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I'm very happy with the communication and technics I have from Kenton. He makes me feel supported in my progress.

Kenton was happy to go at my pace and super encouraging!

I highly reccommend Kenton!  My 10 year old son has been taking lessons online for the past couple of months. My son is an absolute beginner, however, is progressing quickly through the curriculum. Ke

Karen is a wonderful teacher. Very experienced and patient with a beginner.

Staff Picks

I cannot praise Linda Littleton highly enough. I have been taking lessons on the hammered dulcimer with her since June 2020 and I was a complete beginner when we started. She is thoroughly knowledgeable, an incredible musician on many instruments, and always supportive and patient. She is a fantastic teacher and a wonderful role model. Strongly recommended!

Only my first lesson, but I already feel like I have gained so much!  Linda did a wonderful job of assessing my needs and figuring out the next steps.

Explore the beauty of the hammered dulcimer. Everything is right about this instrument: it sounds great on first try; it's way easier than it looks; it's laid out so that the wrong notes are tucked away from the right notes; people are mesmerized when they see and hear it; you can use it for melody, harmony, or chords; it's a good instrument to sing with, but also good for just instrumentals; and you'll fall in love with it once you've started! Let me help you find joy in the hammered dulcimer!

If you have questions, please scroll back to the top and click "Ask", next to my photo.

Dulcimer

I'm a professional touring musician who's played music since age 7, led musicians' workshops and camps since 1998, and has taught private lessons for 10 years. My teaching is focused on helping adult musicians improve and enjoy their playing. My basic philosophy is that music is not a competition, that music is best when played with others, and that you're never too old to start. We'll aim for both good technique and enjoyment of playing, but if we had to choose one, enjoying your instrument is the top priority. I try to make your lessons fun, to challenge you without giving you more than you can handle, and to be absolutely responsive to what you want to learn. Years ago, I had an amazing voice teacher. She never asked me to do anything I found difficult, and my singing kept improving anyhow. That's the kind of teacher I aspire to be. I want you to get better on your instrument without it being difficult or frustrating.

MY BAND: When I'm not teaching, I tour professionally with the folk/world music duo, Simple Gifts, where I play fiddle, hammered dulcimer, old-time banjo, bowed psaltery, and recorders. Before Covid, we toured in a 10-state area, played about 100 concerts per year, and performed at major venues such as the Smithsonian, National Theater, Regina Quick Center, and Riviera Theater. Our repertoire includes a huge variety of genres: old time, bluegrass, country, Irish, Scottish, French Canadian, Klezmer, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Scandinavian, and more. You can see a video sampler of our concerts below.

MY MUSIC CAMPS: About 25 years ago, I established two weekend-long musicians' camps: Folk College and Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering. These events, programmed and overseen by me, have included internationally-known musicians such as John McCutcheon, Rory Block, April Verch, and Bruce Molsky. I've taught workshops such as How to Jam, Hearing Chord Changes, Klezmer Tunes, Simplified Versions of Common Tunes, Tunes That are Cooler Than Hard, Backing Up a Singer, and How to Play Tunes You Don't Know. My reason for starting these music camps is the amount of competitiveness I've seen at other events. I wanted to create events that would be friendly, nurturing, and encouraging, with all instruments playing together.

MY RECORDINGS: I've recorded six CDs with my band, Simple Gifts. The most recent, "Journeys: Music of Many Lands" won a Global Music Award. Our previous album, "Crossing Borders," won an award from Indie Acoustic, and the one before that, "Time and Again," won a Crossroads Music Award. 

MY TEACHING STYLE: I'm very open to teaching you whatever you want to learn, but am also ready to guide you if you aren't sure. I don't follow a specific teaching method. Everyone gets taught differently, a combination of what you need and what you want. I only teach adults, so my teaching style is focused on the way adults learn. I especially enjoy teaching older adults. I believe in learning by ear, rather than reading sheet music, because that way you use your ears, rather than your eyes, to learn. But I understand some people need sheet music, and I'm ok with it. I think everyone that plays should understand the music theory behind it, but I've seen many eyes glaze over when I've started talking about theory, so I'm sensitive to that and introduce it in small bites that relate directly to whatever you're playing. And again, above all, my top priority is that you learn to love your instrument and get great joy and satisfaction from playing it.

