Bill's Teachings

Bill teaches music to students of ALL ages. 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.

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.

Thirty 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.

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.