For the absolute beginner, we will start with how to hold the instrument and progress to techniques. Playing skills and techniques will be taught through tunes from a variety of genres. Expect to learn a tune or two each day. We will learn some basic chords that can be used for accompaniment. The advanced beginning player will be able to increase their repertoire and practice some skills and techniques.
**Mini-classes are held Monday through Friday the week of programming. They may be taken in addition to daytime classes or on their own. Cost is $75.**
Instructor Bio
Luanna Moore was born and raised in the Elkins area. Her interest in the Mountain Dulcimer was sparked when as a student at Berea (Ky.) College she had the opportunity to hear and see Jean Ritchie in concerts and workshops. Her father, a woodworker, made her first dulcimer from plans in “Popular Mechanics”. She carried her dulcimer to camps around the state, playing popular camp and folk songs of the sixties. In the 1980’s, she took her first Augusta class and learned to play with others and use chords. Since that time she has taken more Augusta classes, and participated in workshops in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia. She is a regular at Pickin’ in Elkins and at the local fiddle support group. She teaches weekly classes in Mountain Dulcimer at the Elkins Senior Center, where she also teaches Hammered Dulcimer. She leads workshops annually at Pattyfest. She has been teaching tunes for the Mountaineer Dulcimer Convention each fall and spring, since 2011. She has introduced 100’s of school students, pre-K thru 12th grade, to the Mountain Dulcimer. She entertains at nursing homes, senior center events, churches and many other local groups. This will be her third summer teaching at Augusta. Through teaching, she continues to pass on the heritage and the music of the Dulcimer to others.