(To help folks know exactly what each class covers, I updated this page on Tuesday, November 4, to include detailed lesson plans. Scroll all the way down for the newly added demo video.)

You know the basics. Now it’s time to grow. This class bridges the gap between beginner and intermediate by teaching some of the most playable jam tunes around. We’ll keep things relaxed but purposeful — using ear training plus simple tab to lock melodies in your memory fast. Each week focuses on essential strategies for growing essential right and left-hand techniques.

These are online workshops via Zoom. You’ll get a meeting link and handouts by email shortly before the first session.

Notice the Roman numeral “I” in the title? I often offer the same class again—with all-new music. For example, Novice Mountain Dulcimer - Tunes and Techniques II or III. That way, you keep strengthening your core techniques without repeating the same tunes every time.

You’ll Get: Video recordings of each class · Sheet music

Bring: DAD-tuned dulcimer · Capo

What We’ll Do Each Week

Week 1 – Tuesday, Nov 11 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• Review of how to do accurate and interesting strumming.

• The backup chords my mentor, David Schnaufer, taught me.

• Learn “Wildwood Flower” the way I like to play it.

Week 2 – Tuesday, Nov 18 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• Review how to use one shape to play the major and minor backup chords we usually need.

• Warm-up exercises and scales.

• Learn “Cherokee Shuffle.”

No Class – Tuesday, Nov 25 — Happy Thanksgiving!

Week 3 – Tuesday, Dec 2 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• Use a simple jam sheet to play five common jam tunes.

• How to play each of these tunes in four different places on the dulcimer. (for variety and fun - for you AND your listeners)

Week 4 – Tuesday, Dec 9 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• Introduction to the main three three-finger chord shapes used for playing backup and chord-melody.

• Learn to play “Nut Factory Shuffle” along with some simple ways to spruce it up. (Now a dulcimer favorite.)

🌟 Multi-Course Bundle – 20% Off

Choose three or more courses. Perfect if you want to mix dulcimer with Tabledit, whistle, ukulele, or harmonica. You’ll save compared to single registration.

🌟 Important: If you want to take advantage of the 3-Class Bundle, do this exactly:

🌟 1) Visit https://www.stephenseifert.com/holiday-fourweek-course-registration and add at least three classes to your cart.

🌟 2) At checkout, use the coupon code COURSEBUNDLE to save 20%.

🌟 If, for any reason, you don’t get your 20% off, email me at stephen@stephenseifert.com. This usually happens when someone buys courses one at a time over multiple days and later wishes they had went with the bundle. Whatever you need, tell me your email address and full name, and I’ll straighten it out.