Mike Anderson at Dickson Mounds

I'm republishing here the latest press release from Dickson Mounds state museum for members of the Prairieland Dulcimer Strings and anyone else who wants to take advantage of Mike Anderson's workshops there. Mike is a valued mentor for all of us who play the Appalachian dulcimer in central Illinois, and one of the few noseflute virtuosos anywhere; read more at his website. Mike's workshops are a great opportunity to learn the basics for beginners, and a welcome refresher and invitation to expand our technique for those of us who have been playing for a while.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER WORKSHOPS AT DICKSON MOUNDS

Lewistown, IL--Beginning and intermediate to advanced workshops on playing mountain dulcimers will be offered on Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the Dickson Mounds Museum.  Well-known folk musician, Mike Anderson of Jacksonville, IL will present two workshop sessions, one for beginners and one for intermediate/advanced players.
 
Beginners will learn basic strumming and songs in a session scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Morning session dulcimers should be tuned to Ionian tuning (DAA).  Intermediate and advanced players will meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Dulcimers should be tuned to the Mixolydian (DAD).  The workshop will include chording, picking, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.

There is a $15.00 registration fee for each workshop.  Registration should be made by March 13, 2006.  For a registration form and further information call Steven Endsley, Sr. at 309.668.2362.

The Dickson Mounds Branch of the Illinois State Museum is located between Lewistown and Havana off routes 78 and 97.  The museum is open free to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.  Tours and special programs are available for groups with reservations.  For more information call 309.547.3721 or TDD 217.782.9175 or visit the museum’s web site. Here's a schedule for Mike's workshops at Dicskon Mounds for the rest of the year:

** Mountain Dulcimer Workshop dates for 2006 at Dickson Mounds Museum are:

March 18, 2006
May 20, 2006
September 2, 2006
November 11, 2006

** The museum coffeeshop no longer serves food.  There are vending machines with snacks and drinks.  Tables are available for sack lunches or Lewistown and/or Havana (each 10 minutes away) have a selection of restaurants (fast food or sit down).