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Advent Dulcimer Devotions return...
by Steve Eulberg
Imagine this: A weekly email playing gentle music of instrumental ensembles featuring dulcimers, with a message of preparation that is serene, clear-sighted and hope-filled--an anti-dote to the crazed, blurry-eyed busyness of Christmas preparations (that began in some locations back in October.)
Advent is the 4-week season in the Christian tradition that marks the beginning of a new year in the life of the "called-out" people of God known as the church. While we gather and prepa…
Imagine this: A weekly email playing gentle music of instrumental ensembles featuring dulcimers, with a message of preparation that is serene, clear-sighted and hope-filled--an anti-dote to the crazed, blurry-eyed busyness of Christmas preparations (that began in some locations back in October.)
Advent is the 4-week season in the Christian tradition that marks the beginning of a new year in the life of the "called-out" people of God known as the church. While we gather and prepa…
Backing Tracks Library is growing!
We keep adding to our Library of Backing Tracks which are available to our Premium Members.
The two newest are the chord progressions in the Keys of D and G which match the Albert Brumley tune: I'll Fly Away. These were created for the new Bluegrass Dulcimer series taught by Steve Eulberg.
We are continuing to produce these and other resources to assist you in your goals to "Bridge the Gap Between What You Know and Where You Want Your Music to Grow."
The two newest are the chord progressions in the Keys of D and G which match the Albert Brumley tune: I'll Fly Away. These were created for the new Bluegrass Dulcimer series taught by Steve Eulberg.
We are continuing to produce these and other resources to assist you in your goals to "Bridge the Gap Between What You Know and Where You Want Your Music to Grow."
Music Confounds the Machines
by Steve EulbergFocusing on the challenges that artists face in the current digital and mechanistic day and age, T Bone Burnett gave the keynote address at the AmericanFest in September of this year.
I found these words echoing in my soul:
"Music is to the United States as wine is to France. We have spread our culture all over the world with the soft power of American music. We both have regions- France has Champagne, we have the Mississippi Delta. France has Bordeaux, we have the Appalachian Mo…
I Have to Practice every day...
by Linda Ratcliff
...to play as bad as I do. —Woody Allen
Woody Allen (born Allan Stewart Konigsberg) is a passionate fan of jazz, and jazz music has often been featured prominently in the soundtracks of his movies. He started playing the clarinet when he was a teenager and actually chose his stage name, Woody, after the famous clarinet player Woody Herman.
Woody will be 81 in December, and these days he is performing with the Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band. They play every Monday night at th…
...to play as bad as I do. —Woody Allen
Woody Allen (born Allan Stewart Konigsberg) is a passionate fan of jazz, and jazz music has often been featured prominently in the soundtracks of his movies. He started playing the clarinet when he was a teenager and actually chose his stage name, Woody, after the famous clarinet player Woody Herman.
Woody will be 81 in December, and these days he is performing with the Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band. They play every Monday night at th…
New Log-In Procedure & FAQs
At DulcimerCrossing we are always trying to improve and reduce confusion that is the friction that can slow down the process of learning music. We have a new log-in procedure that will direct subscribers to choose their level of membership: Basic or Premium with a single log-in button for both. \
In addition, this video is the first of several from our brand new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions Page) to help our subscribers answer their questions faster so they can spend more time playing dulcim…
What is Your Method of Exercise?
by Steve EulbergI remember the question from the cardiologist I visited on my 33rd birthday.
I was there because my heart was skipping beats periodically and heart disease runs in my family.
After the stress test failed to produce any abnormalities they concluded that the source of this anomaly may be just day-to-day stress, rather than being physical activity-induced.
So their strategy was to be certain that I was building a strong physical system that could withstand the mental, social and emotio…
Don't Marry Your Tablature
by Linda Ratcliff
At jam sessions, I have noticed the tendency for a group to play the same tune through several times, verse after verse after verse. Now, many of you have set up your music stands with your notebook of tablature right in front of you. And I’ve seen you reading your tabs for that tune, over and over and over. Now there’s nothing wrong with that … except … I think it stifles creativity.
My system is to learn the basics of a tune, and then put the sheet music or tablature away. …
At jam sessions, I have noticed the tendency for a group to play the same tune through several times, verse after verse after verse. Now, many of you have set up your music stands with your notebook of tablature right in front of you. And I’ve seen you reading your tabs for that tune, over and over and over. Now there’s nothing wrong with that … except … I think it stifles creativity.
My system is to learn the basics of a tune, and then put the sheet music or tablature away. …
Technology--Tool or Crutch?
By Linda Ratcliff
Technology can be an amazing aid — as long as you don't get too dependent on it.
There are free or low-cost apps you can load on your cell phone and iPad, such as a metronome and a tuner, which are essential tools for practicing.
And, of course, Dulcimer Crossing's online lessons include videos and animations – which make practice time fun.
However, some students are TOO DEPENDENT on the technology aids. They feel discouraged if they can’t play a tune exactly the way it i…
Music is the Best Medicine
by Linda Ratcliff
Researchers at Brunel University in the United Kingdom studied the relationship between music and patients undergoing surgery.
The study followed about 7,000 patients, and discovered that patients who listened to music before and after their surgery recovered more quickly than those who didn’t. In addition, they found that those who listened to music depended less on their painkillers.
So, I am wondering – what about patients who PLAY music?
Could there be an increase in recove…
Performance Anxiety
by Linda Ratcliff
Stage fright is experiencing intense feelings of nervousness before or while you’re playing your instrument in front of people. In fact, it is also called performance anxiety.
But the truth is, when we feel this way, we are determining the outcome in our imagination before it actually happens. We are visualizing a complete mess-up, and we expect to either strike or strum the wrong strings at any moment.
You’re not alone.
When I used to perform on the piano, I remember standing …
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