Learn to Play Mountain Dulcimer at MountainDulcimerAtoZ.COM

[@carynspohn9891]

I am a 68 year old woman who could never learn to play guitar or read notes. I am a retired pe teacher who teaches and learns hands on. I teach swimming in the same way. You have to have fun and relax in water first. This lesson made sense on how you broke skills down with each hand. You take the pressure off of chords and notes and let's you feel success in playing even if not perfect but doing it. I will go to your website and try it.I feel there may be hope for me. Great way to teach! Thank you.

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

It's really tough strumming with a book, no instrument, I saw this instrument on a channel tonight on my little homestead, and Bree bought one, I could never learn the guitar because it was too awkward to hold and too bulky, and even though I come from a family of 14 who mostly play instruments, they were way too full of themselves to teach me, the baby of the family, when I saw this instument, I'm now 65, i thought i'd love to learn how to play that and finally be able to accompany myself while singing!

[@briannaivie6406]

Stephen this is brianna Liles I played on stage with you when I was about 13 years old in Jackson Mississippi. You have always been a great inspiration to me and that is why my strings have never died. Thanks

[@judy1104]

Stephen, you are an excellent teacher - not something everyone can do effectively. I am 69 years old and just bought a mountain dulcimer because I love the music. When I was 15, I had an accordion teacher that used similar techniques that you do, i.e., not looking at your hands. He told me that when he was learning, one of his teachers was blind. So all of his lessons were in the dark. This teacher for me was an inspiration. Not only could he teach, but he played the accordion, like it was a part of his soul. After one year of lessons, I was awarded the Student of the Year award and was told that I played at the level of 5 years. When he was fired from the school for telling parents they were wasting their money on lessons for kids that had no interest, I ended up quitting the lessons. After him, I felt that I could play better than any teacher the school provided. At any rate, the reason I am telling you all of this is that you, and your method of teaching, remind me very much of my childhood accordion teacher. Keep up the wonderful work.

[@susandraluck25]

Stephen, I was in a couple of your classes at the Crooked Road Dulcimer Festival 2018. Very helpful and encouraging. I just got the nerve to post myself playing “Scarborough Fair” without a pic of myself on KZbin. If you would like to hear a student--the older lady with the crooked fingers, search Scarborough Fair mountain dulcimer. A long list will come up, but look for the pic of pink and white flowery print, and yes, our parakeet decided he wanted to make it a duet in the background. Thank you for your teaching and encouraging developing our own style.

[@18betz]

Thanks for posting! You have a wonderful manner for the beginner. Most instructors are intimidating as hell. Thanks for sharing your gifts, spreading music and positive energy.

[@adrianneharmon7069]

Wow, thank you so much!!! Just got my new mountain dulcimer and overwhelmed. Love how you broke it down. I have zero musical history/experience, but love music and have been drawn to the dulcimer for a long time. Want to learn to play church songs. So glad I found your video!!!

[@JakeTolbert]

Man, the advice here is spot on: 1. watch the leader's hands 2. fake it and just get the meat of the tune 3. good musicians don't play it the same way twice so why should you. That's exactly it--well said, sir.

[@royd.durrence3982]

Jake Tolbert this is the way it should be.

[@royd.durrence3982]

***** I play five instruments, all by ear. I do not read music, and I do not like tab. But on every instrument I play by ear, I first learned exactly by the method you are teaching....watching hands. You are doing a great thing for a lot of people by posting your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@jamesgower1601]

Roy D. Durrence

[@johndeangelo4465]

I have loved the sound of the dulcimer for many years. I don’t own one and have never taken or watched a lesson on it. After watching your lesson I have found it that its so easy to play and it was very easy for me to keep up with your teaching. Now that I’m retired I’m seriously considering getting a dulcimer and actually doing hands-on learning. I’ve actually been web searching into different brands. I’ve played drums for many years and want to diversify my musical skills. This video is a great teaching tool. The best part is it’s free and you’re very willing to share your knowledge. Thank you!

[@MrRemo71]

you're probably the best teacher I've ever seen! well done!

[@jinggo78]

I've never even touched a dulcimer but after watching this I don't feel like it would be such a strange instrument if I happened across one now. you're a good teacher!

[@MrWireguy]

You are an absolute master of making this all seem so simple....and making it a pleasure to learn!

[@jimt2430]

One of the best lessons ever. Also, your workshop on learning tunes by ear or tab, etc, by practicing the note on beat 1 throughout the measure, then beats 1 and 3, and so on, getting the feel of the whole piece in your hands and on the instrument etc... That workshop was probably the best one that I ever took at Winterfest in Irving, Tx. That's saying a lot since I've taken some great workshops there over the years, including many taught by you. That step by step class is tops! Thanks for sharing.

