Schedule 2012

Students should check in at the registration desk in the Three Sisters Park pavilion at 6:30 p.m., Friday, February 24. Class begins Friday evening, February 24 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the pavilion. Class continues on Saturday, February 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and finishes on Sunday, February 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon,. Registered students receive one free admission to the Saturday night concert, plus continental breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Continental breakfast will be available 1/2-hour prior to class time on both Saturday and Sunday.

Class fees are due at registration. Class size is limited--register early to secure your spot! Class may be cancelled if minimum enrollment is not met. Registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable unless approved by the Folk Art School board. If class is cancelled, registration fees will be refunded. To register, download a registration form in PDF here. Or download a registration from as a Word document here.

Friday, February 24

Registration 6:30pm in the Three Sisters Pavilion
7:00- 9:00pm – Meet the instructors, general jamming, open stage, and a “change your strings and clean up your instrument” class.

Saturday, February 25

8:30 – 9:00am: Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 10:30am:

Class time with Stephen Seifert - Learn Like Grandpa Did
All Skill Levels
Learn how to learn in a “do-as-I-do” style similar to what folks did in the old days. I’ll teach you step-by-step how to read hands like some people read sheet music. We’ll cover a bunch of easy tunes and one hard one. Expect a slew of encouraging and empowering tips.

The Basics, with Mike Anderson
No experience required. We will explore the instrument and focus on strumming and coaxing melodies out of the instrument. Lots of tunes! Becoming comfortable with the mountain dulcimer will be a priority including using different types of picks, keeping it on your lap, and the feeling of “becoming one” with your instrument.

Class time with Stephen Seifert - Chord College
Intermediate
How to Use chords in Backup, Arranging, and Improvisation - DAD - No Capo - It looks like you have to memorize tons of chords and you don't have any idea how to use them? This system makes the task easier, quicker, and more applicable. The goal is to know where and how to play all major and minor chords available on the mountain dulcimer. If you've had trouble with this in the past, try this class. There isn’t a lot of music theory talk, just practical ways to learn and use this stuff.

Dulcimer Decorations with Mike Anderson
Embellishments and playing Techniques to make tunes sound more difficult than they are. This will include songs to try the tricks out on.

11:30am – 1:00pm: Lunch and jamming
1:00 – 3:00pm:

Class time with Stephen Seifert - On The Spot Multiple Parts for Group Playing
Intermediate
Learn how to EASILY and QUICKLY come up with melody, harmony, and backup in three octaves as you sight read a simple melody from tablature. We’ll learn shortcuts and more! One or two tunes a day.

Dulcimer Decorations with Mike Anderson continued.

7:00 – 9:00 pm: Concert in the Three Sisters Chapel with Stephen Seifert and Mike Anderson

The Saturday Night Concert

Join Mike Anderson and Stephen Seifert for an evening of old-time musical tradition on February 25, 2012. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.  at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL. Sit back and enjoy a fine blend of favorite folk music, storytelling, and a unique brand of humor that has made Mike Anderson one of the most sought-after folk artists in the nation today. You will also sit in awe as Stephen Seifert does things with the dulcimer that amaze audiences across the country.

Ticket Prices

Tickets are $10 each, or two for $15.00. Tickets may be reserved by sending in a registration form and payment, or may be purchased at the door.

Sunday, February 26

9:30 – 10:00am: Continental Breakfast
10:00 – 11:15am:

Class time with Stephen Seifert - Introduction to Fingerpicking
Intermediate
I’ll show you how to use three right-hand fingers to pluck the strings in a way similar to what you’ve heard from James Taylor’s guitar picking. The tunes and exercises I’ve selected were picked to put a smile on your face. Tunes can include hymns, waltzes, Irish airs, and other slow melodies.

We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Tab, with Mike Anderson
An introduction to some basic chords and using them to play dulcimer like a rhythm guitar. Singing (with the class) and having a good time are required!

11:15am – 12:00pm: Open Stage. Your chance to play for the group and shine!

12:00pm: Jamming and general drifting away.

2012 Class Date/Time:

February 24-26, 2012 at times indicated above.

2012 Class Fee:

$130 Hurry! Cheap!!!

Maximum Class Size:

25

Need a place to stay?

Click here to check out these area accommodations.

Who is Mike Anderson?

He's one of the most versatile folk performers and educators in the Midwest. In addition to being one of the best mountain dulcimer players in the Midwest, Mike plays guitar, banjo, jaw harp, noseflute, bones, and more. Mike has also conducted many teacher workshops for developing literacy through the art of storytelling. His Early Childhood shows are legendary. As an author and an elementary school teacher, Mike has earned accolades galore. Learn more about Mike and listen to audio excerpts at www.dulcimerguy.com.