0:00 Full-speed
0:52 Half-speed

New instructional content! As a not-so-fluent music reader, I have done several attempts at finding a workaround to learn dulcimer easier.

I ended up developing my own computer routine to generate some dulcimer animations with notes names, hit marks, playing back with audio at different speeds.

Eventhough I've progressed at music reading, my animations helped me a lot when I started, to visualize/memorize tunes, and find my way on the dulcimer. I just improved the graphics so I can share these videos with the community, I think they can be helpful to other players who begin with this wonderful instrument.

Here is the first vidéo, the famous Irish reel called : Cooley's Reel.

More info & disclaimers : This is not a standalone software, I generate these animations using several commercial softwares. Videos are aimed at beginner level, playing back at normal-speed and half-speed. Hits marks are shown with different symbols & colors for each hand. The tunes can be played on a standard 12/12 instrument.
I want to highlight that these videos are not aimed at replacing a teacher that will correct hands position, grip, dynamics, etc. They are more to be considered like a way to get familiar with the instrument, without letting reading difficulties spoil the fun.
As there are many possible sticking patterns for a single tune, I propose what I would play myself, being a right-handed player with my own technique, but do not hesitate to experiment if some other pattern feels easier than what I wrote, my animations are only to be taken as starting point.

I'm planning to release animated tunes twice a month on my Youtube channel. If you're interested in seeing a specific traditional tune in this format, feel free to leave a comment under the video with your suggestion, or reach me on social media (facebook/instagram)!

As in my country, a hammered dulcimer is called a tympanon, I named my little animated tympanon : the Tympanim :)

Hope you will find this video useful, feel free to give me any suggestion for improvements. I'm looking forward to seeing you on my Youtube channel for the next Tympanim video on Oct 19th, which will be Morrison's Jig.
Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell to be notified. Take care! :)

#hammereddulcimer