Come and explore the hammered dulcimer and appreciate its meditative sound. No prior experience is required —just bring your curiosity and love of music!
Instruments will be provided to use in class, but participants are also welcome to bring their own.
Date and Time and Location:
Saturday July 12, 2025 9 am to 6 pm at The Sound Journey Store in Beamsville, Ontario.
Who Can Take This Course?
This course is open to both the general public and to students of the School of Sound.
Number of Credit Hours for School of Sound Students
This course is worth 8 hours of electives towards School of Sound elective hours. If you take this course and then decide to join School of Sound at a later date, you will be credited these hours.
Course Description
Discover the enchanting sounds of the hammered dulcimer in this beginner class led by Robert Miller, MS, MT-BC, a board-certified music therapist and accomplished musician. Whether you're new to music or looking to expand your musical horizons, this class offers a welcoming environment to explore the basics of this beautiful instrument. With years of performance and teaching experience, Robert will guide you through fundamental techniques, tuning, and basic rhythms. By the end of the course, you’ll gain confidence in playing the hammered dulcimer and appreciate its meditative sound. No prior experience is required—just bring your curiosity and love of music! A few instruments will be provided to use in class, but participants are also welcome to bring their own.
Course Objectives
- Learn the basic structure and tuning of the hammered dulcimer.
- Understand and practice fundamental playing techniques.
- Develop rhythmic skills using simple patterns and exercises.
- Play basic melodies with confidence.
- Experience the calming, meditative qualities of the hammered dulcimer.
- Foster an appreciation for this unique and historic instrument.
For more information about this exclusive experience, please do not hesitate to call Denise and her team at 905-563-3234.
Meet your Instructor
Robert Miller
Robert began playing the piano and percussion at an early age and music has been a large part of his life ever since. He studied voice with David Sprenkle, D.M.A. at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a B.S in Music Education in 2000.
After two years of teaching elementary school music, Robert returned to school to study music therapy at Radford University under James Borling, MM, MT-BC, FAMI and Joseph Scartelli, Ph.D., MT-BC. Robert was awarded Best Research Thesis (2004 - 2005) for his thesis “The effects of toning on perceived and physiological measures of stress in college students.” He earned his M.S. in Music Therapy in 2006. Robert and his wife, Stephanie Miller founded Music for Life of Pittsburgh. View the website here.
LOCATION
Location is at the Sound Journey Store in Lincoln (Beamsville), Ontario, Canada L3J 2C8. We will send you the exact address once you are enrolled.
We are 35 minutes from Niagara Falls. 1 hour from both Toronto and from Buffalo NY. We live on a beautiful wine route on the top of the Niagara Escarpment, so if you are planning on travelling, you may with to add a few days to your trip and enjoy our area.
ACCOMODATIONS
Here are links to accommodations in the area. There are several Air B&Bs in walking distance. Air B&B and VRBO, Home To Go and Vacation Renter
AIRPORT
The Closest airport is Hamilton which is 30 minutes away . The next two airports are Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Buffalo NY, USA. Both airports are 1 hour away.
SHOPPING IN THE STORE
Participants are welcome to make purchases at the Sound Journey Store before or after training. If you would like a private consultation, we suggest you book the day before or after class to accommodate for more time.
Refund Policy
Our workshops typically sell out quickly. Therefore, we can only offer a refund on tickets if we can fill your spot with someone from the waitlist. Please note that if you cancel at the last minute, it may be difficult for us to find a replacement. Additionally, if you purchase a ticket and do not attend, no refund will be available.