[@geraldbeaudoin1646]

I am always blown away how you set aside the acedemic minutia and get straight to playing something. I think most who want to learn the dulcimer are indeed hear to play music and not be musical scholars, although the two are not mutually exclusive. Thanks for doing what you do so very well ! Cheers

[@williamcronk4265]

MrWiregu

[@poorsjm]

Thank you so much for your videos! Just found them today after attending my very first dulcimer event. After a hands on crash course, and now finding your online tutorials, I am ready to JAM!!! :-)

[@knogues]

That’s awesome. Noticed my strumming was getting a bit better by the end the first time round. Thank you!

[@birdsongvalley]

That was awesome! I bought a dulcimer online. I get it 4 days! so I decided to look up lessons and this was supper easy to understand! Great break down. I sung frets and strummed air through the song

[@ricklehman6110]

I received a beautiful handcrafted dulcimer and am so excited to learn how to play....Thank you soooo much...

[@bridgetkoornneef8267]

I just started to play the Dulcimer and found your tutorials and am excited to start. I played instruments in High School and know how to read music. I have been wanting to play this because I thought it would be fun and different! Thank you!

[@seaforthpiper]

VERY effective teaching style, sir! (speaking as a teacher who became one because of all the cr*p teachers I had to endure early in life...) I've been admiring a 3-string cigar-box dulcimer with a wonderful tone that the local guitar shop took in trade. I wasn't going to buy it because I felt it deserved a better musician - but your video just changed my mind...

[@schnooz1]

I am going to take your lessons! I love this song!

[@moonpie859]

this guy is a really good dulcimer teacher. Good teaching methods!

[@gretchenfabiandevin]

Awesome! I’m waiting on my dulcimer to arrive and feel like you really helped me prepare to be able to pick it up and actually do something. I also plan to attend a local meetup and I will be using your tips for sure to observe and read hands. Thank you!!

[@cowboygeologist7772]

I have never seen one of these played, much less a lesson. It's easy to watch your arms and hands. Great teacher. I will have to watch more videos to see if this is how you play or if your finger placement here is just so we can see you better. I'm guessing there are times you fret the other strings too.

[@rwelbethel]

Great Lesson. I've watched a lot of lessons on a lot of different instruments & this is one of the best. Thanks!

[@EVRINmusic]

Thanks Stephen!! The best explanation, best advice! really good for me as a beginner... a real pleasure to learn this way, keep it so simple, that I will not get so confused & give up... I'm really gonna play this well and in my own way, thanks to this basics...!!!! :)

[@lindafalkingham2101]

Loved this lesson, much easier way for me to learn! Thank you! Linda

[@timoflynn8224]

You are a wonderful teacher... so clear. Thank you.

[@cheryli2317]

Thanks for the lesson because if I had based it on the first video I watched by another guy I would have given up before I even got started, and I'm a veteran pianist and guitarist.

[@jennybradshaw7857]

I just ordered a dulcimer and am anxiously waiting for it's arrival. It's handmade teardrop shape for aged poplar, three string (hope it's got a good sound). Your video is awesome. Thanks.

[@LpsCrayon]

Our teacher showed us this today and we watched it- it REALLY helped (I play dulcimer). Thankyou!! ♥

[@jazzmaneast]

Great starter video. Lots of good info and tips. Thanks.

[@mhansenfiber]

Excellent lesson. Learned this song from this video. Can't wait to get more use out of hand reading. I have tried it with my fiddle but fiddlers play sooooo fast at jams. This has helped me break down what I am watching rather than mimicking. I read music and have fairly good ability to hear the tones, but on new instruments and new songs, this is a great skill to work on! Thanks

[@lilihille6760]

Love your style of teaching!

[@ABrotherOfThor]

Nice video! Just got my dulcimer today and I got this song down :) Always looking for more videos!

[@harrietmcgovern674]

Thanks Stephen, I do not have a dulcimer but deciding about the lap kind or the hammered. I loved your teaching, so clear and it feels it is the best way to learn. I'm checking your website.

[@melaniemueller7663]

Wow! That was so helpful already. Eager to learn more! Thanks!

[@c_farther5208]

You really teach well, wonderful presentation. I've never really listened as I did today to the beautiful sound of this instrument. I subscribed and looking forward to more. I genuinely need to find an instrument to play--a person's moment of zen is playing an instrument.

[@davidtrapp2157]

Outstanding video! You present a good, practical approach. And it will work with other instruments too. Well done!

[@barbararosenberg4102]

Very Cool! Thanks a lot! I'm gonna register for your class that's coming to Phoenix in February 2018! Good job! bdr

[@avi5154]

Never seen such a music tool , thanks for sharing and expend my knowleg

[@52953444]

Thank you so much for this video. It helped sooo much. Awesome teaching.

