Discover the Joy of the Mountain Dulcimer: Join Our Friday Night Rehearsal!
- Brian Oliver
- Dec 24, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 16
Here is the zoom call info if you'd like to join.This is happening in just a little over 3 hours!
Hope to see you there. Actually- what I really hope is that there are no tecchinical issues haha
7PM EST/ 4 PM PST
Here's the zoom info
Brian Oliver is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Mountain Dulcimer FNR
Time: Jan 16, 2026 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 815 1063 3161
Passcode: 453056
---
One tap mobile
+16694449171,,81510633161#,,,,*453056# US
+17207072699,,81510633161#,,,,*453056# US (Denver)
Join instructions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you have ever been curious about the Mountain Dulcimer or wanted to try playing it, this Friday Night Rehearsal is the perfect opportunity. The Mountain Dulcimer is a unique and charming string instrument with a rich history in American folk music. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, joining a rehearsal like this can boost your skills, build confidence, and connect you with others who share your interest.
Most of you don't know me, and some of you might. That's okay! Let me introduce myself. I'm Brian Oliver. I've been playing the Mountain Dulcimer since about 1995 when my mom let me mess with her 4-String McSpadden. I officially started when my wife, Midori, gifted me my first 4-String Dulcimer in 1996, the same year my son was born.
I was captivated! This instrument was amazing. It gave me a voice! Over the years, I collected or created nine Mountain Dulcimers. Three of them are 3D-printed, 8-string dulcimers. The rest are McSpaddens from The Dulcimer Shoppe in Mountain View, Arkansas. (Shout out!). My spiritual epicenter is Mountain View, Arkansas, home to The Dulcimer Shoppe and my personal heroes when it comes to Dulcimers. My current instrument is a 6-string McSpadden with extra frets and a pickup for amplification, tuned D-A-D.
When my kids were old enough, we all had a Dulcimer and a Friday Night Rehearsal! From grade school until the rigors of high school forced us to suspend our Friday Night Rehearsals, my kids and I actively scheduled around our Friday night rehearsals so that we could enjoy learning the Mountain Dulcimer! These are the things we worked on. The music we worked on.
This post will guide you through what to expect at the rehearsal, how to prepare, and why the Mountain Dulcimer is worth learning. You will also find practical tips to get started and ideas for making the most of this free event.
Check back in—I'll be updating the information for a Friday Night Rehearsal ZOOM call, currently scheduled for January 16th, at 7 PM EST/4 PM PST.
The evening will explore the fingerpicking for my song entitled "Five Cent Circus." It started as a warm-up exercise and became one of my favorite Dulcimer experiences.
What is the Mountain Dulcimer?
The Mountain Dulcimer, also known as the Appalachian Dulcimer, is a fretted string instrument that originated in the Appalachian region of the United States. It typically has three or four strings and a long, narrow body. Unlike guitars or violins, the dulcimer is played on the lap. Its tuning and playing style create a gentle, melodic sound.
People often describe the dulcimer’s tone as sweet and soothing, making it ideal for folk songs, ballads, and traditional tunes. Its simple design makes it accessible for beginners, but it also offers depth for advanced players who want to explore complex melodies and harmonies.
Why Join a Friday Night Rehearsal?
Joining a free Friday night rehearsal offers several benefits:
Hands-on learning: You get to play the dulcimer in a supportive group setting.
Live feedback: Experienced players or instructors can guide you on technique and style.
Community connection: Meet others who enjoy the instrument and share tips or songs.
Motivation boost: Regular rehearsals help maintain practice habits and improve faster.
Fun experience: Playing music together is enjoyable and relaxing.
This rehearsal is designed to be welcoming for all skill levels. You don’t need to bring your own dulcimer if you don’t have one; some events provide instruments to try out.
How to Prepare for the Rehearsal
To get the most out of the Friday night rehearsal, consider these preparation steps:
Learn the Basics
If you are new to the Mountain Dulcimer, spend some time before the rehearsal learning the basics:
Parts of the Dulcimer: Understand the fretboard, strings, tuning pegs, and body.
Tuning: The most common tuning is D-A-D, but some players use variations.
Simple Chords: Learn a few basic chords like D, G, and A to start playing songs.
Strumming Patterns: Practice simple strumming or fingerpicking techniques.
There are many free online tutorials and videos that can help you get familiar with these basics.
Bring the Right Gear
If you own a dulcimer, bring it along with a tuner and a capo if you have one. Also, bring a notebook or device to jot down notes or song chords. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a music stand if you prefer. Since this is an online event, you'll want a quiet place to play where you can hear your speakers.
Set Goals
Think about what you want to achieve during the rehearsal. It could be learning a new song, improving your strumming, or simply gaining confidence playing in a group.
What Happens During this Rehearsal?
The rehearsal usually lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and typically follows a relaxed but organized format:
Welcome and Introductions: Everyone shares their experience level and what they want to work on.
Warm-up Exercises: Simple finger and strumming exercises to get comfortable.
Song Practice: The group works on one or more songs, breaking them down into parts.
Technique Tips: The host or experienced players offer advice on playing style and posture.
Jam Session: Time to play freely, experiment, and have fun with others.
Q&A and Wrap-up: Participants can ask questions and share feedback.
For this particular rehearsal, I will be combining the warm-up, song practice, and technique tips into one lesson. This will be laid out in steps designed to teach you picking, strumming, and tempo for a song that I wrote specifically to teach myself and my kids how to play. We'll cover the basics as well. Tuning for this song will be D-A-D.
The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging. Mistakes are part of learning, and everyone supports each other.
Why the Mountain Dulcimer is a Great Instrument to Learn
The Mountain Dulcimer offers several advantages for new musicians:
Easy to Learn: Its simple tuning and layout make it less intimidating than other string instruments.
Affordable: Many dulcimers are reasonably priced, and you can find used instruments in good condition.
Portable: The dulcimer is lightweight and easy to carry to rehearsals or gatherings.
Versatile: You can play folk, country, blues, and even modern songs on it.
Relaxing Sound: Its gentle tone makes it perfect for stress relief and casual playing.
Many players find that learning the dulcimer opens the door to exploring other instruments and musical styles.
Tips for Getting Started with the Mountain Dulcimer
If you decide to continue learning after the rehearsal, here are some practical tips:
Practice Regularly: Even 10-15 minutes a day helps build muscle memory.
Use a Tuner: Keeping your dulcimer in tune improves sound and ear training.
Learn Songs You Love: Playing familiar tunes keeps motivation high.
Record Yourself: Listening back helps spot areas for improvement.
Join a Community: Online forums, local groups, or more rehearsals provide support.
What to Expect from Future Rehearsals
Right now, this is just a one-off lesson to gauge interest. No future plans are in place at the moment.
Join us for an enriching experience and discover the joy of playing the Mountain Dulcimer!
I am planning to attend. I took dulcimer lessons for a couple years, but I haven’t picked up the instrument in over 10 years. Would love to get back into playing.
Comment Here if you plan to attend. I hope to see you! Brian