Lorinda Jones
Live Online Classes and Lessons
Play By Ear Course Overview
Lorinda Jones, Instructor
Myth: “You have to be born with the ability to play by ear.”
Myth Buster: How many times have you heard that? I heard it many times but I finally accepted the truth. Some people may have extraordinary hearing and grew up in an environment that fostered playing by ear, but for most of us “normal humans,” playing by ear isn’t something you have or don’t have, it’s something you learn!
I learned to play the dulcimer in the same way I learned to play all the other instruments that I owned: I bought a book and read the music! That method worked to teach me a lot about the instrument, gave me the tools needed to reproduce the music that was written down, and play basic accompanying chords for singing. It was also helpful in transferring the classical music and hymns that I was most familiar with to the the dulcimer. But the mistake I made was relying on that written music as I began to learn the old time music repertoire and become a part of the jam sessions. I struggled for years trying to figure out why someone with advanced musical training did not feel successful in learning tunes by ear in a jam session.
If you want to be free of tab and learn to trust your ear and memory skills and begin “playing by heart” then this course is for you. I have made this journey myself, so I know what you need to “break the habit”. I have been a music educator all my life, worked with all ages and all abilities and most importantly on this topic, have made this journey myself and know what you need to succeed.
I’m teaching this because I love that I made this discovery and I want you to learn what I learned in a supportive environment that will prepare you for your dulcimer journey!
Play By Ear Course Descriptions
Each course is a total of four lessons, sixteen if you sign up for all four courses!
If you have never played by ear, then you should start at the beginning, but if you already play some by ear but want to improve your skills and learn new tunes, you can jump in at any course along the way. Just be aware that each course will present progressively more involved tunes and take more skills to learn.
*Note: Playing by ear takes some time to develop. You will not develop this skill in one lesson! You need to be patient and give yourself time to understand the process. This course will guide and support you along this journey in a safe community of sharing and caring.
For each lesson you will receive:
• Audio recording of the tune
• Link to Video recording of the tune with step by step instruction
• Background information about the tunes
• Standard notation of the tune AFTER course is completed
• Online jam opportunities to try out your new skills and tunes/songs
⬆️ Back to top
Upcoming Courses with Lorinda Jones
Enrollment
Enroll below for one course at a time, or take advantage of the bundle offers and save up to $100.
Across the Rivers and Ponds: American and Celtic Roots Music
This is a new course that offers some regional flavor of tunes. We will learn some great tunes from Kentucky fiddle players and start to look at other American roots music such as dance tunes from Scotland and Ireland. This session will guide you into finding your own niche and passion...
Starts Saturday, April 27, at 10 am ET | 7 am PT - Learn More and Sign Up
⬆️ Back to top
Self-Directed Course with Lorinda Jones
Traditional Playing of the Mountain Dulcimer-DAA Tuning and Playing With the Noter by Lorinda Jones
Everything you need to know to begin playing the mountain dulcimer and continue your journey as an accomplished player.
Self-Directed Course Promo Video
Self-Directed Course Reviews
Penny W. on August 21, 2023
The course is great! I’ve been sneaking ahead to watch the videos, just had my hand surgery on Friday and it went GREAT but it’s in a cast til at least next Wed. You are such a wonderful teacher and I love this on demand format. I’m excited to dabble in DAA noter style ASAP. FYI, I took your class at Lake Junaluska a few years ago and loved it, so glad I was in your mailing list!
Kathy F. on September 26, 2023
I really appreciated the lessons which were gently and systematically presented. I was able to use the principles in the lessons to play an old hymn tune by ear. That is a big new step for me. Thank you. Kathy F.
This is my fourth class with Lorinda Jones. She is excellent. She is Professional, very well prepared, and provided a mountain of material for the students. Feedback is individual, and she seems genuinely interested in her students. Three Cheers!!
⬆️ Back to top
Private Lessons
Did you know that you can also book 1-on-1 lessons with Lorinda Jones?
Click here to view Lorinda Jones's Lessonface profile.
Lessonface.com/LorindaJones
I always enjoy Lorinda Jones’ classes; she is well prepared, offers interesting musical pieces, “injects” additional music theory items into her program, and is very good humored as well!
About Lessonface
Lessonface has been connecting students with great teachers for live online lessons and classes since 2012. We have hosted tens of thousands of music, language, and lately arts classes and lessons and collected over ten thousand 5-star reviews. The classes happen live, over Zoom. Enrollment confirmation is sent immediately upon purchase. Classes can be joined from the reminder email that comes 24 hours before the live event, or from your Lessonface dashboard.
Questions? Check out our FAQ, come to an open house, or reach out.
Great teachers, great classes, guaranteed.- Looking for a present? Purchase a Lessonface Gift Card.
Live 1:1 Lessons and Group Classes Online
The fun doesn't stop here!
Join us at Lessonface for live group and 1:1 music, language, and arts lessons and classes online.
Check out our roster of inspiring teachers to get started with 1:1 lessons