Very patient, understanding and kind. Therefore He can
develop the best skills from the student.

My daughter truly enjoyed Ukulele lessons with Kenton. He is very professional, gentle, and kind. Thanks for the best experience!

The mountain dulcimer is a great instrument to play. One can learn many songs remarkably fast. I usually start with standard folk songs and basic strum patterns. Then the melody can be added later.

I have been teaching for over fifteen years. I play various styles including jazz, rock, blues, classical, country, and bluegrass. 
Instruments I teach include guitar, dobro, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele.  I also teach the Q Chord. I have performed in many different bands including rock, top forty, bluegrass, gospel, and country. I enjoy teaching students and find it to be fulfilling.

Great lessons and I just signed up for 5 more!

Rhonda is an amazing instructor. She is able to break down big concepts to digestible bite sized lessons. I feel like I have learned so much from her

We are going to HAVE FUN! I will be customizing your lessons to your needs, your skill level, your age, and most importantly, what you would like to learn on the Dulcimer. 
I give lessons on the traditional 3 string dulcimer, although you may see I have double strings on each of the three. This will not interfere in my ability to instruct you. In fact, you may already own or possibly purchase a dulcimer with a double string on the first string, or all three, which is common. It is still considered to be a "3 stringed instrument. Regardless if you have 3 single strings, or double on one or all three, it will still work fine. 

I will be including the basic fundamentals such as scales and chords, keeping them fun, not grueling or boring. You will learn how to strum and finger-pick the dulcimer. To do this, we will begin right away using a pick designed specifically for the dulcimer, although a guitar pick will work just as well. (Dulcimer picks are slightly larger than guitar picks). When fingerpicking songs, there is no need for picks, you will just use your fingers. 

I will help you sight read music (new songs) which is extremely useful should you join a group or accompany others and they suddenly place a piece of music in front of you and would like you to play it. Sight reading helps you to play songs you've never seen or had a chance to practice ahead of time. Of course, the most important is learning the genre of music (songs) you like. I am fairly versed in most music genres and we can discuss the areas you are most interested in before signing up to see if we are a good fit in this area. 
 
Before moving on to Lesson Details, should you sign up for dulcimer lessons, I want you to know that the above-mentioned is not concrete. I will never force a student of mine to do something they absolutely do not want to do. I will encourage you to try it, but once you've come to the conclusion you have no desire for certain areas, we will focus on what it is you desire to learn and feel most comfortable at learning.

NEW! Starting on 9/1/2021:
I have decided to offer all new students an "indefinite discount" for not only back-to-school students but for all ages.

To be a bit of financial help, I've lowered my current prices to give a long-term discount. A 30-minute lesson is usually $28.00. With the discount, it will be $23. A 45-minute lesson is usually $39, with the discount, it will be $34. A 60-minute lesson is usually $50, with the discount, it will be $45.

*** Lesson Details ***
Listed here are the basics you will need to get off to a great start at your first lesson and future lessons. These are required items to learn properly, as well as for me to teach you adequately. Without these tools, we will struggle as both teacher and student, which is not what either of us would want. Please be sure to order these items as soon as possible once you've committed to lessons. If these items have not arrived before the lesson, I do have plenty of material we can and will use, so again, don't fret over this. As you will see, I am flexible and want this to be fun, not frustrating for you.

1. 3 String Dulcimer 
My only recommendation here is to make sure there is little to no difficulty when pressing down on the strings with the left hand. If you find it extremely difficult to press down, you may have a dulcimer that has been damaged. Options are to take it to a shop where it can be fixed, or at best, get an honest opinion as to whether or not it can be refurbished to work well for you. Be cautious when ordering a used instrument online. If you are not familiar with purchasing used instruments in this manner, have someone who is experienced in buying online help you make your purchase. My suggestion, is go to a music store where you can try out the instrument to see if it's a good fit for you or your child. This way you will know what you are getting.      

2. Dulcimer Tuner. This is the one I recommend: 
Snark ST-8 Super Tight Clip On Tuner (Current Model) (any stringed tuner will work, but this is one I recommend)

3. Dulcimer pick. I recommend purchasing a "large triangle pick" that is on the softer side (more flexible). Music stores will be able to assist. If you need help ordering, we can discuss this once you are signed up and I can give you some suggestions. 


