Rick Fogel

Bones, Hammered Dulcimer

Rick specializes in traditional and classical music with emphasis on musicianship and accompaniment. “We show our innermost feelings with every breath. By performing music on instruments that I have designed and built I thrive on the spontaneity of the moments when my music is a little better than usual. The best air for breathing happens when an audience picks up on these feelings, gets a glimpse into my excitement, and then feeds this enthusiasm back to me. Then I breathe deeper and feel more creative.”

In 1975, Rick first learned to build and play the dulcimer in Charlottesville, Virginia, after receiving a master’s degree in nuclear physics. He has since founded the Whamdiddle Dulcimer Company, built hundreds of dulcimers, performed and taught workshops at the Augusta Heritage Center in West Virginia, the Wisconsin String-a-long, collaborated with the Seattle Symphony on a movie score and recording, and was featured in a TV documentary for PBS entitled Craftsman of the World.

Rick’s musical tastes are diverse, covering a wide range of styles and traditions, changing easily from old-time to classical. He’s recorded four well-received albums that highlight his innovative performance on the dulcimers he designs and builds.

Ages: All

Levels: All

Availability: Please call (206) 634-1662 or email music@dustystrings.com for a referral.

Website: whamdiddle.com