Frostburg State University Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project

Frostburg State University Ethnobotany Dulcimer Project

Traditions of Appalachian Dulcimer Making

Dear Potential Participants,

Greetings! My name is Sunshine Brosi, and I’m a faculty member in the Biology Department at Frostburg State University. I’m writing to you because my undergraduate Ethnographic Field Techniques course is conducting a research project. The students are interested in documenting Appalachian dulcimer making. We are planning on conducting a series of interviews which we will be recording to determine various information about dulcimer making. The purpose of the study is to document and increase awareness of this important traditional craft. If this is a project that you are interested in participating in please contact me at: 301-678-4213, for additional details and information. Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers!

Sunshine L. Brosi

Biology Department

Frostburg State University

101 Braddock Road

Frostburg, MD 21532

Project Overview

The Appalachian region has a rich history of artesian crafts. One specific Appalachian craft is the traditional Appalachian dulcimer. There is concern regarding knowledge of creating Appalachian dulcimers is not being passed on to future generations. Cultural preservation of this knowledge is vital to ensuring cultural awareness and pride. There is also concern regarding the availability of materials for the continuation of Appalachian dulcimer making. For instance, the American chestnut is one species that historically was used for dulcimer making and is now extirpated throughout its range. Other species preferred by either artisans or consumers may be unsustainably harvested. Ecological preservation of species used in dulcimer making will ensure the continuation of the craft for future generations. Interviews with artisans will be conducted regarding the practices of obtaining materials and creating dulcimers. It is hoped that this cultural information may be passed on to future generations. Recording interviews and documenting dulcimer making will allow for greater access to this knowledge. By learning about their traditions, it is hoped that Appalachians will be able to build positive cultural esteem. Making this information available to a broader audience will increase awareness of Appalachian culture.

Consent Form: Traditions of Appalachian Dulcimer Making

You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Sunshine Brosi, from Frostburg State University’s Biology Department. The study will be completed by undergraduate Ethnobotany Majors. Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship of plants and people. We hope to learn about the species used by Appalachian dulcimer makers in the past and present. We hope to learn about what methods of obtaining materials for making dulcimers and what species are preferred by artisans and consumers. We hope to document how to produce dulcimers and teach others about this Appalachian tradition. You were selected as a possible participant in this study because of your knowledge about dulcimer making.

If you decide to participate, you will be asked to voluntarily be videotaped during a series of interviews. You will be asked about tree species preferences, materials obtained, and how it has changed over time. If possible, you may be asked to demonstrate how dulcimers are made. Interviews will be videotaped for educational purposes. Videos will be publicized on the internet on Frostburg State University’s website.

We hope that recording Appalachian traditions for educational purposes will encourage others to take pride in their culture and the arts. The research group determines that there is minimal perceived risk in participating in this research. Information will be available on the internet and may help promote awareness of Appalachian dulcimers. However, we cannot guarantee that you personally will receive any benefits from this research. We value your participation in the project; however, funds are not available for compensation of your time.

Any information that is obtained in connection with this study that can be identified with you will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law. Any written surveys will remain anonymous. Videotaped interviews will be the property of Frostburg State University, and will only be used for online learning modules. Interviews will be viewed by the general public, but will be used only in educational settings.

The overall purpose of the project is to revitalize Appalachian culture. Your participation is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your relationship with the Frostburg State University. If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and discontinue participation at any time without penalty. Should you feel any discomfort you are not required to answer questions presented during the interview.

If you have any questions about the study, please feel free to contact Sunshine Brosi, by phone at (301) 687-4213, or by email at . This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Frostburg State University. For research-related problems or questions regarding participants' rights, contact the IRB through Mr. Frank Peto, Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at 301-687-3101. You will be offered a copy of this form to keep.

In accordance with legal requirements and/or professional standards, we will disclose to the appropriate individuals and/or authorities information that comes to our attention concerning (past or present) child abuse or neglect or potential harm to you or others. I have read and understand the explanation provided to me and have been given a copy of this consent form. I have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction, and I voluntarily agree to participate in this study.

Participant

Signature: ______

Name: ______

Date: ______

Principal Investigator Signature: ______

Date: ______

Questionnaire: Traditions of Appalachian Dulcimer Making

Section 1: Background Information

1.  What sparked your interest to get started in production of dulcimers?

2.  Did you learn the craft of dulcimer making from someone? Yes No

3.  If so, from whom?

4.  Was it someone whom you are related to? Yes No

5.  If so, how are you related?

6.  How many years have you been making dulcimers? Years

7.  What is your training in dulcimer making?

8.  Were dulcimers your primary interest? Yes No

9.  Did you learn about dulcimer making through a different craft? Yes No

10.  If so, what was the other craft?

11.  What improvements have been made in your technique that has made the craft easier?

12.  What specific tools do you use for making dulcimers?

13.  What specific tools would you purchase, if you could, to increase your productivity?

14.  How many other dulcimer makers do you know?

15.  Do you know of other dulcimer makers who might be interested in this survey? Yes No

16.  If so, could you provide their contact information?

17.  Do you know more dulcimer makers now than 5 years ago? Yes No

18.  10 years ago? Yes No

Section 2: Materials

19.  What tree species do you use the most to make Appalachian dulcimers?

20.  What other species do you also use?

21.  Why do you use these species?

22.  What tree species do you prefer?

23.  What tree species do customers prefer?

24.  Circle the species that you have used:

black walnut yellow-poplar (tulip tree) butternut (white walnut)

black cherry red maple sugar maple American chestnut

sassafras eastern red-cedar white oak northern red oak

white pine eastern hemlock white ash green ash

other:

25.  Do you often use more than one species of wood in a dulcimer? Yes No

26.  If so, what species do you prefer for the soundbox?

27.  What species for the top?

28.  Where do you get the wood for your dulcimers?

29.  Do you ever collect the wood yourself? Yes No

30.  If so, for what percentage of your dulcimers? .

31.  Do you ever purchase the wood? Yes No

32.  If so, for what percentage of your dulcimers? .

33.  How often do you purchase wood? Weekly Monthly Twice a Year Once a Year

34.  How much do you purchase at once?

35.  What does this usually cost?

36.  When you buy your wood, is it bought for a specific project? Yes No

37.  Are projects based on the wood that you purchase? Yes No

38.  What kind of uniqueness do you look for in the wood?

39.  How do you treat the wood before and after dulcimer making?

40.  How do you dry the wood?

41.  Do you prefer different qualities of wood for different parts of the dulcimer?

42.  What do customers they seem most concerned with?

species craftsmanship sound quality aesthetics

shape durability price uniqueness

other .

43.  Is dulcimer making different now than from when you learned your craft? Yes No

44.  If so, how?

45.  Do you use different tools now then when you learned the craft? Yes No

46.  If so, what tools have changed?

47.  How long does it usually take to make a dulcimer?

48.  What is percentage of time required for:

Accumulating materials .

Preparing materials .

Assembly .

Finishing .

Other .

49.  What techniques have you developed for reducing time and cost?

Section 4: Music

50.  What sounds correlate with the specific types of wood that you use?

51.  How many ways do you use to tune a dulcimer?

52.  When did you first hear the sound of a dulcimer?

53.  Do different shapes correlate with different sounds?

Section 5: Customers

54.  How specifically do you cater to the customer?

55.  What’s the most popular wood type you use?

56.  On average, what price range are your dulcimers?

57.  Do you barter with your dulcimers? Yes / No

58.  What is the reason that the prices for dulcimers vary?

59.  What quality/qualities seem to be in highest demand?

60.  How have demands changed since you've been making dulcimers?

61.  How would you describe your typical customer? (circle all that apply)

musician local non-local repeat customer collector artisan

Other .

62.  On a scale from 0-10 what do customers look for when purchasing a dulcimer?

0= least important 10=most important

Craftsmanship . Uniqueness . Sound quality . Shape .

Durability . Aesthetics . Other .

General Questions:

63.  What do you value most in your own craftsmanship?

Do you make any of your own tools? Yes / No

Do you have any trademarks of your own? Yes / No

Do you make multiple styles of dulcimers? Yes / No

Do you produce any other products than the dulcimer? Yes / No

Do you make furniture? Yes / No

Do you make anything unique with left over pieces of wood? Yes / No

Have you ever used any unique type of wood species? Yes / No

Has the selection of species you have used changed over time? Yes / No

Do you prefer to use native tree species when making a dulcimer? Yes / No

Is there a tree species that you once preferred but now cannot obtain? Yes / No

If so what species?

Do you use wood from trees that have undergone stress? Yes / No

Do you prefer old or new growth? Yes / No

Does the age of the wood make a difference in the sound of the dulcimer? Yes / No

Does the age of the wood make a difference in the look of the dulcimer? Yes / No

Have you ever used any unique type of wood species? Yes / No

Has the selection of species you have used changed over time? Yes / No

1.  How many years have you been making dulcimers? Years

2.  Did you learn the craft of dulcimer making from someone? If so, from whom?

3.  Do you have a family history of dulcimer making? Yes No

4.  What sparked your interest to get started in production of dulcimers?

5.  What is your training in dulcimer making?

6.  Were dulcimers your primary interest of woodworking? Yes No

7.  If not, what other craft lead you to making dulcimers?

8.  What improvements have been made in your technique that has made the craft easier?

9.  Does anyone in your family also make dulcimers?

10.  Do you play the dulcimer? Yes No

and if so has it been for at least the past ten years?

11.  Does anyone in your family play dulcimers? Yes No

12.  Do you have traditions that you do when making your dulcimers? Yes No

13.  Where do you make your dulcimers?

14.  What is the best environment for you to make your dulcimers? Yes No

15.  Do you know any other people within your region that also make dulcimers? Yes No

16.  If yes, how many?

17.  Are there many venues in your region that have dulcimer performers? Yes No

18.  Is there anywhere in your region where someone can be taught how to make dulcimers? Yes No

19.  Is dulcimer making your only occupation? Yes No

20.  If not, what is your other occupation?

21.  Have you ever taught anyone else how to make a dulcimer? Yes No

22.  Have you taught other family members how to make dulcimers? Yes No

Section 2: Material (Tommy and Mitra)

1.  What species do you use to make the Appalachian dulcimers?

2.  Why do you use this species?

3.  Is this your preference as a woodworker? Yes No

4.  Is this the preference of the customer? Yes No

5.  If not, what species do customers usually prefer?

6.  Have you always used this species? Yes No

7.  Has your selection of species changed over time? Yes No

8.  If so why?

9.  Where do you get the wood for your dulcimers?

10.  Do you ever collect the wood yourself? Yes No

11.  If so, from where?

12.  Do you ever use dead trees?

13.  Who do you purchase the wood from?

14.  How often?

15.  How much?

16.  At what costs?

17.  When making dulcimers are there specific techniques for different types of wood?

18.  Do certain woods make certain sounds?

19.  Explain?

20.  Does the age of the wood make a difference in the sound or the look of the dulcimer?

21.  With the pieces of wood that are left overdo you make anything unique with them?

22.  Is there a specific style to the dulcimers that you make?