Techniques explored include hammering, scales and chords in several keys, harmony, and embellishments. Tunes range from airs to hornpipes to waltzes. Musical notation is available, but playing by ear is encouraged. She has numerous recordings, among them Indie winner, Heart s Ease. She has written books and produced videos for Mel Bay Publications and publishes Dulcimer Players News, and is Coordinator of Spring Dulcimer Week.
Instruction emphasizes phrasing, expressivity, tone coloring, and the art of sensitive listening.
Other topics include rhythm and hammer exercises, playing in unusual keys, using the seven basic modes, accompanying oneself on the dulcimer, chord substitution, arranging, dance rhythms, and improvising. Students should be thoroughly familiar with the basic keys and scales and have a dulcimer with a three-octave range. R.P. HALE , from Concord, NH, is in great demand as an accompanist for ensembles, orchestras and choirs on the harpsichord, organ, and dulcimer. He appeared on the soundtrack of the Ken Burns film, Thomas Jefferson, and has many albums to his credit. He is also a harpsichord and dulcimer maker, astronomer, historian and cultural re-enactor.