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The Hammered Dulcimer's Companion
by; Phillip Mason

Step Up to Performing

It Makes You a Better Player

We've all been to hammered dulcimer concerts or performances where we've been awestruck at the talent and gifts of that "lucky" person up there. Some of us wish we could be that person, and some of us even get to a point where we're able to play in front of others without falling to pieces. But if you're in that group of 'struggling to pay your dues' people who has yet to get that feeling of comfort and yes, even excitement, playing for others, there are ways to get there sooner than later. The really great thing about playing an instrument or performing is that it's never too late to get better!

I have a hammered dulcimer student, Alan, who has a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy, a beautiful wife, a wonderful life full of achievements that were not easily accomplished. He puts in countless hours practicing, goes to festivals and workshops whenever possible; he has even converted his wife to a musical life with the purchase of a mountain dulcimer for her! Yet when it comes to playing the hammered dulcimer, he hesitates to let loose and just play.

So, when he asked me how to take the step to the next level of playing, my advice was to perform in front of people. This did make Alan more than a little nervous (even though he lectures for major corporations on a regular basis). The following method gradually got him in front of people without as much fear. It's working for him, so I'll share it with you in hopes that you too will be out there sharing your music with others soon. And it WILL make you a better player!

1. Count your tunes.
Don't wait until you have 40 or 50 tunes to perform; just a few will do in many situations if they are played well. My wife, Sharrie, and I started playing together at Christmas one year by playing in a small gift shop in the corner as people were shopping. We had a repertoire of less than 15 Christmas tunes; and when we got through the list, we started over. By the time you've played them for a few hours, you will know those tunes well. If not, you'll know which parts to work on at home.

1. In your home for family. It may sound silly, but you need to start by playing in front of family, even the family pets, – and then friends, very close (and positive) friends. Do this until you feel really comfortable playing in front of them and you can get through the tunes without difficulty. Playing by yourself and in front of people are two different things, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
2. Public Parks or Arboretums. Graduate to a real live "audience" – go to a park and just set up and play for whoever walks by. You don't need "permission" to play in a public park, and people walking by will probably think the park hired you.
3. Church. Ask the pastor or music director if you can play for people as they are walking in for the service. Make sure they know you want to play even before the prelude (musical start of the service) begins. This is a great way to start playing in church without being in the limelight too much. People are usually talking and not really paying attention to the music until just before the service starts. This can be done with less than 5 tunes, but make sure they're appropriate for the environment. Keep in mind that a lot of folk tunes work well, such as "Simple Gifts," "The Ashgrove," "The Water is Wide," and many Celtic tunes. Many original tunes work well too; I use one of mine, "Waltz for Nina", in churches a lot. (I've included a copy for you to perform if you like.) After doing this for a while, don't be surprised if you're asked to play the actual Prelude, Postlude (after the service), or even special music during the Offering. Check with the person in charge for length of time to play. Playing too long can be a problem. Usually one tune, 3 or 4 minutes long, is enough for these situations. If you need ideas for tunes to play, check out my website, www.guygeorge.com, under "Workshop CD's" – there are some tunes there that are excellent for this. Another opportunity for playing in churches is during a church potluck or ice cream social. And your repertoire can be a lot more diversified for this.
4. Assisted Living/Nursing Homes. This is always a good option; especially in the "off season", which includes any time other than right before Christmas. Most people offer their musical gifts (choirs, ensembles and other entertainment) during the Christmas season. But the residents are there year round – and they're lonely and sometimes bored! Assisted Living/Nursing Homes are always looking for free entertainment for their residents. And the best part is that these residents are a very appreciative (most are hearing impaired) audience, especially if they are awake. You will probably need 8 to 10 tunes for a good set. Thirty minutes is usually enough time to play here. Most Assisted Living/Nursing Homes have an Activities Coordinator of some sort and they will coordinate your playing times and help you with whatever you might need.
5. Arts and Crafts Shows. Most shows will be happy to have live music set up somewhere (for free) for shopping ambiance. Call the contact person mentioned in the ad for the show, and let them know that you will be available for free music for their event. If you know anyone who vends at these shows, offer your music for them personally at their booth. Music always attracts shoppers! (I bring my parrot, Chip, who dances on my shoulder while I play for added entertainment when my wife is selling her jewelry at an art show) The great thing about this venue is that you can play whatever you like, for as long or as little as you like.
6. Gift Shops. Gift shop owners jump at the chance to have live music, especially during the Christmas Season. Surprisingly, few musicians offer this wonderful opportunity to shop owners. You'd also be surprised to find out what a small amount of space you take up when playing. This may be an objection by the shop owner, but you need to actually measure how much space you take up when playing and assure the store owner that you won't be in the way. If you have family and friends in the area, invite them to come and shop – and mention the great music! 10 – 15 Christmas tunes, mixed in with your existing repertoire (don't be afraid to play those church tunes too) will be plenty. Shoppers come and go. This could even work into a "Paying Gig" down the road. These are just a few of the places for you to perform in order to get to the next level of playing. I've put them in order of experience needed to play; use them as a goal. You will probably come up with more venues on your own. These worked well for me.

3. "Playing Well with Others."
Have someone play accompaniment with you. There is nothing better than making music with someone else. This adds many new dimensions to what you're already playing. You can have a whole new sound with another instrument playing a background rhythm, even if it's a simple strum on a guitar or mountain dulcimer. My friend Alan "stepped up" a whole notch when he added his wife, Kathy, playing the mountain dulcimer with him. Playing with others creates a synergy of musical development. Playing with another musician also keeps you "honest" – in terms of time and chord structure; you have to account for all those beats in each measure and the notes for each chord. I have addressed this situation, where a hammered dulcimer player has no one to accompany him/her, with my "BAND IN A BOOK". You've got a bass player and rhythm section playing with you – to practice with or even for playing gigs. It can be found on my website...

So...back to Alan. He's now playing regularly in church, sometimes alone, but Kathy has played with him on occasion. He also plays at one of our local nursing homes. His playing has improved dramatically, and I do think he's more comfortable; maybe not totally excited, but definitely more relaxed when he plays. And he knows how to keep working on the step up to better playing. It can happen to you – sooner than you might think. Keep sharing the music of this wonderful and unique instrument!

About the Author

Guy George with wife, Sharrie

Guy George, from Cleveland, Ohio, is a rhythmic, melodic hammered dulcimer player with a definite jazz influence to his playing style. Guy comes from a background in jazz and performance on the saxophone, having studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston; honing his skills playing with many jazz influenced musicians in the Boston and New York area. He has settled outside Cleveland, Ohio and presently plays hammered dulcimer, tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, flute, penny whistle, steel drum and keyboard. He tours throughout the United States and Canada performing at notable venues including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He also performs at various festivals around the U.S. while teaching workshops on the hammered dulcimer, steel drum and penny whistle.

His most recent recordings are with Maddie MacNeil on her CD As Time Goes By; David Moran and Joe Morgan on their CDs, I Wish They Hadn't Done That and most recently On Their Best Behavior; Tull Glazener on his CD Plays Well With Others; Heidi Muller & Bob Webb on their CD Seeing Things; Doofus on their CD Stream of Time; and his own creation Dream Castle.

To learn more about Guy George or to contact him, visit his website, http://www.guygeorge.com