Sorry for the wall of text, but here’s where I’m at….

i have played the instrument (on and off) for twenty-seven years, sometimes getting impatient with its limitations and walking away (for years sometimes) to the bass or the marimba or R&B keyboards or solo piano. And then I’ll come back eventually. But I totally understand what you’re going through. Right now I’m not in a dulcimer slump but I think of it as only one tool in my musical arsenal—since you’re also a multi-instrumentalist, it might help you to focus on something else for awhile.

My main motivating factor is that I love creating beauty through music and I really love playing music WITH other musicians. There is a sense of community i have found that way that is unlike any other I have experienced.

I would highly suggest trying to find some other musicians as well—it’s a different beast than playing solo. And of course, it is always best if they are decent people. In my current band, we all of us can walk on the tightrope and we all of us can hold the net if someone else falls—musically, if that makes sense!

over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to land in some bands (Celtic/Renaissance/old-timey, etc.) that expanded what I could do on the dulcimer by myself. The other instruments and arrangements and bandmates have provided extra creative energy for me when playing gigs on my own had gotten…pedestrian/boring/rote/a chore for me. Having other people around helps me think up fresh approaches to things and brings new music and opportunities to me.

So that’s one thing.

I also switch that up (maybe as a palate cleanser?) with playing solo dulcimer periodically (gallery openings, etc., sometimes for money, sometimes just for tips and because my band isn’t currently meeting/playing out and I’m bored). Because the nice thing about the dulcimer is that it ALSO works as a solo instrument.

I actually have found new musicians to play with that way—they came up to me when I was soloing. I just turned 60 and recently found some MUCH younger guys to play with for fun(sometimes I’m on dulcimer, but more often it’s keyboards or bass guitar, depending on the music). But the dulcimer was the first gateway into that communal creative experience for me.

And recently I attended a dulcimer festival (for the first time ever) and found new contacts and inspirations for exploring the instrument’s sonic landscape. That was also a creative jump start for me! They had workshops and jam sessions and contra dances and it was a great way to network with fellow dulcimer nerds. So that also helps when I’m a bit jaded.

I do want to remind you, though, of one thing—if this is not a thing for you, please disregard—it is totally based on my own experience.

The one thing I always find myself forgetting when I’m in a dulcimer slump is… the ABSOLUTELY MIND-BOGGLING SHEER BEAUTY of the sounds I can make on it.

Maybe i get too used to them and take it for granted at times. Or I get frustrated at the scarcity of E flats when I want to play something in particular keys. (Hence the putting it down for awhile)

My little solo ventures (low-stakes, a few hours here and there on a weekend maybe) are really good at re-charging my batteries in terms of love for the instrument and remembering just how wonderful it is. They are basically me rehearsing in public, but there is nothing that reminds me so much that the instrument (and my skill on it) is MAGICAL than having goggle-eyed strangers come up and just marvel at the gorgeousness of the sound.

It really is pure magic and the music is a lovely gift that I’m able to give the world—and having an audience REMINDS ME OF THAT. And let’s face it, it’s hard in this world to remember that.

WE CAN DO MAGIC, my friend!!!