Bill Behmer
Gwen Meister
Bill discusses the dulcimer’s European and Asian ancestors and similar fretted zithers found in other traditions.
Description
Using folk songs as illustrations, Bill outlines the history and folklore of this simple-to-play, inexpensive and often homemade American folk instrument.
He discusses the dulcimer’s European and Asian ancestors and similar fretted zithers found in other traditions. He demonstrates and compares traditional and contemporary playing styles, a variety of tuning methods and how to play the dulcimer by ear. Bill is accompanied by his wife, Gwen Meister, singing harmony and playing autoharp and rhythm instruments.