[@michaelsmiley3035]

I love your teaching style, you're brilliant and I don't even own one of these

[@Togatochi]

wow. i dont even have a dulcimer, i just wanted to see what it sounded like. your instructional video was very good, i think ill have to try the instrument sometime

[@stephanieboots776]

Thank you...loved this lesson!

[@Cneumann22]

Excellent instructor! Can't wait to get started.

[@theHookdudewest]

i've never played a dulcimer but after watching this it makes a lot of sense, thanx Stephen

[@oliviapereira364]

This was so didatic! Thank so much! Actually not a dulcimer player, just an admirer, but I realised I can make my solfeggio a lot quicker by this method. This is solfeggio, just with numbers :)

[@preacher725]

This is the best I've found. Thank you so much. Look forward to more. sj

[@deborahjoeshow]

Thank You Stephen , I am just learning and you gave the best lesson :)

[@TheBaritoneUkulele]

Hello Stephen -- I don't even own a dulcimer but I have been looking at them. I do a blog for the baritone ukulele and I just posted your video there. You have a very nice style of teaching. You express many universal concerts that I think my Humble Baritonics readers might like.to hear. Even if they don't, I wanted to save it for my own study. Thanks, Jeff

[@judy22012]

Thank you Stephen. You're the best!

[@LiliKoblentz]

George Haggarty (Folkcraft) has some great ones for somewhere in the 300's. McSpaddens are great, and Blue Lions are generally the top of the line for in the thousands.

[@joej4559]

I didn't mean to sound impertinent. Although I with I did, I don't play the dulcimer, but I did copy your movements and wrote down the notes and played the flute along with your video. I wish I could afford to import a dulcimer here to the Philippines, but It just ain't gonna happen. However, I play the violin and flute and enjoy playing along with this and other dulcimer videos. I do wish I had one for they are a beautiful instrument. Thank you for your wonderful instruction.

[@jefffoster8258]

I recently signed up for Dulcimer School man am I loving it sorry If I butchered the song Pretty Betty Martin I have arthritis and Cerebral Palsy . Love to Play that Tune Stephen and want to keep at it . My wife and I are going to a Mountain Dulcimer gathering in April on the 7th I believe . It is in WV its called Wartz. Jeffrey Foster. (Jeff).

[@loleki737]

Thank you so much! Always wanted to play and you explain things very well and have a great way of teaching method.

[@michaelstradley4579]

Stepen,,,you got me looking at everyones hands now,,,even the gal at the market!

[@jamesanthony8438]

Looks like I could Play that with slide on a 3 string cigarbox guitar. Hadn't thought of trying folk music on one. I may try doing that later. Thanks! =)

[@docwilkey]

Thanks for this easy to understand video.

[@DW-im5zh]

Best lesson that I’ve ever watched on any instrument. Thank you for the detailed information and the way you teach learning rhythm and music in general!

[@edhogue7943]

That was awsome lesson thank you, Iam just starting.

[@cw4karlschulte661]

Thanks, and i can see the multi finger trick for speed, while losing the neat glissando effect with a wood noter. Need softer strings though, dont want blood on my Cripple Creek instrument!

[@debwildey8590]

I am old and my finger don't bend any more while showing my Grandchildren what music I played it was so fun watching you and hear what I did at one time be able to do. you are a good instructor what 😂

[@vickiferrusi9512]

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Love the Mt. Dulcimer, have learned guitar (not well) and piano (even worse) when I was much younger. My problem is never practiced right or enough. Stephen you are a great teacher and I think I have a real chance at mastering this. (so excited) should I sign up for dulcimerschool.com to continue with you. thanks Vicki

[@sallymoussette8317]

Forced anal

[@pwbpub]

thanks for actually being practical

[@shirleycormack-poole7890]

I love this way the very best*** thank you so very much. Shirley okc - okla

[@ajbskippy22]

This is extremely helpful. First thing I learned how to play! :D

[@deepnature6117]

Thanks for this video. Love your teaching method

[@chooseknow1770]

I know this was done years ago, but wow, you are the best teacher I have ever seen!

[@jamesmars16]

Thanks for sharing!

[@albertbernier2157]

i have a friend who made me a dulcimer i have never played one but i am trying to learn he told me about your website i'm hooked this is only thing on my bucket list right now do or die to play one well al. bernier brattleboro vt

[@christinnascreations9072]

Hot damn your a good teacher 💙👏🎉! Luv yah 💕

[@globalpalaver]

This was so, so helpful.Thank you.

[@gailbudd8294]

Thank you! I am learning to play the Merlin, which is like the mountain dulcimer with the strings upside down. 4.2.1.234.2.1..

[@FireinTheBowl]

I'm thinking of buying a dulcimer. I hope you still have lessons available

[@ellenpreston124]

it would be handy to go over your tuning first!