4. Lesson Books. Once you are signed up and paid, I will send you an email with the books you'll need to order. I like to start with lesson books that are great for all ages. They will be relatively easy, thus making learning how to play the dulcimer fun, not grueling. As you progress through the first series of lesson books, I will send you an email with next series of books to be able to continue with lessons, if you so desire.

*If you have a particular book you would like to work out of, please send me the name of the book so I can review it (and purchase if need be) so I can help you with it. 

   
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a dedicated area of my home where I keep all my instruments as well as having high quality audio equipment, a computer with high speed internet, and excellent lighting.
As a side note, this is my home in which I also have a business raising Bernese Mountain Dogs. They may come and go in the background, but I can assure you that if they appear to be a distraction in any manner, especially for younger children, I will make sure they are placed appropriately so as to remove this form of distraction before the lesson begins. 


*** Students Equipment ***
Before starting the first lesson, I do expect the student to have a dulcimer, a tuner, a pick and lesson book(s) as mentioned above in "Lesson Details".
You must have access to a computer with a good internet that will not drop or freeze in a Zoom lesson.  Having an external microphone is helpful in being able to hear both the instrument and your voice, but not a requirement unless the mic on device does not work properly. When using an external mic, it may require you to use headphones depending on how it is set up.

*Note: I do not recommend viewing lessons from a smart phone or iPad. There are multiple reasons they are not conducive for zoom lessons. If this is the only method available when first starting lessons, this is understandable, but try your best to transition to a laptop. An iPad is better than a smartphone, but unless you have a high speed internet, there can be issues at times with iPads as well as with a smart phone.


***Steps to Prepare your Computer***
There are some important steps you as the student (or parent of a child/children) can take to prepare your computer to work efficiently for online lessons. I will list them here for you, as well as send them in an email along with the lesson books you will need to purchase. If you run into problems with any of the steps, try to find someone (friend, family member, neighbor) who may have a good working knowledge of computers to help you. If you have no one, I am willing to talk you through it over the phone, which could be a bit of a challenge, but worth trying! 

1. Clear history, cookies, cache prior to each lesson.
2. Download zoom occasionally to ensure you are using the most recent/updated version.
3. Make sure others in the household are not online (on other devices) during your lesson. 
4. Close all programs running in the background.
5. Stop or delete any unnecessary apps that may be running in the background.
6. Try to avoid using an iPad or a smartphone for lessons, if at all possible.


Thank You for viewing my profile. Please feel free to ask me questions through TakeLessons. I will do my very best to answer each and every one to the best of my abilities. 

To Your Success !
Rhonda

Welcome to Rhonda's Instrumental Lessons!

I have been teaching people of all ages how to play instruments since I was 15 years old, which to date has been 52 years of sharing my skills and knowledge, passing along what I’ve learned, to others. I love seeing kids and adults learn to play an instrument and play songs they really enjoy!

The instruments I currently offer are Piano, Guitar, Banjo, Violin, Dulcimer, Ukulele, Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Recorder, Tin Whistle (also called a Penny Whistle) and Harmonica. 

A brief background about myself:

I am a country gal who loves the outdoors, hiking, walks, nature and all kinds of animals, which I’ve had just about every kind of farm animal you can imagine, horses being my number one favorite. I’ve worked in health care as a licensed caregiver to the elderly for years on and off in nursing homes, care centers as well as private homes. I’ve had the privilege to teach music k-12 in a Christian school where my children attended, as well as private lessons out of my home. One of my hobbies, along with music, was raising German Shepherds and Shepadoodles, which I did for about 20+ years. I currently raise Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Should you choose me as your teacher, you will soon see that I am very relaxed and easy to get along with. I love to have fun and laugh! I believe in keeping our lesson time relaxed and stress free. Learning should be very enjoyable, not stressful or high pressured, causing you to feel frustrated at the end of a lesson.

Music has always been my way to relax and do what I love the most. My desire is for you to have this same experience by learning how to play an instrument. Possibly something you’ve wanted to do for a long time. Now’s the time to get started and fulfill your dream! Oh, and age is not a factor to learn. I’ve taught from as young as 4 years on up to people in their 90’s. It’s never too late!

