About
i am a retired choir and elementary music specialist. and I’ve been on the roster of performers on Young Audiences and on The Texas Commission For The Arts as a singer and dulcimer player. I've been a presenter at the state Music Educators Conventions In Texas and in Florida. I enjoy composing piano and vocal music and writing arrangements for dulcimers and string ensembles.
I enjoy helping aspiring musicians discover the joy of learning to make music. Many of my students have won awards and entered into a musical career. My music has allowed me to travel to places I'd never been before and meet other musicians from all around the globe.
I think that music theory is really fun, and I enjoy sharing this aspect of musical learning in my teaching.
I am one of a very few professionals who specialize in folk instruments ... both hammer dulcimer and the lap dulcimer, which are growing in recognition and popularity. I am a Texas state champion and SE Regional champion and my students Have also competed and won at state, regional and national levels.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Donna W.
dulcimer. She has on more than one occasion spent extra time making sure I understand.
She even offered to FaceTime when I have additional questions. I couldn’t hope for more.
Fran M.
inspired me to reach for new musical heights on my dulcimer. She has given me the hope
that my goals are attainable and she weekly gives me practical tools on how to improve.
Eric W.
musician and self taught on a few instruments. But when I decided to learn mountain
dulcimer I turned to her. I have taken lessons in person and on facetime. What I like is her
diversity and experience as a teacher. If you can read tablature or music, sh... Show more
John W.
musician, a great teacher and fun to be with. I am very happy with the progress I have
made under her direction.
Jim E.
Carter has been my weekly Hammer Dulcimer tutor since the fall of 2019. Her technique
and style of teaching combines not only learning the instrument, but music theory and how
it relates to the dulcimer. Even during the Stay At Home orders of the first h... Show more
Sally M.
and hammered dulcimer. While traveling, she has also given workshops at various events.
Peggy has been a great dulcimer teacher. She has written her own dulcimer teaching
books so that lessons are based on sequential learning style. She teaches t... Show more
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student is different and has different goals. First I ask where the student wants to go... play for church, nursing homes, or just for self, family and friends, or even to compete, enter a career in music, and even to become a professional.
I believe that everyone who plays an instrument should learn as much as they can about theory and technique, but this is taught by playing tunes and not by playing only endless exercises, although we will do some of that. I seek to discover each student's own learning style and I teach to their needs.
I don't use a one-size-fits-all approach but try to help each one discover music at their own pace. It should always be fun. I encourage "playing" at home (rather than "practicing".
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in music and taught public school music for 30 years. I have studied the dulcimer from many excellent performers, but as an advanced player I've learned that there is always something else I can learn.
ive won competitions on Mt dulcimer and hammer dulcimer and have students who also have competed and won on local, state-wide, regional and national competitions on both Mt dulcimer and hammer dulcimer.
ive written music that has been published by several different publishers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25 per half hour. Students can purchase methods and tune books as well as CDs and instruments.
i have instruments to rent for those who want to try before they buy.
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching is part of learning. I started teaching piano to my sister and friends when I was still in school. I majored in music and became a teacher so when I started playing the dulcimer it seemed natural to teach others to play .
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of my students are adults who have "always wanted to learn to play an instrument" I've also taught kids and a lot of home schoolers who are taking music lessons for school credit. I've had several students who needed the experience for physical therapy since music is great for concentration, focus and eye-hand coordination.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I always love going to concerts and singing or playing in a group. Most recently I'm fascinated by the ability to stay home and connect over zoom, or FaceTime or Google Duo.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher that tries to understand your own learning style rather than insisting that you understand his/her teaching style. The teacher should be able to demonstrate effectively but should spend most of the time that you're paying for by listening and guiding.