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Catalog > Books > Hammered Dulcimer updated May 31, 2008
Titles listed in alphabetical order
A Collection of Original Music for Hammered Dulcimer and Other Instruments -- book by Sam Rizzetta $14.95
80 pages, spiral bound. Historically, music composed specifically for the hammered dulcimer has been rare. Here are 56 Rizzetta original pieces, including reels, waltzes, hornpipes, jigs, rags, blues, boogie, airs, and music for meditation and healing, that explore all the depth, power, versatility, and emotion of this ancient and expressive instrument. The book includes background about the people, places, and events that inspired each composition. While some pieces require a 16/15 chromatic dulcimer, many fit a 12/11. Melody lines are in standard notation with chord symbols. Many have variations with advanced ornamentation; some have alternate arrangements for four octave chromatic dulcimers. In addition to solos, there are six ensemble arrangements, including quartets, which are useful for groups and workshop teachers. While this collection is most appropriate for intermediate and experienced players, advanced beginners will be able to play some of the tunes.
Beginning Hammered Dulcimer -- book and CD, by Linda Lowe Thompson $25.00
This book covers how to hold the hammers, how to use the tablature, major chords, patterns, exercises, tuning tips and tune learning methods.

Songs: Arkansas Traveller, Ashgrove, Blackberry Blossom, Black Nag, Bluebells of Scotland, Brian Boruˆ¢s march, British Grenadiers, Childgrove, Cluck Old Hen, Colored Aristocracy, Drunken Sailor, Frere Jacques, Golden Slippers, Jamie Allen, Kesh Jig, Lanniganˆ¢s Ball, Liberty, Loch Lomond, Mariˆ¢s Wedding, Masterpiece Theater, Morpeth Rant, Off She Goes, Off to California, Oh Susannah, Paddy Whack Jig, Pigtown Fling, Polly Wolly Doodle, Ragtime Annie, Red Haired Boy, Rights of Man, Road to Lisdoonvarna, Rosin the Beau, Sally in the Garden, Scotland the Brave, Shepherdˆ¢s Hey, Simple Gifts, Soldierˆ¢s Joy, St. Anneˆ¢s Reel, Star of the County Down, Swinging on a Gate, Tavern in the Town, Temperance Reel, Wildwood Flower

Celtic Meditations: Into the Light -- book by Maggie Sansone $14.95
52 pages. This is music for hammered dulcimer that soothes the soul: a rich tapestry of Celtic moods for gentle, quiet contemplation. The melodious and gentle sounds of the leather-covered wooden mallets dancing across eighty strings creates a harp-like resonant sustain that brings a special beauty to the ancient melodies. Add a rich overlay of strings, the deep tonal qualities of woodwinds, traditional Celtic and early music instruments and this album will take you into the light. This collection is created especially for relaxation, meditation and massage using selections from Maggie Sansoneˆ¢s A Travelerˆ¢s Dream, Ancient Noels, Mist & Stone and Dance Upon the Shore. Maggie writes: "I am pleased to gather in one special collection the most contemplative melodies from my recordings. While based in the Celtic tradition, they express a universal quality, transcending borders and speaking to the highest in all of us with lightness and joy!"
Dulcimer Jam: Favorite Jam Session Tunes for Hammered or Fretted Dulcimer -- 88 pages, by Bonnie Carol $14.95
Dulcimer Jam takes common and obscure tunes heard in jam sessions and arranges them for hammered dulcimer, fretted dulcimers (with tablature), and other instruments to play in a jam session setting.
First Lessons for Hammered Dulcimer -- 32 pages with CD, by Linda Thomas $7.95
The melodies in this collection include a variety of hymns, holiday music and fiddle tunes written in standard notation, with instructions on how to read the notation. Lyrics and suggested chords for accompanying instruments are also included. The accompanying CD offers two tracks for each selection: a performance track with rhythm guitar and an instructional track with detailed phrase-by-phrase demonstration. The guided audio instruction at a slow tempo will prove invaluable for the "by ear" player. This method provides a private lesson approach for success on the hammered dulcimer.
