The Mountain Dulcimer

A few years ago, my mother gave me a mountain dulcimer for Christmas.  I didn't really know what to do with it, and certainly didn't know how to play it.  I decided I'd place it on a shelf until I found time to learn it.  Well, it sat . . .and sat. . . and sat. . . patiently waiting for an opportunity to make music.  Finally, last week, I decided to figure-out how to play this instrument!  

After a while, I started to get the hang of it.  Now it's my favorite instrument to play after work.

Here is a sample :)

One of my favorite waltz tunes . . .

Last year, I visited the John C Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.  While there, I bought a little music book with waltzes.  The waltzes were written with just the melody line.  However, with a little improvisation and creativity, one can create a nice little arrangement.  Here is my favorite waltz from the book--

Judy and Jim's Wedding

Stressful Day? Play Waltzing Matilda!

Today was a little stressful at work, so when I got home I decided to "de-stress" at the piano :) Here is a little arrangement of Waltzing Matilda I put together.  It's only 34 seconds, so enjoy!