NEW! Starting 9/1/2021
I now offer a “long term discount” for not only back-to-school students, but for all ages.

I’ve lowered my current prices to give a long term discount. As an example, a 30 minute lesson is usually $25.00. With the discount, it will be $23 per lesson. Same applies for 45 and 60 minute time slots.

I offer morning, afternoon and early evening online lessons, Monday-Friday. 
Fridays, after 12 noon (PST) is left open specifically for reschedules. I may have several options during the week where I have an opening available for you to reschedule, which we can discuss should the need arise. 

My desire and goal is to help you learn whatever instrument you’ve chosen well enough to be able to play it for the rest of your life. I will do my very best, to bring out the best in you!

The instruments I currently offer to teach are Piano, Guitar, Banjo, Dulcimer, Violin, Ukulele, Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Recorder, Tin Whistle (key of D) and Harmonica (key of C).
(I offer ukulele in soprano, concert, tenor and baritone sizes.)

The genres of music I love teaching the most are Gospel and Bluegrass, but I also teach other genres of music that are of interest to my students such as classical, western, traditional, oldies, movie themes, blues, a little jazz, etc. 

If I had to choose one as my ultimate favorite, it would be Gospel/Sacred music. I love the old time hymns as well as many modern/current gospel songs. We can talk about the kind of music you would like to learn and I will do my best to help you learn some of your favorites!
 
Looking forward to hearing from you,

Rhonda

I always have a great lesson with Jason. 

I absolutely LOVE training with Jason! He is a pleasure and very patient. I know most teachers get impatient with their students. Not Jason. He's encouraging and I've come to love my instrument more and more thanks to Jason. I will see if I can have my son study music with him as well. 

Lap/Mountain Dulcimer is a super fun instrument to learn and play! It is a very approachable instrument and can be used for solo playing and to accompany others and sing with. 
Lessons will aim to give the student the musical foundation and tools they need to explore this amazing instrument. Focus on many style of music and an aim to work toward playing the student's favorites songs will be a primary goal in addition to having a lot of fun! :)

I am a teacher who desires students with enthusiasm to learn. I am willing to work with all levels of gifting and am not a teacher who will make a student feel bad about mistakes, as I believe they are the secret to learning. J.S. Bach said the music was given for two purposes: the glory of God and the recreation of the human soul. I see music as a universal language because it spans all spoken languages and culture. Although I teach at an advanced level in piano, my special gift is in teaching beginning students who are inspired to learn music for themselves by my love of music and the diversity of instruments that I play and teach.

I am very impressed with James in his knowledge of music. He is patient and breaks things down where learning is not overwhelming, but attainable. James is very encouraging . He will not allow you to say, “I can’t” but “I will”. Great experience.

I have studied with James on a variety of different subjects. Including singing, screenwriting, acting, songwriting, guitar, and life coaching. He is very patient, empathic, knowledgeable, informative, and, most of all, inspiring. I did not know that I could write songs and screenplays and do well on other things until I started working with James. He is most definitely several points above average!

James Walsh is the best acting instructor I ever had. Extremely knowledgeable about the industry from his years of experience in Hollywood and very charismatic. Valuable life lessons are infused into his teachings and will take you very far in your acting career. Highly recommend!

Learn the Basics: You will Learn the use of fingers and plectrum. Some classic songs are fun and easy to play. Also you learn to understand dulcimer tuning and playing songs and being creative. 
The Truth: Dulcimer is one of the most satisfying instruments to learn because it's easy to make a pleasant sound right from the beginning. It is part of American culture. You can start at any age, and you can have fun with it even if you don't know any music theory and have never played an instrument before.  The Dulicmer is made of beautiful woods such as spruce and mahogony or walnut and is usually hand crafted. The curved body of the Dulcimer extends the length of the fingerboard, and its fretting is generally diatonic with use of 4 strings. Most play it while it is on their lap; but I have seen accomplished players play the dulcimer while standing up. It's real life origins are from the Appalachian Mountains and it is portable and a truly American made invention. So...the Dulcimer first appeared in the early 19th century among Scotch-Irish immigrant communities in the Appalachians.   

"It has a bright lifting sound that reminds me of the mandolin." ~ Margaret MacArthur.

