Lessons are available Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday evenings
banjo, bass, fiddle, dulcimer (hammered & mountain), guitar {basically any stringed instrument}
FOX VALLEY STRINGS is a group of very talented young people who have been taking lessons from me on an individual basis. Realizing their potential, it was decided they should form a Bluegrass Band. Their first performance was at the Dulcimer Sampler on April 23, 2005 in Harding, IL.
left to right: Shepherd, Fiddle ~ Joseph, Mandolin ~Kelsey, Dulcimer ~ David, Banjo ~ Paul, Guitar ~Bill in the back on Bass (ready for a younger replacement!)
Students are taught aurally (by ear). Simple tunes and chords are reinforced in the beginning. Embellishments and complicated pieces are introduced as the student progresses. Most students leave each lesson with a song they have learned.
Bill with Dick Waterbury ~1st Dulcimer Student
In 1980, Dick Waterbury contacted me and asked if I could teach him to play the hammered dulcimer. He found my name listed in the roster at the Old Town School of Music, Chicago. I had taught my daughter, Monica, to play several years prior. I told him “I don’t read music, and you will have to learn by ear.” We both agreed we would give it a try. Another challenge was that he is left-handed. We conquered all, and he is an excellent player.
Twenty-five years later, I am still teaching and have expanded to three evenings a week. The joy of seeing students smile with a sense of pleasure and accomplishment when they learn a tune is incredibly rewarding.
Students range in ages. George Robertson began taking lessons at 76 years and achieved playing the dulcimer and composing a song for his nephew entitled Robbie's Waltz. He taught many children to play as well. George passed away in 2002, but his memory lives on with his contributions made to music and the lives he touched. I wrote the song "Steppin' Out With George" in his memory
Judy Robinson has been taking hammered dulcimer lessons for 15 years. She is accomplished on the mountain dulcimer, piano, and autoharp as well. Judy and Jerry join us each year at Evart, Michigan. Jerry makes and sells our flexible hammers, and Judy performs with us on stage. Judy has a wonderful program incorporating singing, story-telling and playing various instruments. She teaches autoharp, hammered and mountain dulcimer and piano.
Sherri Farley has become well known for her programs and performances. After taking lessons for several years, she formed a trio with Skip and Joy Sittig. They play many festivals and events in the Chicagoland and Ottawa areas. Sherri is enthusiastic about playing and passing on the tradition by teaching others. In 1996, the Illinois Arts Council presented us with the Master/Apprentice grant.
Kelsey Wales is a young lady who came to me when she was 13 years old. She is becoming a very talented musician and continues to expand her abilities. Kelsey and I have won the Master/Apprentice grant from the Illinois Arts Council in 2004 & 2005. She is playing the dulcimer in the picture at the top of the page.
I wish I could mention each and every student that has come through our front door. Whether you are performing for an audience or playing in your living room, you are all a joy to teach.