Doug Berch

Greetings!

I’m a musician who plays and teaches dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, clawhammer banjo, pennywhistle, Jew’s harp and other instruments. I play and sing both traditional and original music.

Dulcimers and other instruments will soon be available from my shop.

I’ll be posting information about upcoming performances, workshops and instruments that I have available. I’ll also be blogging about my musical, creative, and random interests that you might find interesting. Your comments are always welcome.

A Brief Musical Bio:

I have been performing and teaching since the mid 1970’s. During the 1980’s I toured throughout the United States and performed at many folk festivals, dulcimer festivals and concert venues. I recorded two records (Yes, records, the big round flat black vinyl things) for Kicking Mule Records.

In 1983 I took first place in both the National Hammered Dulcimer Championship and the National Mountain Dulcimer Championship in Winfield, Kansas.

In the early 1990’s I recorded two cassettes (more antiquated technology, is there a theme here?) with one featuring a tune I composed on hammered dulcimer called “Ocean of Wisdom” that has been recorded by several other well known hammered dulcimer players. My work appears on dozens of albums and soundtracks as a support musician.

I performed, recorded and toured with the Celtic ensemble Colcannon for 10 years. I taught at The Swallow Hill School of Music in Denver, Colorado for 10 years.

I made dulcimers and other instruments during the 1970′ and 80’s. I had stopped making instruments so that I could focus primarily on performing and teaching but I always missed lutherie. I have recently set up shop and will have instruments available again shortly.

I took a break from performing full time for about 11 years. During this time I was a manager at Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan. It was a wonderful experience.

Musically I am rooted in traditional styles as well as music from all over the world and the rock and roll I grew up with. My playing emphasizes improvisation and creativity.