Wedding Music for the Mountain Dulcimer: A Comprehensive Guide

Wedding Music for the Mountain Dulcimer

by Madeline MacNeil

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30237 KB
Print length	:	49 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The mountain dulcimer is a beautiful and versatile instrument that can be used to create a variety of musical styles, including wedding music. With its sweet, mellow sound, the dulcimer is a perfect choice for creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere at your wedding ceremony or reception.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to wedding music for the mountain dulcimer, including tips on choosing the right songs, arranging them for the instrument, and performing them on your big day.

Choosing the Right Songs

The first step in planning your wedding music is to choose the right songs. When selecting songs for the dulcimer, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The mood and tone of the song: The song should match the mood and tone of your wedding ceremony or reception. For example, a slow and romantic ballad would be a good choice for a ceremony, while a more upbeat and lively tune would be better suited for a reception.
• The difficulty of the song: If you are a beginner dulcimer player, you will want to choose songs that are relatively easy to play. As you become more proficient on the instrument, you can start to tackle more challenging songs.
• The length of the song: The length of the song should be appropriate for the occasion. For example, a short song would be a good choice for a processional or recessional, while a longer song would be better suited for a ceremony or reception.

Here are a few popular wedding songs that are well-suited for the mountain dulcimer:

• "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
• "Ave Maria" by Bach/Gounod
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach
• "Morning Has Broken" by Eleanor Farjeon
• "The Water is Wide" by Traditional

Arranging Songs for the Mountain Dulcimer

Once you have chosen your songs, you will need to arrange them for the mountain dulcimer. This involves transposing the song to a key that is suitable for the instrument and adding in fingerpicking patterns and other embellishments.

If you are not familiar with arranging music, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can find online tutorials, books, and even software that can help you arrange songs for the dulcimer.

Here are a few tips for arranging songs for the mountain dulcimer:

• Choose a key that is comfortable for you to play. The key of the song should be in your vocal range and should be easy to play on the dulcimer.
• Add in fingerpicking patterns and other embellishments. Fingerpicking patterns and other embellishments can add interest and complexity to your arrangements. Experiment with different patterns until you find ones that you like.
• Be creative! Don't be afraid to experiment with different arrangements. There is no right or wrong way to arrange a song for the dulcimer.

Performing Wedding Music on the Mountain Dulcimer

Once you have arranged your songs, you are ready to start practicing for your wedding day. Here are a few tips for performing wedding music on the mountain dulcimer:

• Practice regularly. The more you practice, the more confident you will be on your wedding day.
• Play in front of others. Playing in front of others will help you get used to performing and will give you feedback on your playing.
• Be prepared for anything. On your wedding day, anything can happen. Be prepared for things to go wrong and don't let it ruin your big day.

Playing wedding music on the mountain dulcimer can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the right songs, arrange them for the instrument, and perform them on your big day with confidence.

Wedding Music for the Mountain Dulcimer

by Madeline MacNeil

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30237 KB
Print length	:	49 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE