Step on the Scale Drill (Instructional Video)
Whenever you go to the doctor, he may ask you to step on the scale as part of your checkup. Your weight is insightful to the status of your overall health! In the same way, when you “step on the scale” of your dulcimer, it will give you an awareness to your development and/or health as a hammer dulcimer player.
This video demostrates a drill that I have used to help improve my scale work. This is just one of many scale drills that you should add to your practice routine.
In the video, I must admit that I played the scales rather quickly in order to make the video shorter. Many beginning or intermediate players may not be able to handle it at this speed, and I don’t want you to feel frustrated or intimidated! While speed is important to strive for, be more concerned about timing consistency, intentional note volumes, and accuracy. The speed will eventually fall into place.
The Ladder Drill (Instructional Video)
The primary goal of the ladder drill is to assist with developing hand independence.