Feb 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. EST– “A Lover’s Concerto”

"A Lover's Concerto" is a pop song from the 60's, but it is based on Bach's Minuet in G from his Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach. It is now generally accepted that this tune, attributed to Bach, is actually from one of his students, Christian Petzold. Sandy Linzer & Denny Randell simply changed the Minuet's 3/4 time signature to 4/4 and wrote some lyrics that modulate several times! This arrangement for two standard mountain dulcimers, baritone, bass, and flute starts as the standard Minuet, yet in the Key of D. After the opening phrase, the song goes into 4/4 with a horn riff mimicked on the dulcimers. The baritone is in ADa tuning while the bass requires a 1+ fret. An optional part for flute or another C instrument is included. The skill level is for the intermediate to advanced dulcimer player.

Due to copyright restrictions, participants must first purchase an authorized copy of the four-part (+ optional flute) tab from my Sheet Music Plus page: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/a-lover-s-concerto-23639634.html?aff_id=736549

After your purchase, just email a copy of the Sheet Music Plus receipt to musicwithcongers@gmail.com before registering for the class

After you register, your email receipt will contain the Zoom link for the class. Simply click on the link a little before the scheduled class time. If you have a scheduling conflict, I’ll be glad to send you the recording.

You've just taken the 4-session beginning bass dulcimer class, or you've had beginning bass classes with me before, and YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS! That's okay -- let's take the time to get them answered! No new material; just reviewing what you already have or what you don't understand.

The bass dulcimer is a magnificent addition to the mountain dulcimer family, adding a needed foundation and tonal warmth to standard dulcimer groups and music jams. Perhaps you’ve been intrigued by its sound but haven’t quite figured out how to best utilize it yourself to its maximum potential. Although the bass dulcimer has engaging qualities as a solo instrument, this class will focus on "being the bass player" for your group, particularly on mimicking the techniques of upright or electric bass players.

This four-session class (January 12, 15, 26, & 29) will focus on mastering the alternating bass line, a staple of the traditional mountain dulcimer repertoire. You'll become proficient in the key of D, but will be exposed to several other keys that the dulcimer is capable of playing in. A bass dulcimer with 1+ fret is a prerequisite.

We will use my bass dulcimer book, "It's All About the Bass Dulcimer," in class, though I will provide sample pages. If you'd like a copy, it can be purchased on my husband Larry's website:
Digital Download = https://larryconger.com/product/214739-it-s-all-about-the-bass-dulcimer-digital-e-book
Physical Book = https://larryconger.com/product/214724-it-s-all-about-the-bass-dulcimer

After you register, your email receipt will contain the Zoom link, which will be the same for all four sessions. Each class will run 75-90 minutes. If you have scheduling conflicts, a recording can be emailed to you for your review.

Nov 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST– “Rudolph-Holly Jolly-Let It Snow Mashup!” trio for two standards and bass dulcimer

This three-part medley “mashes” together “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Holly, Jolly Christmas,” and “Let It Snow” into one big arrangement that could be the centerpiece of your holiday gigs! “Rudolph” & “Holly” are paired together in a partner song fashion, as their chord progressions are remarkably similar. It modulates to G for “Let It Snow,” but you repeat back to the “Rudolph/Holly” section before the coda, which has a nod to “Jingle Bell Rock.”

Due to copyright restrictions, participants must first purchase an authorized copy of the trio tab from my Sheet Music Plus page:

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/medley-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-with-a-holly-jolly-christmas-and-let-it-snow-let-it-snow-23558349.html?aff_id=736549

After your purchase, just email a copy of the Sheet Music Plus receipt to musicwithcongers@gmail.com before registering for the class. (Purchase price covers 3 players; just let me know who is in your group. Only one person in the group needs to buy the music, but I hope you all take the class. This allows me to create more arrangements for you!)

After you register, your email receipt will contain the Zoom link for the class. Simply click on the link a little before the scheduled class time. If you have a scheduling conflict, I’ll be glad to send you the recording.

Oct 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EDT– “Mary, Did You Know?” duet for two standards

Isn’t it wonderful that there is an American Christmas classic that can stand up to the well-loved sacred Christmas carols from the European tradition, when it seems we’re mainly known for secular titles, such as “Rudolph,” “Frosty,” or “White Christmas?” Larry will join Elaine in sharing their duet arrangement for two standards that requires a 1+ fret with no workaround.

Due to copyright restrictions, participants must first purchase an authorized copy of the duet tab from Sheet Music Plus.

Standard duet arrangement: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/mary-did-you-know-digital-sheet-music/20793998?aff_id=736549

After your purchase, forward your email receipt to musicwithcongers@gmail.com before registering for the class.

After you register, your email receipt will contain the Zoom link for the class. Simply click on that link a little before the appointed time for class.

Oct 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EDT– “Bach’s FULL Minuet in G for Lovers!” four-part dulcimer

(This is the class offered at Quarantune Fall Fest 2025, but with the added B section that is in the Bach/Petzold Minuet, but not in the “Lover’s Concerto” version.)

This four-part arrangement, based on a tune historically attributed to Bach, becomes modern when played in 4/4 time, as the girls' group The Toys did in 1965 with their tune called “Lover’s Concerto.” We now know that the melody originated from a harpsichord suite by Christian Petzold, included in the famous 1725 Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook, which features pieces for beginning pianists. This arrangement also includes the B section of the minuet, not found in the pop version. Dulcimers played together can sound like a harpsichord, so why not play it with two standards, a baritone (ADA) and a bass?

After you register, your email receipt will contain the Zoom link for the class. Simply click on that link a little before the appointed time for class.