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    About

    Dulcimer:
    Latin + Greek meaning "Sweet Sound"

    The Hammered Dulcimer

    dates back several thousands of years to the Middle East. Considered a forerunner to the piano, it once enjoyed popularity in the U.S. as a parlor instrument. Though once at risk of becoming a dying art, the instrument again found favor in many acoustic music circles. Trapezoid in shape, it has a wooden sound board upon which numerous strings are stretched. The player strikes the strings with lightweight wooden mallets, or hammers.

     

    Mountain Dulcimers (also called Fretted or Appalachian Dulcimers)

    are American-born instruments developed by early Appalachian settlers. Usually hourglass or teardrop shaped, they have three or four strings that are strummed or plucked, producing a sweet, mellow tone.

    Sherri Farley

    Sherri Farley began playing the hammered dulcimer in 1991, performing since at numerous festivals and concert venues including Chicago’s Museum Campus, historic Sandwich Opera House, Chicago Botanical Gardens, and  WTTW Channel 11. She has recorded and guest-recorded on several CD’s, and passed the artform along to many through workshops and lessons.

    Sherri Farley WTTW CenterStage Performance
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