The Hammered Dulcimer -- book by Norman Hughes $8.95
32 pages. A handy, concise instructional text on hammered dulcimer. This book contains information on tuning, playing techniques, solos and even a reference section on music theory.
Hammered Dulcimer Chords -- book by Jeanne Page $14.95
64 pages. This book was written to aid the dulcimer player in playing as a backup musician. It provides the tools necessary for musicians who are seeking to go beyond simple melody lines. The majority of chords diagrammed are those most commonly used, and those whose notes are clustered on the instrument in six repeated shapes. Diagrams are shown for the 15/14 dulcimer.
Hammered Dulcimer's Companion -- book by Phillip Mason $12.95
84 pages. This book is a treasure-trove of information and music for all players of the hammered dulcimer. Phillip Mason has written the definitive text on the history, tuning, playing technique, harmonic dimensions, construction, and repair of the "sweet-voiced" instrument. In an extensive essay, he also shares his thoughts on the fundamentals of singing with the hammered dulcimer. Concepts revealed here would be useful to anyone who aspires to sing, or improve ones singing technique. Music and lyrics for 34 songs are included in the "Music Section" followed by construction tips and plans for building your own hammered dulcimer.
Hammered Dulcimer Fundamentals -- DVD with Jamie Janover $39.95
Learn the fundamentals of how to play the hammered dulcimer. You can apply the various techniques presented to your playing right away, regardless of your ability level or the style of music you like to play. The basic building blocks are presented from which you can create any kind of music you desire and have a lot of fun in the process!
Hammered Dulcimer Notebook -- 155 pages with CDs, by Linda Lowe Thompson $50.00
The follow-up book to ˆ£Beginning Hammered Dulcimerˆ§ with instruction for the Beginner to the Advanced level. Includes standard notation and tablature and 123 tunes with more than 70 tips. The CDs were made so that you can hear the tunes/arrangements exactly as they appear in the book.
Hammered Dulcimer Treasury of Tunes -- 256 pages, by Sally Hawley $25.00
This sizeable collection of hammered dulcimer tunes brings together over 225 old-time and Celtic traditional tunes that are commonly heard at gatherings of old-time musicians. This is music that has been passed down vocally, or learned by ear instrumentally, and derived from countries where many of our ancestors originated. Trying to separate American and Celtic traditional music is an impossible task, as so many of the tunes we consider our own are adapted versions of tunes passed on to us from other countries and would fit into either category. This book therefore features favorite selections from both American and Celtic traditions. These instrumental arrangements are written in standard notation only with chord symbols.
Hammered Fiddle Tunes -- 32 pages, by Rick Thum $8.95
A wonderful collection for traditional American fiddle tunes arranged for the 12/11 hammered dulcimer. A working knowledge of the instrument is helpful in learning the techniques in this book. Selections include: Home Sweet Home; The Meeting House; Missouri; Soldier's Joy; Ragtime Annie; Blackberry Blossom; and more. Written in standard notation only.
La Musica - Latin American Music Arranged for Hammered and Fretted Dulcimer -- 80 pages, by Bonnie Carol $14.95
Author Bonnie Carol learned first hand about soulful Latin American music as she grew up along the Texas-Mexico border. In this book, she takes familiar and obscure Latin American tunes and pieces influenced by Latin music and arranges them for hammered dulcimer, and in some cases fretted dulcimer (with tablature) as well. She draws from a repertoire including Argentinean tangos, Andean panpipe music, Mexican mariachi music, Central American marimba music, and music of the Chicano culture of the Southwest.
