I play the hammer dulcimer, a tuned percussion instrument. I like most acoustic music, but I am particularly interested in the music of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. My goal is to apply the hammer dulcimer to this special music. Last summer my 4-O and I "toured" Cape Breton! A time filled with wonderful memories ...
My musical tastes began with what is now called “classic rock.†The Grateful Dead led me to Old and In the Way. This introduced me to the “newgrass†scene. And that, in turn, introduced me to bluegrass, folk, and Celtic music. It must have been in the early 80s that I first heard a hammered dulcimer on a recording. Probably it was either Malcolm Dalglish or John McCutcheon, but I can’t remember. I liked the sound. Over the next few years, I accumulated several more records (remember them?) that had a hammered dulcimer on them.
In late 1995 I wanted to see if it was true that the only musical instrument I could play was the stereo. I believed that I had no musical ability. So when I looked at the hammered dulcimer I thought “Two hammers, one in each hand. How hard can that be?†I’ve found out since!
I’ve taken advantage of several learning methods. I started taking lessons from Deb O’Connor on a rented Dusty Strings student instrument in January 1996. Linda Lowe Thompson’s book/tape sets have been very helpful. Workshops at Chatter Creek, Silver Falls (now called Spring Fling), and FolkLife have been helpful, too. I use books, CDs, and my computer to help me learn new tunes. I now take lessons from Mick Doherty.
I purchased my instrument, a Whamdiddle 4-O made by Rick Fogel, in March 1996.
Today I believe that being a performing musician has been a long-held, but only recently realized, dream of mine. At one level, I like the attention, but there is more to it, too. Those occasions when the music I play makes a personal connection with someone are so valuable to me. The sound of this instrument has a quality to it that relaxes people. When I play for hospice patients and their families, the music can at once ease suffering and rekindle memories. I am grateful to have the opportunity.
My interest in Cape Breton grew out of my exposure to the traditional music of that land. Fire in the Kitchen by The Chieftains introduced me to several musicians from eastern Canada.
I want to go wherever continued practice and exploration takes me! I’d like to improve as a performer. I hope to continue volunteering with hospice. I want to express my desire to follow Jesus of Nazareth through music.
My main non-dulcimer interest is the creation of fine barbeque. I am, without any doubt in my mind, the best barbeque cook I know (it is my belief that shameless pride in one’s ‘que is no sin).