New 6 Month and One Year Courses Taught: 1. Radio Introduction Personality Broadcasting. 2. Guitar Studies Advanced 3. Music Industry 4. Advanced Composition 5. Sound Design 6. Abelton LIVE  7. Premix Setup and Post Production
8. PR and Promotions Business
Background: 
I worked for Eddie Van Halen for five years in the 1990's in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles I learned a lot from Eddie and his brother Alex about music and the music industry. (All you have to do is pay attention! ) I have played in bands from Hollywood to Toronto and back both as a singer songwriter and guitarist. I bring the Musicians Institute way to the table and get things up and running quickly. I help students get it under their fingers fast and get it right the first time. 

 I believe in sharing the happiness of making music with anyone who loves music and the guitar in particular. I do my very best to get you playing the songs you love in Pop, Rock, Jazz and Folk Music of your choice. Today's modern new guitars are easy to play and you  will enjoy learning Guitar right away. That is how it should be. 
When you study there is a basic understanding of Guitar to be learned that allows an ease of use for anyone for years to come. This will help you reach your goal and  improve each week. My students learn to practice in a way that feels comfortable and makes sense. This takes all the stress out of learning and gives everyone something to smile about and look forward to each week. 

The good feeling of playing along with friends and taking a solo is within every students grasp. I will show you the way there. And with a solid and straightforward approach to the theory as it applies directly to the guitar you will feel confident and unafraid of any music endeavor. We'll cover harmony and fingerboard theory and give you a road map of the guitar neck that makes it a pleasure to play. You learn the basics and much more than you thought possible retaining 90 percent of what you learn! 

Having been a student myself I was deeply involved in music since age 12 and played in bands and duos for over 15 years . I can help you to be a well rounded player and performer with a smile, a laugh and a joy for music whether your in a band or a budding solo artist.


*** Lesson Details ***
Most students want to play the Guitar to play their favorite songs and I'm the same way. Music is something we carry with us in our hearts and minds. Students will learn what they wish to learn and work at a pace that is comfortable to them. Whether you are a student, “weekend warrior” or a parent whose child has expressed an interest in Guitar anyone can learn all there is to know about Harmony and Theory for the Guitar and how to play their favorite songs. 

We cover theory in an easy and straightforward no nonsense way in the first half of each lesson and then apply it to the song you wish to learn. This creates an atmosphere where you understand and feel at home with the Guitar. You get an understanding right away and because it is immediately fun it allows you to feel comfortable at any level. Music is fun, and songs are the creative expression of what we feel. Combining theory and the freedom to play and sing songs allows us to express ourselves through music. 
After 6 months students will have a solid foundation in theory, and a road map of the guitar fretboard enabling them to advance to an intermediate level if they are ready to do so. Students will know enough that music as it relates to the Guitar, which is the world’s most popular instrument in contemporary music, is not a mystery but is a welcome friend. And they will be able to play songs by popular artists and advance at a pace that is satisfying and enjoyable.
----------------------------

Student Comments:
What Students Are Saying About  ~ James Teaching Style

“James’ patience, knowledge and under-standing made learning guitar fun.  I like the lessons. He cares.”
--Rebecca L., guitar 
student, Venice Beach, CA 2003

“James taught me to 
play pop and rock, and
introduced me to
fingerstyle guitar.  I love it!”
--Joseph E., guitar student, Vancouver, BC 2006

“I studied guitar privately with James in 2010.  His style of teaching helped me to get  
past my blocks. He opened new doors for me.  Thanks!”
--Daniel S., guitar 
student, Los Angeles, CA 2010
""James is a trustworthy man, great with answering back right away. Always ready to help with new members. I would definitely recommend him." ~ PJ Stover of PJ Stover Voices; Independent Film & Recording voice-over artist 
 -----------------------------------


*** Studio Equipment ***
Ovation  Glen Campbell Artist Acoustic Electric Guitar, Ovation Pacemaker 12 string Guitar, Ibanez PF 5 Acoustic Electric Guitar, Fender Telecaster 6 string Electric Guitar. Korg Mini Pandora III Amplifier/Studio EFX, Toshiba Laptop Satelite Pro with PreSonus Studio One Artist Software, PreSonusUSB Audiobox, HD7 Studio Monitor Headphones, M7 Condenser Mic, PreSonus Studio Producer software with SoundCloud integration, iBook G4 with Garageband 3 and iLife Studio.  Godin Summit CT Electric Guitar is the guitar I now endorse exclusively !

