Carole Ehrman, Mountain Dulcimer
About
I have been playing the mountain dulcimer since 1990 and have been teaching for about 15 years. Over the years I have taught and performed at College of DuPage, Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival, Dulcimer Chautauqua on the Wabash, Fox Valley Folk Festival, Dulcimer Gathering at the Mounds, Dulcimer Society of Northern Illinois, and other clubs, Suzuki workshops, school artist-in-residence programs, churches, weddings, even funerals. My arrangements for dulcimer orchestra and folk orchestra have helped many experience ensemble playing for the first time. In 2012 I published a book of my arrangements of Christmas Carols and Holiday Songs.
My method of teaching includes instruction for both hands, incorporating systems that become automatic over time, greatly increasing the speed at which new music can be learned. Each student learns at a different pace, so I listen and am flexible in order to lay a strong foundation of skills. I have studied at the American Conservatory of Music and have a degree in education, and have taught the mountain dulcimer to students from age three to well over eighty years of age.
Since I arrange mountain dulcimer music, I am able to help you learn many styles of music. Some of my personal favorites are old-time, contemporary folk, gospel, Celtic, and classical music. I can teach you how to arrange your own music, if that is your desire. I can also help you learn to accompany your singing with the dulcimer.
I love to see students progress to meet or even exceed their expectations. It takes work and practice!
Highlights
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I listen, observe, and tailor learning to the individual.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in education, and studied at the American Conservatory of music. I studied dulcimer with weekly lessons for over ten years, and have studied with great mountain dulcimer teachers from across the country at many dulcimer festivals. I began playing the mountain dulcimer in 1990.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons cost $40 per hour. If you already have a very strong foundation in music, you may only need a half hour lesson at $25 per half hour..
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at the Dulcimer Society of Northern Illinois, teaching repertoire and techniques in workshop format.
I have arranged music for folk orchestra and conducted at the Dulcimer Chautauqua on the Wabash in New Harmony, IN. Many years I have led workshops at Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival. Recently I gave a solo concert at College of DuPage.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students from age 3 to over 80, music majors to absolutely no experience with any music reading or playing.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I assisted a student in playing at his brother's wedding. We prepared and performed about 45 minutes of music with great success.
Recently I performed a solo concert at College of DuPage that was very well received and well attended.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Would you like to be able to play like this person? How well are they able to communicate techniques? Does your teacher listen to you and sense your needs?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you have experience working with someone with my situation and issues?