I teach hammer dulcimer lessons at my home in NE Portland. I currently charge $30 for a 45 minute lesson. When my performance schedule allows, I teach on weekdays and early weekday evenings.
Beginning students focus on learning satisfying yet simple tunes while acquiring stick (hammer!) technique and familiarization with the tuning pattern, scales and chords. Music is learned both by ear and from notation.
I hope to help the student acquire techniques for learning and playing music on their own. Some students prefer regular lessons, others, well, irregular. Some advanced players take lessons on a very occasional basis seeking input on arrangements, technique, and repertoire.
There are two festivals in the Pacific Northwest that focus on hammer dulcimer:
Spring Fling Rendezvous is organized by my good friend Pete Ballerstedt, and takes place near Sandy, Oregon.
Chatter Creek Dulcimer Festival takes place outside of Leavenworth, Washington. It is presented by the Northwest Hammer Dulcimer Society.
The Northwest Folklife Festival takes place in Seattle on Memorial Day weekend. This is a great place to hear folk music from around the world. The Northwest Hammer Dulcimer Society usually gathers for a large jam session somewhere on the lawn that weekend.
Dan Compton, Steve Einhorn and Mick Doherty at NW Folklife Festival sometime in the early '80s. Photo by Dale Blindheim