Blog
Enough with the QUICK FIX
In today's fast-paced world, the desire for quick fixes permeates every aspect of our lives. Whether it's in our quest for physical fitness, mental well-being, financial stability, or being able to play our dulcimers … the allure of immediate results often leads us to look for shortcuts and temporary solutions. However, too often these quick fixes are just Band-Aids
For example, when I am practicing and come across a section that is difficult (usually my own fault, because I “write” all my own …
Two DAY-LONG Dulcimer Events for 2024!
by Steve Eulberg
We announced these Day-Long events last Summer and the details are coming together!I
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
First, January 6th!
Click on the image above to register (Take advantage of your DulcimerCrossing membership discount!)
or click below to
then, March 2nd all-day!
Click on the image above to register (Take advantage of your DulcimerCrossing membership discount!)
Featured Faculty: Stephen Seifert, Heidi Muller, Neal Hellman, Hunter Walker, J…
The Same, But Different
We moved six months ago into a senior community. It is a wonderful neighborhood … peaceful, friendly, and very well maintained. However, when you first drive into the neighborhood, you may think that all the houses look the same. We are hooked together like quadplexes with no steps – same metal roof, same postage-stamp-sized front yard, same double garage, same inset front door.
But when I ride up and down the neighborhood streets in my golf cart, I don’t see the sameness anymore. Every famil…
In Memoriam
by Steve Eulberg
This is a first.
We learned of the passing of Dan Delancey, the husband and guitar accompanist of our instructor, Linda Thomas at the time of his internment service in Missouri on All Saints Day this week.
He was, hands down, my favorite bluegrass guitarist. He was also a master of backing up other instrumentalists, specifically his hammered dulcimer playing partner, Linda Thomas. I even got to sit in on one of his flatpicking workshops at the Jackson County Community Colle…
Live Workshop Archive
In addition to all of our filmed lessons at DulcimerCrossing, we also have been hosting Monthly Live Workshops from a variety of respected hammered dulcimer players/educators for years. Workshop and Mentor Level students have access both to these live workshops AND the Video Archive replay of the Workshops for later. DIY members can upgrade to Workshop and attend for half-the-price of the ala carte ticket.
Others can purchase an ala carte ticket for a particular subject or instructor and also…
Lifelong Benefits for Children
I belong to several Facebook dulcimer groups, and I am always thrilled when I see a young child holding a dulcimer, learning to play. Here are several compelling reasons why it is advantageous for children to embark on a musical journey:
- Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Playing an instrument stimulates various cognitive functions, including memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Children learn to read sheet music, interpret musical symbols, and coordinate their hands and fingers to …
Tell Your Backstory
One of the best ways to get someone interested in playing the dulcimer is to tell your backstory. The term “backstory” refers to the history or background, especially one created for a fictional character in a movie or TV series. But your own backstory is valuable too. I have found that one of the best ways to get someone interested in playing the dulcimer is to tell my personal backstory.
Telling your own backstory may …
- Build Connection with Others: Sharing your backstory allows others to…
The Productivity Paradox
In many of my newsletters, I have emphasized the importance of practicing more often – on a schedule rather than using the popular hit-and-miss approach. In our fast-paced and achievement-oriented world, the prevailing wisdom often dictates that doing more leads to achieving more. However, there is a profound paradox hidden beneath this common belief - doing more sometimes results in achieving less. This may sound counterintuitive, but let’s take a closer look. Here’s what may happen.
- Dilutio…
The 3 P's of Practicing
It’s obvious. I preach (teach) about this all the time. If you want to make any progress in your playing, you’re going to have to practice. It’s unavoidable. It has to be done. But to see nay improvement, I think you also have to have the right attitude. And that’s what we’re going to look at today … the 3 P’s of Practicing.
- Perseverance: There are going to be challenges. At times we’re going to feel like giving up. What separates the people who master playing an instrument vs. t…
Is the 3rd Time a Charm?
The phrase "third time's a charm" is a common saying that suggests that after two unsuccessful attempts, the third one is more likely to be successful or fortunate. While it may sound like a superstition or a simple play on words, history has supported the belief that the third attempt at something often proves to be the most successful.
When you are struggling with anything physical, whether it’s learning to play the dulcimer or ride a bike, there’s always this great source of pride and joy wh…
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