Maggies' Big Book of Celtic Tunes -- 160 pages, by Maggie Sansone $22.95
This music book is a collection of 124 tunes arranged for the Hammered Dulcimer and other "C" melody instruments (recorder, pennywhistle, fiddle, mandolin, guitar). Chords are included. The Music is transcribed from the playing of Maggie Sansone, America's premier hammered dulcimer player and teacher specializing in Celtic music, from six of her most popular recordings: Traditions, Mist & Stone, Dance Upon the Shore, A Traveler's Dream, Mystic Dance and Merrily Greet the Time. The music is in standard notation. All tunes and arrangements can be played easily on 12/11 as well as the larger extended range hammered dulcimer models. The music and arrangements cover a wide range of levels from experienced-beginner to advanced as many of the tunes are presented as a simple melody line with chords and others are transcribed with fuller arrangements and optional variations. This stunning collection of music will thrill both students of the hammered dulcimer and Celtic music lovers, as well as offer invaluable insight into Maggie Sansone's playing and arranging style.
Playing Hammered Dulcimer In the Irish Tradition -- book and CD, 90 pages, by Karen Ashbrook $19.95
This book includes detailed information on tuning the dulcimer, reading tablature, and playing ornaments; while the tunes section of the book features 10 jigs, 2 slip jigs, 7 hornpipes, 17 reels, and 8 other tunes. The appendices include help on reading music, discography and bibliography. The CD includes recordings of both exercises and tunes, some played at slow & regular tempo to facilitate learning.
A Scottish Christmas for Hammered Dulcimer -- book and CD, 72 pages, by Maggie Sansone $24.95
This text by one of America's finest hammered dulcimer players contains the pieces played on "A Scottish Christmas" CD, which features Scottish carols, wassail tunes, strathspeys and reels for the celebration of Christmas, Hogmanay and the New Year. Arranged for the standard 12/11 hammered dulcimer. This also includes the companion CD.
Scottish Songbook for Hammered Dulcimer -- book by Jeanne Page $12.95
60 pages. A collection of standard tunes from Scotland accessible to all levels of players, including both a beginning "melody-only" version and an intermediate arranged version for each song. In addition, each tune has guitar chords notated and lyrics where applicable. Standard notation only.
Scottish Songbook for Hammered Dulcimer -- book by Jeanne Page $12.95
60 pages. A collection of standard tunes from Scotland accessible to all levels of players, including both a beginning "melody-only" version and an intermediate arranged version for each song. In addition, each tune has guitar chords notated and lyrics where applicable. Standard notation only.
Shall We Gather - Hymns arranged for Hammered Dulcimer -- 56 pages, by Madeline MacNeil $14.95
This collection of music conveys Madeline's love of hymns. Many of these arrangements provide a harmony part that may be performed on another instrument such as the flute, guitar, bowed psaltery, or mountain dulcimer. The majority of these tunes can be played on a 12/11-course hammered dulcimer (with G below middle C being the lowest note on the instrument). Selections include: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God; All Beautiful the March of Days; Amazing Grace; Be Thou My Vision; Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing; Evening Hymns; For the Beauty of the Earth; He Leadeth Me; Here I Am, Lord; How Great Thou Art; and many more. Written in standard notation only with complete lyrics and suggested chord changes.
Sounds of the Season for Hammered Dulcimer -- in 2 volumes, by Maggie Sansone $7.95 each
volume 1 presents most of the solos found on Maggie Sansone's recording of the same title. It includes medieval folk carols, English, French and Flemish carols, new variations of traditional favorites, and popular American carols for hammered dulcimer. In notation with chord symbols. Volume 2 includes medieval folk carols, English, French and Flemish carols, and new variations of traditional favorites for the hammered dulcimer. Also included are the popular American carols "I Wonder as I Wander," and "Lord of the Dance." In notation with chord symbols.
Sounds of the Season Volume 1 -- book/CD set, 32 pages, by Maggie Sansone $22.95
Timeless carols are reborn with a Celtic twist in chamber folk arrangements performed on hammered dulcimer with Celtic harp, recorders, cittern, violin, mandolin, guitar, concertina, viola da gamba and hand drums. Contains 20 additional bonus tracks from the tape Hammer Dulcimer Traditions. Includes Christmas Eve Reel from Ireland, the Scottish carol Baloo, Lammy, Welsh lively wassail tunes and traditional favorites. The text by one of America's finest hammered dulcimer players contains all of the solos found on the recording. Included are new variations on 15 Celtic and traditional Christmas favorites. Great music and wonderful listening!