*** Travel Equipment ***
Lesson Plans, Godin Summit CT Guitar, Fender and Ovation Guitars, Tuner, Android Smartphone and apps, iPads, Korg Mini Pandora Amp,  Toshiba Satelite Pro Laptop.  Android LG Smartphone with Tuners, Voice Recorder, and Metronome and Chord Reference Guide, and Guitar Tuner, iPod Touch Pro Studio.

*** Specialties ***
Songs in the following styles: Pop, Rock and Modern Country Music. Also Composition Analysis while learning the song.

Lynn is an excellent teacher.  I appreciate her knowledge and that she is a stickler for making sure I learn the basics that will help me as I progress.  The time I have to practice is limited but she makes me want to sit down and spend a few minutes whenever I can.  I wish I could take lessons from her in person as I do struggle with the online format.  There is a delay and also the sound cuts out at times, but I am enjoying them regardless because she is helping me make progress.  I also almost feel some kind of dyslexia because I find it so difficult to follow where her fingers are on the fretboard.  Being an older learner has its challenges but I am determined to learn as much as possible and I appreciate Lynn's patience with me!

Lynn is a great and knowledgeable teacher! 

While becoming familiar with the instrument, expect to play songs immediately!
We’ definitely find that it is easy & fun!

Whether you are 5, 25, or perhaps 85 years old when you make the decision to enter the world of music, you will be changing your life for the positive.  

Your relationship with music & your chosen instrument is unique &
will be lifelong.  I look forward to sharing your
excitement as we pursue the path to comfort, confidence & the
eventual, inevitable joy you will achieve with your new friend.

*** Lesson Details ***
In a calm, easy going atmosphere you can expect to laugh a bit, as it is called 'playing music', as well as become focused & disciplined to succeed.

You will learn to have an understanding of how to read & play a minimum of 3 songs each month, & will be picking up enough music theory as it applies to your instrument each week to feel confident & inspired to continue on as far as you desire. 

We will learn how to 'play well with others' in informal as well as more structured gatherings every few months, with no pressure, only compassion & encouragement.

For those wishing to join in the fun of playing bluegrass music, we will start out with technique exercises, scales, basic melodies & accompaniment patterns to prepare you to learn this unique & exciting style of American music.  There are many gatherings in the area called 'Pickin' Parties' that I want to get you ready to participate in as soon as is humanly possible.  

If you are one of those brave souls undertaking the lovely but challenging fretless instrument, the violin, my main focus is to get you started with the all the necessary basic techniques - holding the instrument & bow correctly, getting the best possible tone & pitch using efficiency & accuracy, mixed with a great deal of ear training & heart.

Specific songs you'd like to learn?  Your reward for accomplishing what I deem necessary on whichever instrument you've chosen will be for us to then listen to & analyze your desired piece, & I will then write it out in either tablature or standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson studio contains music stand, tuner, metronome, & there is easy parking in the well-lit front lot.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The student must have own instrument & be willing to purchase necessary tools as recommended at their first lesson for their instrument & playing level, such as music stand, tuner, pick, book, strap, etc. at a local music store or online.

*** Specialties ***
Bluegrass, Country, Country Rock, Contemporary Christian, Americana, Ragtime Blues Guitar, Fingerstyle, Flatpick, Accompaniment, Ear Training, Theory, Harmony

Karen is so friendly, sweet, and methodical in teaching style. It is wonderful to be introduced to dulcimer with her and - literally - learn how to fine tune my instrument with her tips and encouragement. She makes me even more excited to tune and play my instrument. I can easily get happily lost simply in the tuning process with my dulcimer as it brings me a lot of joy just to hear the notes come into tune and playing very small, minor amounts of things on my dulcimer as is... it is so nice to have a guide like Karen to help me better to understand and dance with my dulcimer, learn about music and how the dulcimer strings are arranged, and how to hold the hammers! I thought I was excited to learn before... I'm even more happy and excited now and have some clear, down to earth steps to begin to actually really play with my instrument!

Hammered Dulcimer lessons, rentals available.  From basic playing through advanced arranging, including theory in many styles.

