Thirty in a Hurry
Back in my 30s, I perform and record with a small folk trio. We are all classically trained musicians; one in opera and art song, another a university level guitar instructor, and me—a pianist, accompanist, classically trained singer. We play jigs, reels, sing tunes, all to the accompanyment of Celtic harp, cittern, mandolin, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and an Irish drum called a bodhrán.
There are well over one hundred strings to be carefully tuned before each rehearsal or performance…the two double-coursed hammered dulcimers I play contributing most.
When I am asked at gigs how long it takes me to tune a dulcimer my reply is…
Fifteen minutes…but thirty in a hurry.
