Dulcimer Lessons

About Dulcimers

While they share the same name, hammered dulcimer and mountain dulcimer are two quite different instruments. The former is played with mallets and the latter strummed or played with a plectrum. Hammered dulcimer is a member of the zither family and came to North America from Britain in colonial times. Mountain or Appalachian dulcimer typically has three strings, is classified as a fretted zither, and is a uniquely American instrument. Learn techniques and repertoire on either of these instruments that are a mainstay in traditional North American music.

Mountain Dulcimer (left) and Hammer Dulcimer made by Frederick Barley, 1902 (right).

Mountain Dulcimer Lessons for Beginners

Treat yourself to a ten-week session of mountain dulcimer lessons, suitable for complete beginners. This is a very easy-to-learn instrument with a lovely harp-like quality. It will not take long to hear wonderful-sounding results. Classes will be held at at The Piano Lab in Chadwicks. A series of hour-long classes will be taught by Clare Wettemann.

In ten weeks students will learn to play familiar tunes, cover basic tunings, several simple strums and finger-picking, as well as the traditional style from the Southern Mountains using a "pick and noter." After a few weeks you will work on making chords to play with the melodies in major and minor tunings.

Anyone not familiar with the dulcimer is welcome to try one out or hear a demonstration. Contact us for more information.