Tis the Season Hammered Dulcimer Collection -- 64 pages, by Jeanne Page $19.95
Tunes for holidays and other celebrations throughout the year. You may celebrate the New Year with ˆ£Auld Lang Syne,ˆ§ and Valentineˆ¢s Day with ˆ£My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose.ˆ§ Play ˆ£St. Patrickˆ¢s Dayˆ§ in March, and for Easter you might choose the hymn ˆ£Christ the Lord is Risen Today.ˆ§ Show your patriotism on the Fourth of July with these versions of ˆ£America the Beautiful,ˆ§ or ˆ£The Star Spangled Banner.ˆ§ Complete the calendar year with the Thanksgiving anthem, ˆ£We Gather Together,ˆ§ and Christmas favorite ˆ£Deck the Halls.ˆ§ This collection will carry you through the entire year with options for all of your favorite holidays and celebrations. ˆéTis the Season is accessible to all levels of players, including both a beginning "melody-only" version and an intermediate arranged version for each song. In addition, each tune has guitar chords notated above the music staff. Standard notation only.
With This Ring -A Hammered Dulcimer Collection for Weddings and Special Occasions -- 72 pages, by Jeanne Page $14.95
A collection of tunes for weddings and special occasions. Common wedding processionals such as ˆ£Pachelbelˆ¢s Canonˆ§ and Wagnerˆ¢s ˆ£Bridal Marchˆ§ are included as well as common recessionals such as Clarkeˆ¢s ˆ£Trumpet Voluntaryˆ§ and Mendelssonˆ¢s ˆ£Wedding March.ˆ§ Other favorite melodies such as Vivaldiˆ¢s ˆ£Springˆ§ from the Four Seasons and Beethovenˆ¢s ˆ£Fur Eliseˆ§ are included in this tasteful collection that supplies a repertoire suitable for preludes or any elegant occasion. With This Ring is accessible to all levels of players, offering both a beginning "melody-only" version and an intermediate arrangement for each song. In addition, each tune has guitar chords notated above the music staff. Standard notation only.
You Can Teach Yourself Hammered Dulcimer -- 87 pages, by Madeline MacNeil $10.95
A great beginnerˆ¢s book which explains every aspect of playing the hammered dulcimer from detailed discussions on dulcimer layout, hammers, tuning, and stands to extensive performance notes on every tune. Madeline shows the novice dulcimer player how to ˆ£map your way throughˆ§ a new piece of music, finding clear, musical directions through what at first must seem like a maze of strings. All tunes are in standard notation. Illustrated with photos, woodcuts, engravings, and pen and ink.

The optional companion 85-minute DVD contains essential basic information on playing the hammered dulcimer--such as tuning, major and minor keys, duplicated notes, repeated notes, modulations, walking bass lines, chromatic notes, drone harmony, back-up chords, interval harmony, and more! Also contains Madeline MacNeil's hammered dulcimer solos on 25 tunes. The optional CD is a play-along recording of all of the tunes in the corresponding book. Each tune is counted-off and played at a moderate tempo on solo hammered dulcimer for easy play-along.

Songs: Are You Sleeping?, O Susanna, Home on the Range, Arkansas Traveler, Liberty, Harvest Home, Annie Laurie, Deck the Halls, Auld Lang Syne, My Own House, the Lark in the Clear Air, Amazing Grace, Off to California, Soldierˆ¢s Joy, The Parting Glass, Star of the County down, Simple Gifts, Flop-Eared Mule, Over the Waterfall, The Ash Grove, Planxty Fanny Poˆ¢er, The Hundred Pipers, Santa Lucia, Jesu, Joy of Manˆ¢s Desiring