Hammered dulcimer lessons - all styles, all levels, music theory included!

Everything is going great and I'm making some good progress.  Thank you !

Everything is going well and she's been giving me some good homework exercises that are proving to be helpful. 


Great teacher.   Has a good sense of where the student is and what needs to be improved upon.  She's developing a teaching strategy for me after our initial meeting. 

Dulcimer:
The Appalachian dulcimer is a fretted string instrument of the zither family, typically with three or four strings. Its origins are in the Appalachian region of the United States. The body extends the length of the fingerboard, and its fretting is generally diatonic.
It is a beautiful droning instrument to learn and great for accompanying  yourself or others.  I always start with the basics of hand and finger technique, notes, chords, and songs.  As the student progresses, if interested, I will teach theory and soloing.

Hi!

My name is Karen D. I’ve had the pleasure of performing, singing, writing, and recording since I was seven years old. Besides being an Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music, I have been a lifelong student of the international world-renowned instructors Dante Pavone and Charlie Banacos. Teaching for forty years (since 1982), along with my passion and diligence, these experiences have given me very in-depth knowledge and understanding of how music really works and the ability to teach all instruments.

All it takes is Trust, Patience, Perseverance, and Practice.

Truly,

Karen D.

Anyone Can Learn To Sing or Play Any Instrument With My Method!
No End To How Good You Can Get!
Vocal Therapist-Can Cure ALL Vocal Damage!

Karen D.
-Certified Teacher of the World Famous Dante Pavone Vocal Method
-Honor Graduate of Berklee School of Music!
-Winner of International World Contest for Meridan Records from over
300 Countries
-Runner up in Ticketmaster Contest
-Twenty Original Songs Placed in Movies
-Written and Recorded Hundreds of Original Songs
-Performer, Producer, Actress, Poet, Writer, Dancer, Entrepreneur
-Teaches Song Writing, Ear Training, Theory, Arranging
-Teaches Video Production and Editing
-Teaches Audio Engineering

It is completely untrue that some people are "born to sing or play an instrument" while others are not. With my expertise a person who believes they have no talent can learn any instrument, the most "tone deaf" can learn to sing perfectly in tune, and someone who thinks they have "no talent" can become better than anyone out there. I have a unique and very patient teaching style that makes learning any instrument seem easy!
Anyone can learn!

It all started out in a small town called Chatham, NJ where I spent the first thirteen years of my life. I remember loving music as early as I could walk and talk. I started taking guitar lessons when I was seven years old. Along with the guitar, came a love for singing and writing my own songs. When we moved to Pennsylvania the guitar came with me. Throughout my high school years, I spent hours playing with teachers, fellow students, and parties.

When I was sixteen every week for three years I would drive an hour into Philadelphia, by myself, to study with world-famous Artie Singer. His students include such names as Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Al Martino, and Bobby Rydel. Artie co-wrote and produced two massive hit records “At the Hop” and “Rock ‘n Roll is Here to Stay,” both recorded by Danny and the Juniors. 

While going to a Community College in Philadelphia the music teacher there took notice of me, pulled me aside, and told me about a great music school I should attend. He then sent away the application and helped me fill it out. The next thing I knew I was in Boston attending Berklee School of Music! I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Jazz and Rock Composition, Arranging, and Guitar.

I had originally gone to Berklee intending to major in voice. However, I had no luck with the vocal department there and ended up with nodules on my vocal cords. The damage was so significant that I had to stop singing during my four years at Berklee and turned to study Guitar and Composition.

I tried every vocal teacher in town wanting more than anything to be a singer. What I found was no teacher could help me and it seemed obvious that even though they had the “big name” they didn't know what they wt. I was losing hope. The combination of this roadblock and my persistence led me to the greatest thing that ever happened in my life....... I met Dante Pavone!

I kept hearing about a singing teacher named Dante Pavone. Since I had already tried everyone else, I decided to give him a shot.

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I'm very happy with the communication and technics I have from Kenton. He makes me feel supported in my progress.

Kenton was happy to go at my pace and super encouraging!

I highly reccommend Kenton! My 10 year old son has been taking lessons online for the past couple of months. My son is an absolute beginner, however, is progressing quickly through the curriculum. Ke

Karen is a wonderful teacher. Very experienced and patient with a beginner.

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