 I've
been thinking
about a recent
thread in "Everything Dulcimer." The subject was
concerned with the future of the mountain dulcimer.
Seems like the worry was that if we didn't teach it to
enough of our young folks we would be facing "dulcimer
extinction."
I took notice of a comment by Bing Futch, who pointed out
that older folks passed the music on, too. I had to
give him an applause.
Music, like
religion, is passed on by proselytizing. Of
course we want our young folks to pick it up, but every new
player is to be celebrated, with no regard to age.
I've seen youngsters pick up the dulcimer, become
enthusiastic, then put it down until they were grown only to
"discover" it again. We just keep playing and
teaching, and hope some of it catches on.
If food tastes good, a goodly number of folks will eat it.
If it smells to high heaven, few will. What I'm saying
is, make music and let the music become the evangelist.
Congratulations to those such as Nancy Barker, who seems to
have a special touch with the kids. Remember, though,
that she produces captivating music which is the first thing
to attract them.
Trust me. The
dulcimer is a wonderful instrument that makes beautiful
music, in spite of the editor who said it was just a musical
novelty. It will be around long after my songs are
forgotten. Jean Ritchie was wrong when she predicted
the Dulcimer Revival was just a fad and would pass.
Keep your eyes open
for the young person who is captivated by the music!
Do the same for adults!
Spent the winter in Texas again. Last year out there I
taught a little music to 50ish court reporter and
lady Methodist minister. This year they both sported
new dulcimers. This year I gave lessons to a retired
pilot and to a PHD, retired California college professor.
The pilot already has a new McSpadden and the professor is
looking for just the right dulcimer.
I also gave one
lesson to a gifted 17 year old guitar player. After
one hour I was singing and he was accompanying me on the
dulcimer. Now he's begging for a new dulcimer, and
after talking with his father I'm convinced he'll soon have
one.
The pilot was so
grateful that he gave me a like-new Suzuki QChord.
It was a very good
winter in Texas!
Sam |
