“Lois’s classes are well organized, clearly presented, and she always takes time to answer questions … I have a great deal of respect for Lois as a researcher into the history of the dulcimer and its music.”… Dr. Susan Porter, Ohio State University, ethnomusicologist and organizer Great Black Swamp Dulcimer Festival

“I loved the class you taught in old-time and Cajun music and feel that you helped me make a lot of progress. It was so beneficial and as a result, I feel like I understand more and have improved in my abilities. I appreciate your style of teaching and your attention to your students. I also loved the tunes you selected and your willingness to ‘be there’ for us. I am so excited that you’ll be there again!” … student, Augusta Heritage Center

“Lois is a special combination of an excellent performer and a talented educator. I like her teaching because she is such an innovator. Her manner with students is kind and humorous. As a teacher at the Appalachian State University Dulcimer Playing Workshop she was a mainstay and each year added to her teaching skills and contributed new ideas. She was on our performing /teaching staff for seven consecutive years, and in 1987 I asked her to succeed me as the Workshops Director. From then until 1999 Lois built a good, small program into the largest and best in the country.”… Dr. William G. Spencer, founder, Appalachian State University Dulcimer Workshop

“Lois’s classes were packed with students–a testimony to her popularity.”…Susan Howell, Harvest Festival of Dulcimers, Dana Point, CA

“It’s rare for someone as gifted as a musician as Lois is, to have such good organizational and interpersonal talents as well.”…Bonnie Carol, legendary dulcimer player

Lois is currently offering the following hands-on dulcimer playing workshops to add excitement and solid teaching to your dulcimer event or for your dulcimer-playing club or group. Her fees for these events are reasonable (see FEES below). These classes are adjustable to your needs and can span the skill levels mentioned focus on the particular level of your choice. Typical length is 1-1/4 hours but they can be condensed to an hour or cover more material in more time, up to several hours. Let Lois know which you are interested in and she’ll give you a full description.

Workshop Titles

Beginners

No Experience Necessary - Very Basics of Playing

Beginners & Up

Make Friends & Influence People -Demonstrating the Mt. Dulcimer
Strumming Techniques & Rhythm Patterns for Mountain Dulcimer
Jam Session Primer and Repertoire for Mountain Dulcimer
Basic Chords & Harmonies on Mountain Dulcimer
Memorizing a Tune
Ouch! Playing by Ear
Playing for Children

Advanced Beginner

You’re Gettin’ the Hang of It! - Advanced Beginner Techniques

Advanced Beginner & Up

Chord-Melody Style Playing
Chords for Accompaniment & Melody Beautification
Skin & Nails” - Basic Fingerpicking
Flatpicking and Crosspicking
The Magnificent Capo
Capo’d Tunes
The Beauty of DAA Tuning
Advantages of DAD Tuning
Simple Improvisation
Improving Tone and Clarity with Your Left Hand
Hammered Dulcimer Techniques for Mountain Dulcimer
Traditional Music of the North Carolina Mountains
Music from the Great American Melting Pot
Cajun Music for Mountain Dulcimer
Celtic Music Sampler
American Fiddle Tunes
International Fiddle Tunes
That Old ‘Lonesome’ Sound - Minor Modal Melodies
All Together Now! Duets & Ensembles

Intermediate

Intermediate Mountain Dulcimer Playing & Repertoire

Intermediate & Advanced

Irish Music
Learn the ‘Scots Snap’
Arranging for Mt. Dulcimer in Three Styles
The Versatile “Danny Boy”
Tunes with Key Changes

Advanced

Advanced Mountain Dulcimer Playing & Repertoire

Fees

Festival Organizers: Lois’s fees for festival engagements are based on her travel costs and a reasonable fee that should fit your budget. Dulcimer Clubs: Lois often tours different parts of the country and loves to work with local dulcimer players. Dulcimer club programs are based on a reasonable admission fee for club members. Folk Music Organizations/Concert Venues: Lois is also available for performance-only engagements. Publicity packets available. To book a Lois Hornbostel concert and/or workshops contact:

Lois Hornbostel
P. O. Box 907 Bryson City, NC 28713
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