For over fifty years Don has played music, learned songs and tunes from many of Appalachia’s finest traditional singers and instrumentalists. Don has presented workshop & concert programs from California to Maine. He shares his experience in a warm, friendly noncompetitive atmosphere.
To arrange for in person or online, Concerts, Workshops or private instruction:
call 828-689-9126 or email donpedimusic@gmail.com
Six Week Course
Next Series
Tuesdays, January 23 – February 27
Beginner Classes
6:00 – 7:00 pm (ET)
Simple traditional songs for the absolute beginner, or the more experienced player wishing to build a solid foundation to play Old-Time Music on the dulcimer.
Strumming and fingering (noting) techniques and methods to promote economy of motion.
$75 for the six-week course
Intermediate Classes
7:15-8:15 pm (ET)
The Intermediate classes will feature songs and tunes that are a little more challenging than those taught in the Beginner Class.
Most of the music taught will be from traditional sources.
Traditional Secular and Sacred Songs, Ballads & Tunes from Southern Appalachia and Beyond. Also included will be an occasional traditional song or tune from England, Ireland, or Scotland.
The May/June session will be tab optional. We will concentrate on an in-depth approach to understanding and playing melody and subtle variations to enliven each tune or song.
$75 for the six-week course
Sample Workshop Descriptions:
Ballads for Dulcimer
Traditional “Love Songs”, mostly from the Southern Mountains
Sacred Songs for Dulcimer
Songs of faith, praise and spirituality, from the Folk Tradition
Old-Time Music for Dulcimer (Beginner)
Simple songs and techniques for those new to the dulcimer or for more experienced players wanting an introduction to playing Old-Time Music.
Old-Time Music for Dulcimer (intermediate)
A selection of Traditional Songs and Tunes collected from authentic sources throughout Southern Appalachia.
Little Songs (intermediate)
These are fun and clever songs from the Southern Mountains.
Crooked Fiddle Tunes (advanced)
Old-time tunes with a twist.
Playing Techniques and Tunings for Old-Time Dulcimer (intermediate)
Methods for appropriate rhythm and melody to play “Southern Old-Time” fiddle tunes.
Pre and Post Folk Revival versions of Folk Songs (intermediate)
Versions of Traditional Songs popular during the nineteen sixties and seventies and their source versions.
Singing While Playing Melody (intermediate)
Before the Folk “Revival” of the 1950’s and 60’s chording on the dulcimer was almost unheard of.
Most dulcimer players sang while playing the melody.
This class shows the methods to accomplish this.
Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies
