Dulcimer and Harp with Lorinda Jones

Lorinda Jones grew up in the small town of Tompkinsville, Kentucky surrounded by old-time, gospel, shape-note and bluegrass music. But it was when she met the “friendly cardboard dulcimer” as an adult music educator and began teaching and sharing the traditional music that she felt she had “come back home” to her roots. Lorinda has taught the dulcimer in schools, at festivals across the country and came to Lessonface in 2020 through our partnership with the John C. Campbell Folk School. Her successful harp and dulcimer classes have made her a top teacher on Lessonface as well as this month’s Teacher Spotlight. 

1. What was the first instrument you played?

The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano. My older sisters and dad played the piano and I couldn’t wait to start lessons and begin my journey.  I absolutely loved the piano. Piano lesson days were my favorite day of the week and my mom had to stop me from practicing at times so I would do my household chores!  I still play the piano today, especially with my music therapy groups at the assisted living facilities.

2. Who are some of your musical influences?

Growing up, my musical influences centered around those in my life, and especially a particular piano player heard at one of the churches we attended. I loved the way he approached the piano with such fierceness and freedom (he went on to teach piano at a university!). I was also influenced by my band director. She was one of the only female band directors in the state and she was the one that convinced me to play the oboe, even though I had no idea what it was and to pursue my love of music in college.  If it had not been for her dedication to her students, I doubt I would have had the courage to audition to a school of music which eventually led to my ticket to college!

3. What do you like most about teaching? How long have you been teaching online?

When I was in high school I joined an organization called “future teachers of America”.  I began “practicing” teaching in high school. I remember teaching a math class to my peers!  And I had already begun teaching private piano and oboe in my home when I was in high school. When I majored in music in college my advisor encouraged me to study music education and I have never regretted getting a music education degree.  I have always taught some kind of private and group lessons my entire life: piano, oboe, band, guitar, dulcimer, Irish whistle, recorder, and harp!  I love helping others find their pathway to making music.

I did not begin teaching online until like many music educators, during the Pandemic.  I had no idea this world existed!  But I’m so glad we found each other.  I love connecting with people all over the world.  I like being in my music room/studio at home and it’s made me really think about approach and pedagogy.

4. Any advice for someone trying to learn harp or dulcimer online?

I am an online music student as well. I never thought I would find myself taking private lessons again, but I have been able to find a teacher that really works for me even though she lives in another state and I have never met her, it’s been so gratifying to take lessons and have a new focus. I’ve also attended a lot of group events and learning sessions. Both are very valuable.

Getting live instruction will always be such a beneficial way of learning anything, but it just isn’t always practical. I would have never had the opportunities to learn as I have the past 3 years without online learning, but I still like to go to live events and meet with students live whenever possible. I currently have a harp ensemble that I direct and we do both: alternate meetings live and online. There are benefits to both, and for those that have young children, being able to stay at home is so valuable to them.

5. Describe your favorite part about being a musician.

I’ve been involved with music all my life.  It is so much a part of who I am. I just love making music, by myself and with others and I love interacting with others through my teaching and through my music therapy work.  I think for me, it is the relationships I’ve made that make it all worthwhile.  I love seeing the same students each week, and over years and having that commonality between us.  I find it all very interesting how music makes us interact in a way that is very unique to any other kind of relationship.

6. If you magically had the power to learn one musical instrument and be great at it, what would it be?

I am still learning and growing with my music and I guess that’s why I like it so much because you will never stop learning.  I’d like to feel like I’ve accomplished a lot on my journey of music making and that I will leave a legacy of someone who is respected as a good musician on whichever instrument I pick up at the time.  Right now, I’m wishing I had more time to devote to the banjo. I have a beautiful hand crafted banjo, love the music and would love to magically be very good at it, but I also know that it’s taken me years and years to get to where I am on the instruments I currently play!

7. What's next for you?

I am very fortunate in that I have never been bored with life!  I always have something in the works it seems. Right now, I’m feeling so renewed with this Play by Ear course that I’ve developed for dulcimer players and I’m keeping my brain open as I try and expand that to the lever harp and my passion for Irish music. We’ll see how things unfold on that front!

Reviews:

"Lorinda is a very knowledgeable and patient instructor. She teaches from personal experience, and is adept at conducting a class which contains students of different levels of background and ability. She is very responsive to questions and student input. "- Nancy D.

"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. "- Verified Student

To learn more about Lorinda or take one on one lessons with her, visit her Lessonface profile.