[@carolinem.9800]

he said it's DAD (D mixo )not DAA (Ionian) in the intro.

[@carynspohn9891]

One suggestion... When doing left hand between frets, a bird's eye view would help because it's backwards. Think of an exercise teacher teaching. My left hand has to follow your left hand but it is On opposite side viewing. Something to think about and process...

[@TheMacwhit]

I found a mountain dulcimer ---- hardly used ---- at the Salvation Army and 'swooped' it up !!!

[@mcdradus]

this guy is great very good teaching style

[@daveyuke8]

Brilliant stuff, love itg

[@hyerconscious4]

This is awesome man. Very grateful

[@sandytaylor8482]

Thank you. Good teaching.

[@majapaule1817]

Did you know that there is a chord App for Dulcimer? "Dulcimer Chords" - I think it's quite cool!

[@grantkoeller8911]

Dulcimer use a one five drone, so they don't really play 3 note chords (like a piano or guitar), instead they just play an open 5th drone ,(like bagpipes)

[@stephenseifert]

I did see that.

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Thank you a lot and god bless you always it beutifull class

[@deborahpacheco2799]

Good instructor

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Thank you a lot it beautiful video

[@joej4559]

Here is a bit of technical advice: Mirror your video so the watchers hands will follow yours more easily. Later, as the learning musician gains experience, he will easily transpose the hand movements on his own.

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Thank you a lot and god bless you always

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Thank you a lot it beautiful class

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Thank you a lot it a beautiful class

[@DEMcouver]

Reading hands is good for poker, too, but slightly different handreading technique.

[@lgraywolf]

thanks for the input. However, I think I will start off with a cheaper instrument until I am sure it is something I will stick with. Then I can upgrade to something better.

[@jabestheshed09]

this stuff is really useful -thanks

[@lgraywolf]

Something you didn't cover in this video... and no one else has either... what does a dulcimer cost and who sells them. . Went to your web site and got a lot of instructions on how to join; but there was nothing about getting a dulcimer, nor what is a good or bad dulcimer. I don't want to join until I know if I can even afford a good instrument. Thanks.

[@MariaMartinez-kg6ns]

Thank you a lot for a class

[@TheGinabowman2005]

Hi, I just found your video but your site is expired. Is there another one? Are you still teaching? I'm considering purchasing a Mountain Dulcimer this week. I really like your teaching methods. I'm that one that has to have music in front of me and memorizing everything. I play clarinet, a tiny bit of flute, and am currently taking Ukulele lessons. I love the sound the dulcimer has.

[@stephenseifert]

The new site is mountaindulcimeratoz.com.

[@jeannakelly4174]

I like this lesson. i can read music and tabs but tabs are confusing and can get you distracted. have a question is there different styles of playing like drone with noter and what your doing

[@Caroleccs]

Got it the first time. Have never touched a dulcimer until today (loaned by a friend) - thing that gets me, (and it's a beautiful mellow sound, the dulcimer) is that I can't get harmony - I began playing piano at age four, (by ear) and after years of music lessons, majoring in music in college, I still prefer playing by ear. So... while the dulcimer's sound is a beautiful almost haunting sound, what I can't achieve on it is harmonious variations with the LEFT hand; I do not play guitar or any other stringed instruments. I want to be able to incorporate sharps & flats and all variations of any tune played (I also compose) with full harmony. Does the dulcimer not accommodate this? hmmm ..... maybe I need to experiment more with my left hand... and see what I can come up with.

[@Caroleccs]

Me again; just watched a video by a Ben Esh(sp) where he played the hymn "Farther Along" - he had the HARMONY going, with left hand. SO ENLIGHTENING!

[@drdavid62]

Great lesson! Where can I buy a great sounding dulcimer like yours?

[@stephenseifert]

That's a McSpadden Schnaufer model. I'm currently playing McCafferty dulcimers. I love both.

[@drdavid62]

@@stephenseifertThank you Stephen! I had to refresh my memory by going back to your original video and once again was immediately enchanted by the dulcimer sound and now, as a 20 yr classical guitar enthusiast, find myself contemplating the purchase of a dulcimer. After looking at prices on the McCafferty models, I think the Mcspadden makes more sense as a first dip into the Dulcimer experience. That said, which one would you recommend. Redwood/Walnut? Also, they offer a few alternative tuning options, any suggestions there? Hope to hear from you sooner than 3yrs! Thank you much!

[@Jillybeans08]

Thank you for the quick response. I am using an app to tune, and it looks like the Mixolydian tuning is what I am going for- D4 A3 D3. Sound right?

[@RobZahnBass]

Wow, super cool. Are there varieties of chromatic dulcimers as well?

[@stephenseifert]

Yes. All kinds. What are you thinking? If you'd still like some help with this, pleaser email me at [e-mail].