I’m a huge fan of underappreciated traditional instruments, including Appalachian dulcimers, autoharps, bowed psalteries, and zithers.
For several years, I’ve been doing banjo, autoharp and dulcimer clinics, demonstrations, and workshops at regional Folk festivals and similar events. Mostly folks who’ve never had their hands on one before, so having several to pass out has always been a bonus.
I started with banjo and autoharp at the Madden Road Music Festival, held in Cable, Ohio every August 
For the autoharp clinics, I’ve generally carried 10-15 autoharps of all shapes and sizes for people to try out. Here’s another photo from the Madden Road Music Fest: 
At one of the banjo demonstrations, a musician friend who was performing at the festival decided she needed a 6-string banjo. At one of the autoharp demonstrations, another performer fell in love with the autoharp.
I’ve also done several Appalachian Dulcimer demonstrations and workshops. This photo is from the Central Ohio Folk Festival, usually held in the Columbus Ohio in early May. 
Though I bring a trunkful of dulcimers for people to try, a surprising number of folks already owned one and had no idea what to do with it.
This past May, I did autoharp and banjo clinics at the Central Ohio Folk Festival. Someone else did dulcimers, which was great. The point is that the instruments are gaining traction, and more folks are sharing what they know.
I’m hoping to add bowed psalteries to my list of clinics soon. Like autoharps, and Appalachian dulcimers, these instruments allow beginners to start making music the first time they pick them up.
In fact, I’m considering starting an event or a series in which people can try out autoharps, Appalachian dulcimers, bowed psalteries, and so on one at a time as a way of getting them interested in traditional music, even if they don’t take anything up right away.
We Can Come to You.
In the meantime, if you have a music festival or other event where it would make sense to have folks introduced to traditional instruments they probably won’t come across in the average music store, please use our Contact Page to get in touch.
