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I have been teaching private lessons, group lessons, and workshops for hammered dulcimer
for more than 20 years. Internet lessons now available! Contact Jody for details.
Dear Jody,
I truly learned an incredible amount and am not
only more confident in my playing,
I'm much more willing to work on embellishments
or arrangements. Thanks again!!
Warmly,
Chris
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With students at the Augusta Heritage Arts Workshops in Elkins, WV
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I'm comfortable with all levels of learning,
from "I-got-this-thing-for-Christmas-and-
don't-have-a-clue-what-to-do-with-it"
(been there!) to advanced players
who perform regularly.
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Your Sunday workshop was the highlight
of my weekend. Your approach to teaching is
remarkably clear...I have learned so much from you!
Sincerely,
Debra
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Jody and her class in Gooik, Belgium
Photo by Karin Bellaart.
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PRIVATE LESSONS
No previous experience is necessary, and the ability to read music is
not mandatory. Lessons are in McLean, Virginia, five minutes from the Beltway.
Fees: $65/hour. Children's lessons are $40 for 30
minutes. I also can work out a fee and schedule for people who live
further away and would like to take periodical lessons for 1 1/2 to 2
hours.
Rental instruments are available from the
House of Musical Traditions and from
June Apple Dulcimers (Carl Gotzmer, proprietor; call [301] 283-6937).
GROUP CLASSES
For many years I have taught beginning and intermediate group classes every spring and fall in Falls Church, Va. Classes with
other instructors have also been offered in guitar and mountain dulcimer. These classes were initiated and organized by the one
and only Keith Young, a longtime folk musician, builder of fine instruments, and friend who helped countless people of all ages
experience the joy of music for themselves. Keith passed away unexpectedly this year, but his kind influence will carry on.
Though group classes are on hold for the time being, we hope to get them up and running again soon. Stay tuned to this page
for further developments.
I occasionally teach other hammered dulcimer group classes and workshops as well and can also arrange to do so upon
request, schedule permitting.
You're a great teacher,
and this has been such a
wonderful experience! Thanks!
--Jennifer
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Jody teaches the class the proper way to hold hammers.
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WORKSHOPS
My workshop experience includes courses lasting an hour to seminars lasting a
week. I have taught at a number of camps and festivals, including the Augusta
Heritage Arts Center, Upper Potomac Dulcimer Festival, Northeast Dulcimer
Symposium, and others. A sampling of some of the workshops I teach includes:
- Backup Basics: Chord patterns, chord progressions, how to accompany others, and more (beginning - intermediate)
- Beyond the Melody: Tips and tricks for adding harmony, chords, and rhythmic elements to your solos playing (advanced beginning)
- Deck the Dulcimer: Christmas tunes with solo arrangements, duets, and trios for two or more dulcimers or mixed instruments (intermediate - advanced)
- Dulcimer Map: Learning to recognize inherent patterns with reinforcing exercises (beginning - advanced beginning)
- Hand Independence: Tunes and exercises for playing bass lines and accompaniment with one hand while the other hand carries the melody (intermediate - advanced)
- His Majesty's Muses: Early and Renaissance music from the time of King Henry VIII and beyond; music is written in parts and suitable for mixed instruments (intermediate - advanced)
- Hornpipes: Bouncy toe-tappers from a variety of traditions, with ideas on duets and backup (intermediate)
- Intensives: Suitable for longer workshops, these general classes at the beginning, advanced beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels include repertoire, exercises, arranging, technique, rhythm, etc.
- Jigs and Reels: Great tunes from Ireland, Scotland, and other Celtic lands, with tips on embellishment and backup (intermediate - advanced)
- Making it Musical: Embellishing and arranging your solo playing (advanced beginning - intermediate)
- Merry Old English Tunes: Easy toe-tappers from the Morris and English country-dance traditions (advanced beginning - intermediate)
- Playing for Weddings: In addition to wedding repertoire, this class covers practical consideration of the logistical and business aspects of playing for ceremonies, etc. (intermediate - advanced)
- Twisty Tunes: Fun tunes with a chromatic slant (intermediate - advanced)
- You've Got Rhythm!: Ideas for backing up jigs, reels, waltzes, and more (intermediate - advanced)
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