Private Lessons Cute Dog Music "It's tail-waggin' good!"
Rick will begin teaching Hammered Dulcimer in the Chattanooga, TN area in January, 2008.  He normally teaches from New Beginner through Intermediate experience levels, but will consider more advanced students depending on their goals for the lessons. To learn about Rick's background, read his bio here. To begin lessons.... To begin lessons, you will need to have a usable hammered dulcimer.  If you do not have an instrument, Rick will be glad to discuss with you your options in obtaining an instrument.  If you do have a dulcimer, but are not sure if it's in usable condition, he can discuss that with you, as well. How I approach teaching the dulcimer First of all, learning to play hammered dulcimer (or any instrument), especially as an adult with job- and possibly family-related responsibilities, should be fun and relaxing.  The dulcimer is not a hard instrument to learn to play.  As with any instrument, it takes work to play it really well, but it doesn't take an enormous amount of work to be able to play tunes for your own enjoyment or the enjoyment of family and friends.  The lessons can move at whatever speed you want or can take them.  The lessons are for your benefit, for you to learn and play the dulcimer, so your goals for playing are the main consideration.  Above all, the lessons should be fun for you; you get enough that isn't fun elsewhere already. I devise my approach for the lessons based on your: goals for learning to play level of past musical experience taste(s) in music schedule The basics of playing are the same for everyone.  It takes roughly 6 to 8 one-hour lessons to cover the basics. I recommend that these lessons be on a weekly schedule so it's easier to build on what you've already learned.  After that, the schedule can be adjusted based on your schedule and goals. It is not necessary to read music to learn to play the dulcimer, but it can be helpful.  It is not necessary to play by ear to learn dulcimer, but that also can be helpful. I have more detailed comments on all this.  If you are interested in reading them, or have more questions, contact me and I will answer any questions you might have.   Not in the Chattanooga, TN area? You can search for a Hammered Dulcimer teacher in your area at www.TeachList.com        EverythingDulcimer.Com Teacher Listing
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