Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Inquisitive and Wondering in North Carolina

Checking in for a few minutes tonight...there is an Internet connection in the main building...so I will be able to check in every few days...have a great class...I will post some pictures soon... I miss you all so ever much...

Emerald is inquisitive and wondering. She is inclined to investigate and always wants to learn more. She really can get the scoop on just about anything. We call on her when we need to know how something works or why something does this.

Rebecca bought a hammer dulcimer in 2001. It is a beautiful handmade instrument. It is made of three different woods with inlays and fretwork. It sits on a stand in the music room. Occasionally we will pick up the hammers and let them dance across the strings. I will drag my fingers gently over the strings just the hear the harplike sound. But we don't know how to play it.

I bought it from Annie Lough at John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. She is a noted musician who teaches there several times a year. I am teaching there this week and have taught on the same week with her many times. I have set the intention of taking a class with her to learn this musical instrument that I love.

Next week, Annie is teaching beginning hammered dulcimer! YIPPEE!!! I am going to stay for the class.

Today's aMUSEment - Is there something in your life that you have been meaning to learn but keep putting off? Why do we do that? So today take an action step, right now while you are thinking about it, toward your goal. Pick up the phone and register for a class. Google your intention and get the info you need.
U Be Creative Today!

14 comments:

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

So glad you are able to check in....and knowing you are enjoying your time and the class. You are missed!

You know what? I have a dulcimer, not a hammered dulcimer but a regular one. I bought it from a shop that handmade them back in 1974 in Mpls and the only thing I ever really learned to play was "Go Tell Aunt Rody". Not what you'd call a repertoire. I'd love to really learn to play it after ALL these years.
Hugs, light and love,
Lisa
XOXO

tut-tut said...

I can imagine almost exactly where you are posting! Annie Lough is amazing!! Wish I were taking your class.

tlchang said...

Hammered dulcimer playing would be very cool! I've been meaning to learn how to play the penny whistle (I can play it when I have a 'cheat sheet' of fingerings out - but don't play enough to memorize them) - but never seem to spend enough consecutive days to imprint them on my brain...) Maybe I can recommit to 10-15 minutes a day as a painting-break. Report on your dulicmer progress - maybe it'll keep me motivated! :-) It's a great idea.

xxxxx said...

Oh, did I hear hammered dulcimer?! I toyed with the idea of buying one a couple of years ago. My soul sister had one which she didn't want to keep, but it was in bad repair... and it just didn't happen. Well, not yet anyway. Can you play like Emerald? I'd like to join you both some day :-) One of my favorite musicians is Lisa Gerrard. I love her hammered dulcimer playing!

Anonymous said...

still on the road rebecca? looking forward hearing from you soon again. wishing you a great holiday!

Anonymous said...

So glad your class is going well and that you will be able to learn how to play your dulcimer too!
Emerald is a beautiful muse!
Have fun today!

Anonymous said...

beginning hammered dulcimer

Okay, this is something that I have never, ever thought of learning and yet it sounds very compelling. I'll be interested in reading about how the classes went for you.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad your class is going well. I just wanted to let you know that quite a few people appreciated the tip about getting craft paint and mixing with white to try out colors.

Manuela

paris parfait said...

It sounds like you're having a wonderful and inspiring time!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

When you learn...upload a video so we can see and hear!
I've been learning spanish and it is so fun!

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful that you are going to stay for that class. Please share the results. What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing it with us. :)
*HUGS*

Anonymous said...

We miss you too!!!! xoxoxo have fun!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home Rebecca! Hope you had a wonderful class and time!

mrsnesbitt said...

Great you can keep up with us all.
Take Care.
Dxx