The Hammered Dulcimer

The last quarter of the twentieth-century saw a renewed interest in the hammered dulcimer in the United States at the grassroots level as well as from elements of the Folk Revival. This book offers the reader a discussion of the medieval origins of the dulcimer and its subsequent spread under many different names to other parts of the world. Drawing on articles the author has written in English as well as articles by specialists in their own languages, Gifford explains the history and evolution of the instrument. Special attention is paid to the North American tradition from the early 18th-century to the 1970s revival. Drawing from local histories, news clippings, photographs, and interviews, the book examines the playing of the dulcimer and its associated social meanings.

The title says it all: "Dirt Simple." This book and accompanying online audio are designed for a rank beginner who knows nothing about the hammered dulcimer, providing them the tools to make music right away. Starting with the fundamentals of how to hold hammers and tune the instrument, it delves deeper into mastery with posture, stand height/angle, and replacing strings to set up the beginner for a lifetime of good habits. Every concept introduced is simultaneously presented with illustrations and songs that demonstrate and reinforce. Whether the student reads music or plays by ear, the result is the same - music making right from the beginning! Dr. Mark Alan Wade is an experienced teacher with an undergraduate degree in music education and years of public school teaching experience. Now teaching music theory and dulcimer at Denison University, Dr. Wade offers a unique perspective on teaching hammered dulcimer and has three students who have also won the National Hammered Dulcimer Contest as evidence of his master teaching. It's all about the music! Dirt Simple Hammered Dulcimer is written so that the carefully selected tunes are the true teacher. Hands-on learning is made easy with the accompanying audio. Each song is played slowly for students to learn by ear in addition to reading notation. This also allows for the students to hear style traits such as swing, that aren't easily conveyed in written notation. With 29 songs, this book and online audio available for download are a year's worth of private lessons in one concise package!

This book was written to aid the dulcimer player in playing as a backup musician. It provides the tools necessary for musicians who are seeking to go beyond simple melody lines. the majority of chords diagrammed are those most commonly used, and those whose notes are clustered on the instrument in six repeated shapes. Diagrams are shown for the 15/14 dulcimer.

Beginning and Intermediate players who have developed a repertoire of melodies will be walked step by step through the process of arranging their tunes. Lessons provide a detailed explanation and numerous examples of root position chords and their inversions on the 12-11 and larger sized hammered dulcimer. Simple tunes are provided for the reader to incorporate newly acquired knowledge of chord theory. Descriptions of bounces, triplets, doubling, counter melodies, arpeggios, scale runs, extended chords, etc. are included as well as opportunities to create arrangements utilizing these techniques.

A handy, concise instructional text on hammered dulcimer. This book contains information on tuning, playing techniques, solos and even a reference section on music theory!

This treasury of beloved classical music favorites is specially arranged for hammered dulcimers by master dulcimer performer and teacher, Dr. Mark Alan Wade. A splendid compilation of familiar pieces, each one is painstakingly edited to preserve the composer’s imagination and spirit while distilled into dulcimer reductions playable with only two hammers. Enjoy playing favorites like “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Für Elise,” “Clair de lune,” and many more cherished titles by celebrated composers including Vivaldi, Telemann, Schubert, Mozart, Boccherini, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, Fauré, Schumann, Brahms, Satie, Haydn and more! Each gem is set in dulcimer-friendly keys fitting within a chromatic 16/15 range with the melody clearly displayed in the upper voice for intermediate players, and with the supportive chords and countermelodies in the lower voice for more advanced players. Guitar chords are added above the melodies whenever appropriate to allow you to embellish with your own chord patterns, if preferred. With 51 pieces, 12 duets, 36 composers, and a range of musical eras spanning 285 years, this book is a compendium to enjoy for a lifetime! Reference recordings of each piece are available online, created electronically with life-like Steinway grand piano samples. This digital audio is rhythmically perfect and expressively performed with authentic interpretations that are appropriate for each era. For real audio recordings, check out my album, Serenade!