Looking to learn the mountain dulcimer? Always seen it everywhere and now you just want to add it to your repertoire already? Just starting out? Or are you already an intermediate? Regardless of your age or your skill level, Eagle Rock Music Studio offers lessons to those looking to improve his or her mountain dulcimer proficiency.
History
The mountain dulcimer (commonly referred to as the Appalachian dulcimer) first emerged from early 19th century Scotch-Irish American communities in the southern Appalachian Mountains, despite there being no evidence to suggest a precursor instrument existed in either Scotland or Ireland. A renaissance occurred in the 1950s when a Kentucky musician named Jean Ritchie introduced the instrument to the burgeoning New York City folk scene that would later include Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Appeal
The mountain dulcimer has appeared in many popular recordings, including most famously on Joni Mitchell’s classic 1971 album Blue. (‘80s pop star Cyndi Lauper also is a mountain dulcimer player.) Often, it is now used as one of the core instruments in recreating American old-timey sounds. This does not mean that the mountain dulcimer is now unusable; rather, it indicates the opposite, that it will always have a permanent place in the American music canon moving forward.
Lessons
There are two course paths available at Eagle Rock Music Studio for mountain dulcimer players: one for aspiring professionals, and one for those just looking to play recreationally or for their own personal enrichment. We provide a structured and supportive learning environment for those of all ages and skill levels, as we believe this is essential to transforming our students from dreamers to doers.
Because every student learns differently, our mountain dulcimer lessons are private/1-on-1. Our instructor will first discuss what your goals are when it comes to your instrument, and then will work with you on developing a plan of action — we believe in learning by doing — in order to make sure these goals are achieved. We always have skills, songs, styles and theory for you to work on, and learning concepts that you bring to the lessons yourself will help encourage practice and will make the results all the more the rewarding, as well.
Eagle Rock Music Studios is located just north of downtown Los Angeles between Glendale and Pasadena. We look forward to seeing you come by. For more information or to set up a lesson, please call us at 323-309-8467.