Workshops

Below are some of the workshop topics that I have done over the years. I particularly like to do at least one on back-up and one arranging workshop (e.g., fiddle tunes) but whatever you need or think appropriate is fine. I also like to do hand separation and musicality. Note that I do a variety of repertoire workshops as well.

Ken teaching at Sandbridge, VA, 2011 (photo by David Magers)

Ken’s workshop topics

Map of the dulcimer. This workshop is intended to describe the layout of the instrument. We review three basic ways of playing scales, how to play octave scales, scales in opposing directions, how to find octaves, basic and not so basic arpeggio patterns including inversions. Participants should be able to find nearly any chord at the conclusion of the workshop. Geared toward beginners and advanced beginners but is often useful for intermediate players who missed some of this material along the way!

So you don’t know the tune? Back-up techniques. Learn lots of tricks of the very challenging and creative process of back-up including using of vamping, drones, harmony, counter-melody and bassline construction. (Can gear this to any level that you want/need from advanced beginner on up).

Basic chord theory. This workshop focuses on how keys are constructed and how simple triads (chords) are formed within a key. The difference between major and minor chords and relationships between major and minor is explored. Generally for those with little or no or very rusty understanding of theory.

What every dulcimer player should know about chord theory and substitutions. This workshop begins with an applied presentation of how simple triads are formed in any key. We proceed with a discussion of the relationship between major and minor chords and the relevance of this relationship for chord substitutions. Next, the formation of extended chords (e.g. 7th chords) and how to use them are discussed. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of advanced chord substitutions, focusing on modifying chords from notes “outside” of the key signature (including the “secondary dominants” and diminished 7th chords). The practical implications for the discussion are stressed with examples from tunes. (Can gear this to any level that you want/need from beginner on up—and can gear this to ALL instruments).

The continuum from lead to back-up. To really “know” a piece of music it is useful to explore a continuum that can be created that follows from the melody, to variations on the melody, to counter melody, to a “close harmony,” to a complex back-up with basslines and rhythmic variations, and finally to a simple back-up. We begin this workshop by learning a relatively simple melody line. Next, we jumped to the opposite end of the spectrum to learn a simple back-up which follows the chord changes only. We then learn a “close harmony” to the tune. A more complex back-up using basslines is explored. We will then borrow from the harmony, bassline and back-up ideas along with the melody to create variations and ultimately counter melody. (Recommend Part I and Part II or a minimum of two hours.)

Musicality. This workshop will focus on how to play more “musically’ by exploring phrasing, shaping, dynamics, accenting, with great attention paid to the details of arranging. We will focus will on the playing of each and every note with very special attention paid to the technical aspects of playing the dulcimer. (Intermediate/advanced).

Getting beyond the melody: arranging waltzes and other slow tunes. Waltzes are a gold mine for arranging and varying your playing. This workshop will answer the question “Once you have the basic tune, what is next?” (Choose from advanced beginners on up).

Getting beyond the melody: arranging fiddle tunes. The type of tune that dominates jam sessions is clearly the reel. Once you have the basic tune, what is next? This workshop will answer that question in great detail and focus on phrasing. Many, many ideas will be presented to vary your playing spruce up your fiddle tunes (choose from advanced beginners on up).

Irish Hornpipes. Discover the beauty of this much-maligned type of tune. The workshop will focus on phrasing issues such as taking that "goofy" sounding lilt out of hornpipes and lightening triplets (choose from advanced beginners on up). (This workshop can be combined with “polkas.”)

Irish Polkas. Discover the great rhythmic drive of these much-maligned tunes. The workshop will focus on eliciting a driving pulse and an emphasis on chording on offbeats (choose from advanced beginners on up). (This workshop can be combined with “polkas.”)

Repertoire classes. I do separate repertoire classes in the following: Celtic, Old-Time or Southern tunes, French-Canadian, Scandinavian, South American (choose from advanced beginners on up), “International” or “World Music”. French-Canadian is a particular favorite but all are fine.

Sample repertoire class: French Canadian tunes. Gaining popularity in the US among traditional musicians, French-Canadian tunes have a distinct feel and rhythm with much syncopation. This workshop will attempt to communicate that feel and introduce the participants to some exciting French-Canadian repertoire.

Hand separation. Learn different techniques to "separate" your hands so that the hands work independently. Most typical is that the left carries the melody completely while the right plays various accompanying lines (Advanced beginners through intermediate--most advanced players have experience with this already but they are welcome also!)

Improvisation in traditional music. Expand your horizons with this introduction to learning how to turn your preset arrangements into spontaneous interpretations so that you never play the tune the same way twice! Easier said than done!! (Intermediate/advanced).

Jam etiquette. There are general rules of behavior that guide most jam sessions. This discussion addresses those somewhat organic and dynamic guidelines (all levels).

Surviving a jam. This workshop covers "what to do when you don't have a clue!!" Jam etiquette will also be discussed. There are general rules of behavior that guide most jam sessions. This discussion addresses those somewhat organic and dynamic guidelines (all levels).

Leading with the left. For those right hand dominant players, this workshop will force you to lead with the left for a few different types of tunes. This workshop is intended to make you suffer and build character, while showing you the advantages of a left hand lead! Advanced beginners on up.

Rhythmic variations: avoiding the downbeat! Intermediate and above. Typically, we learn to accent on the downbeat of a measure. This can place the phrasing of a piece in a “dynamic box.” This workshop makes the argument that rhythm should give the piece a feeling of “one” and that we should be free to use accents on any count. Accenting in weird places (unpredictably?) can completely change the feel of a piece. We will learn parts of a few different pieces (a waltz and a reel) and explore how varying accents in a multitude of ways can be a great addition to your playing.

Old-time fiddle. To get that Old-time sound, this workshop covers bowings and left-hand technique as well as a variety of alternate tunings (e.g. AEAE; DDAD). (Fiddle)

Some additional topics for the dulcimer include playing for weddings, arranging Christmas music, music of O’Carolan, and exploring rhythmic variations in fiddle tunes.

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