CALENDAR

2024 in-person Way of the Dulcimer Fall Retreat
October 3 - 6 at Wildacres Retreat Center, Little Switzerland, NC

No experience is necessary to enjoy the gentle,
Tai Chi related exercises for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels of dulcimer players are welcome.
Learn to combine the benefits from the exercises with innovative playing techniques to explore the depths of playing traditional mountain music on the dulcimer.
Limited enrollment (15) insures more individual attention as well as facilitating fellowship amongst the participants.
Concerts and Jamming with instructer Don Pedi and Special Guest artists, provide a direct link to mountain traditions going back for generations.

Don Pedi has been playing the dulcimer since 1968. He's been practicing T'ai Chi Ch'uan and related healing and meditation arts since 1971, and teaching them since the mid 1980s. He ran the T'ai Chi Center of Asheville from 1989 - 1993. Don then taught an introduction to T'ai Chi class for the College for Seniors at UNCA in Asheville until 2007.
More recently, with a busy music schedule to keep up with, he teaches T'ai Chi related exercises mostly at music camps.
Most of Don's music was learned face to face from authentic traditional sources, both past and present.
The same is true of his healing arts.
A gifted player and teacher, Don shares his knowledge in a relaxed, friendly, and non-competitive manner, creating an atmosphere conducive to everyone learning at their own pace. The simple and effective T'ai Chi and related exercises help to reduce stress and improve balance. When we apply the these ancient principles and techniques to playing the dulcimer, the result is to improve playing skills and aid in the development of economy of motion.

The Way of Dulcimer Retreat Schedule

Thursday
4:00 - 5:30pm - Registration
6:00 - 7:30pm - Supper
7:30 - 8:30
Orientation
We'll start with introductions.
Then we will discuss the benefits of T'ai Chi related exercises and relaxation techniques, and
how they apply to playing of music with it's roots in the agrarian culture of our ancestors.
8:30 - ?
Jamming
Friday
8:00 - 9:00
Breakfast
9:30 - 10:00
T'ai Chi Warmups
Easy and gentle routine to loosen up.
10:15 - 11:00
Dulcimer History
A short video presentation of the History of the dulcimer. Followed by examples of playing styles demonstrated on antique and vintage dulcimers.
11:15 - 12:15
Free Style Strumming
Variations and techniques to strum any style of song or tune.
12:30 - 1:30
Dinner
1:30 - 3:00
Natural Noting & Tunings
Patterns and techniques to develop ease of flow and economy of motion for fretting the dulcimer.
3:00 - 3:30
Five Elements Qi Gong
Easy ancient exercise to relieve stress and balance energy.
3:30 - 6:00
Free Time
6:00 - 7:00
Supper
7:30 - 8:30
Concert
8:30 - ?
Jamming
Saturday
8:00 - 9:00
Breakfast
9:30 - 10:00
T'ai Chi Warmups
10:05 - 11:20
Songs from the Southern Mountains
Simple and clever songs for all levels.
11:30 - 12:30
Sacred Songs
Old-Time songs of praise.
12:30 - 1:30
Dinner
1:30 - 2:00
Play By Ear
2:00 - 3:00
Fiddle Tunes for Dulcimer
3:00 - 3:30
Rejuvination Excercise
3:30 - 4:45
Ballads
4:45-6:00
Q&A
6:00 - 7:00
Supper
7:30 - 9:00
Concert & Open Mic
8:30 -?
Jamming
Sunday
8:00 - 9:00
Breakfast
9:00 - 9 :30
Checkout
9:30 - 10:00
Farewell Gathering

Wildacres is a true retreat, nestled in the mountains, undisturbed by traffic or noises of the city. The 1,600 acres are adjacent to North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway and thousands of acres of the Pisgah National Forest.

The conference center facilities are modern yet rustic. There are no televisions or telephones in the rooms. Well prepared meals are served family style each day in the dining room.
Classroom Cabin

2015 Fall Retreat Group Photo

2013 Retreat - Saturday evening concert.

2012 Retreat - exercises and relaxation techniques.

The classes are scheduled to create a cumulative effect, allowing one to leave with a working understanding of the topics presented. Please apply only if you are at least willing to participate in all the workshops. Most people find these retreats fun, as well as a source of inspiration and rejuvenation. One leaves with a wealth of dulcimer playing techniques, songs and tunes.

Hand outs of most of the music and Taoist rejuvenation exercises help one continue to practice at home.

Cost:

Includes meals, lodging, workshops, concerts & activities
Double occupancy
Cost: $375. per person.

Register:
Register here online, or contact Don Pedi, at donpedi@hotmail.com
or call 828-689-9126, (8am - 8pm, North Carolina time).

Enrollment is limited to 15 students.

Once contact is made, a non refundable deposit of $50. is required to hold your place. The remainder is due at registration. Please bring check or cash as neither Don nor Wildacres is set up to accept credit card payments.

Make deposit check payable to: Don Pedi
and send to:
Don Pedi
5456 Grapevine Rd
Marshall, NC 28753