looks differently today.]
Introducing a New Instructor!
DulcimerCrossing is excited to welcome Aubrey Atwater 
(of Atwater-Donnelly) to the instructional team. Aubrey teaches mountain dulcimer, from the Jean Ritchie family tradition. Visit the Teacher Page and watch her introduction video. Or, visit the Live Events page and watch the highlight video of her recent Premium Concert Window Show. Subscribe here, to have access to all of her lessons!
Neal Hellman Featured in Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast
Wayne Jiang and Patricia Delich host this informative conversation with players of the mountain dulcimer across the country and across genres. This edition features samples of music from several of Steve's recordings:
Neal Hellman has played the mountain dulcimer for more than 40 years and is the founder, director, and one of the primary artists on the Gourd Music record label. Gourd Music recordings ar…
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