Dulcimer Destiny
Joan Burroughs
Dulcimerologist
dulcimerdestiny@gmail.com
Local Dulcimer Teacher and Performer, Raleigh, NC
This picture in costume shows me playing the Appalachian Dulcimer in the traditional noder style and picking the strings with a feather quill. The melody was played by sliding a stick of wood to each fret for the desired melody note. Today most use their fingers.
My video presentation below shows me playing chord melody style.
Hammer and Mountain Dulcimer
MY MESSAGE: I specialize in sacred music, its message and song. I enjoy performing for church gatherings, independent and assisted living communities, hospitals, and events. I am committed t preserving the old hymns, their history and their message. Folk and Appalachian Hymns have a unique quality all their own which preserves the simple faith and its message. A message much needed for today. I welcome the opportunity to inspire others by performing, speaking and teaching.
MY STORY: I was introduced to the mountain and hammer dulcimer in 2006, thus my destiny was changed forever. I have performed throughout North Carolina and Virginia and in 2021 I received certification to teach the dulcimer. I have attended dulcimer classes at Warren Wilson College, Mars Hill University, and West Carolina University, as well as various music festivals and workshops and continue to do so. In spring of 2024 I gave an educational lecture at NCSU on the hammer and mountain dulcimer along with a mini workshop where a few volunteers learned to play a song in under five minutes. Most had no prior musical experience.
MY PROGRAMS: My seasonal programs at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas bring historical and spiritual insight. I’ll take you back to a time when life was simple and to a place where the old sacred hymns flowed through the crisp Appalachian air. Where family and community often gathered to worship in a one room schoolhouse-church. When old hymns were an anchor for the soul and sung by the old and young alike. It was a time when life was simple yet so hard that faith in God was essential for survival .
MY INSTRUCTION WORKSHOPS: I give private and small group lessons from my home studio in Raleigh NC. Sometimes I travel to local areas for group lessons or give my "Introduction to the Mountain Dulcimer Workshop" where I educate, entertain, and give a mini lesson on the mountain dulcimer. This gives many folks a chance to play an instrument for the first time.
Email me at dulcimerdestiny@gmail.com for inquiries . I give free initial consultations to anyone seeking lessons or who wants to try a dulcimer out to see what it is all about. See my reasons why I teach the mountain dulcimer and enjoy my videos.
The mountain dulcimer changed my life. In a matter of weeks, I obtained a skill set that I wasn't able to achieve for years on my guitar. I teach it because:
It is, simply put, the easiest instrument to play. Even easier than the ukulele.
It is an instrument of hope for so many who have given up on themselves, feel they have no musical abilities or have vision, physical or mental challenges.
If you can't carry a tune, it becomes your voice, because it is a melody instrument.
It is almost instantly playable. It is configured in such a way that one can play a simple melody with harmony back up in a matter of minutes, and with just one finger. How cool is that?
It is an American invention from the mid 1800's. It originated in the Appalachian Mountains by segregated simple folk who played ballads on it, passed down through their generations. Most were illiterate and couldn't read music, yet music they played on it.
The ability to read music is not a requirement.
Unlike the guitar, your fingers aren't so sore and you don't have to wait to play something.
It sounds like the six string guitar, but only has three strings. Sometimes four.
You stay motivated to play because you are instantly gratified when you do.
It is soothing, healing, and sounds like a cross between a harp and a guitar. Yet, you can play it like a classical, country or rock guitarist. There are even electric dulcimers.
Because of the fretboard lay out of the major scale, and do-rae-me is already ingrained into your DNA, you can pick out a simple tune and play it. Anyone can. No musical experience required.
My play room. Not included in this picture is my collection of mountain dulcimers and native American flutes.
MOUNTAIN DULCIMERS
McSpadden and Folkcraft are among the leading top quality dulcimers, though pricey. However, I found a luthier that plays and makes high quality and very affordable mountain dulcimers. Mark Willingham with Moriah Dulcimers in Charlotte, NC. He may be contacted at johmarwill@aol.com. He repairs dulcimers as well. If you have an older dulcimer that has wooden pegs, it may be also missing the 6 1/2 fre which is used today in the DAd tunning. If that isn't an option perhaps a local luthier at a music shop may be willing to change the pegs to geared tuners or add the extra fret. The wooden pegs don't hold.
If you are unsure if the dulcimer is the right fit for you or your family, I highly recommend ordering a Simplicity Dulcimer from Backyard Music. The cost is under $100.00. They come with accessories in a variety of colors. Each has a nice mahogany fretboard with geared tuners, and a solid durable cardboard body so they are light weight. They play well, except in the bathtub.
Hammered Dulcimers__________________________________________________________
I will teach you basic intro lessons and get you started, but you will need to have your own instrument. Three of the finest hammered dulcimers are, Dusty Strings, Master Works (Russell Cook), and Song of the Wood (Jerry Read Smith). Mr. Smith lives in Ashville, NC at his shop. He sells mountain and hammer dulcimers. He is a luthier of the hammer dulcimer and sells various brands. His custom made instruments are very reasonable . Visit his website and call him.
Native American Flute David O'Neal at Rising Moon Flutes is my favorite flute maker. His website is Rising Moon Flutes. His home shop is in Raleigh, NC.