Neal Hellman's Workshops

The Music of Stephen Foster for Mountain Dulcimer
(Intermediate & Up)

Stephen Foster (1826 -1864) has been called “the father of American music.” In this class we will explore some of his well-known pieces “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Hard Times,” and “Gentle Annie,” along with some of his lesser known compositions “Farewell My Lilly Dear” and “Slumber My Darling.” All arrangements will feature back up chords for singing each piece. Knowledge of the basic embellishments (hammers, pulls & slides) are essential to this class.

Click here to download an arrangement of "Gentle Annie"

American Hymns & Spirituals for Mtn. Dulcimer
(Intermediate & Up)

Spirituals is a genre of Christian music that is "purely and solely the creation" of generations of Black Americans, which merged African cultural heritage with the experiences of being held in bondage in slavery (Wiki).
I have also included several of my favorite hymns.
Selections include “Abide with Me,” My Father How Long,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” “I Will Arise,” and “Steal Away.”

Click here to download an arrangement of "Steal Away"