Dulcimer Day
Dulcimer Day
April 11, 2026 - 9am-3pm
Embedded Files
_Flyer3a- Dulcimer Day- Schedule & Participants.pdfMeet the performers
Meet the performers
Rick Thum
Eureka, MO
Nationally acclaimed Hammer Dulcimer recording artist,
performer and instructor
learn more about Rick
BIO
Ranked as the most influential dulcimer player of the last decade by readers of “Dulcimer Player News,” Rick Thum has made his mark on every aspect of the hammered dulcimer world. Rick is perhaps best known for his festival performances, which have regularly earned him the “most popular performer” title at the largest national dulcimer festival. He brings a combination of passion and friendly accessibility to his teaching that makes his workshops and master classes favorites at festivals across the country, and has tapped this teaching experience to produce the best-selling instructional CD series for hammered dulcimer, the “Original Song of the Month Club.” Rick is also the designer of the highly-regarded ‘Professional’ hammered dulcimer, bearing his name. Yet for all his time in the studio, onstage, in the classroom, and in the luthier’s shop, Rick is most at home at a late-night jam session, where you might even find him playing an instrument other than the dulcimer from time to time.
Rick taught himself to play guitar and drums at age twelve and played the trumpet in his high school band. Throughout high school and college (B. S. Industrial Administration) Rick played in rock bands. While raising his family Rick directed his church choir. Rick’s interest in traditional music was sparked when he bought a hammered dulcimer on a whim and found himself in a three-piece folk band. In 1991 Rick became co-owner of a large midwestern acoustic instrument shop, but in 1994 sold his interest in the shop to devote more time to being a traveling musician. He placed first at the 1994 Southwest Regional Dulcimer Contest and third in the 1995 National Championship at Winfield, Kansas.
Rick was voted Best Performer and Favorite Teacher for several years running at the prestigious Evart Dulcimer Funfest. (The oldest and largest dulcimer festival in the nation.) He has shared the stage with Mike Seeger, The Tony Rice Unit, Steve Kaufman, Norman Blake, and Bryan Bowers and opened for John Hartford, Norman & Nancy Blake, and Leo Kottke. He currently has five recordings; “Hammered Fiddle Tunes”, “A Reason to Dance,” “Front Porch Waltz,” “Down the Old Dirt Road,” and “Seifert & Thum Live at Mt Dora 2014”. Mel Bay Publishing Inc. has published the companion book to Hammered Fiddle Tunes. Rick is currently manufacturing hammered dulcimers (Rick Thum Dulcimers) and has, by demand, started the Song of the Month Club. He gives mail order lessons by audio CD, teaches private lessons on the hammered dulcimer from his shop in Eureka, MO, and now offers online lessons both on Zoom or FaceTime.
AVAILABILITY
Contact Rick for lessons, to buy one of his hammered dulcimers, or to perform in your workshops, concerts, or special events.
CONTACT
Email: rthum@rthum.com
Phone: 314-406-0690
Website: rickthum.com
Ilace Mears
Springfield, MO
2016 National Hammer Dulcimer Champion
learn more about Ilace
BIO
This year, Ilace (“eye-less”) is celebrating 20 years in the dulcimer world - following the best mid-life crisis ever. Having first heard a hammered dulcimer at Silver Dollar City around 1980, it took a while to broaden her classical music background to include a new appreciation for old-time and folk tunes. She never ceases to be amazed by the inherent beauty of the instrument and its versatility. Whether entertaining insects at the Butterfly Palace in Branson or teaching and performing at festivals, Ilace treasures the opportunities to share her love of this instrument - from Bach to Broadway to Bluegrass - and everything in between.
AWARDS
1st Place, Southern Regional Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2012
Finalist, National Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2012
1st Place, Southern Regional Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2014
2nd Place, National Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2015
1st Place, National Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2016
LISTEN
AVAILABILITY
ilace is available for workshops, concerts and special events
CONTACT
Email: ilace.mears@gmail.com
Website: www.ilacemears.com:
(Recordings, Solo arrangements, Ensemble arrangements)
David Wilson
Springfield, MO
2023 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion Hammer Dulcimer
learn more about David
BIO
2023 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion David Wilson only took up the mountain dulcimer in 2020! How could he make such amazing progress in only three years? The answer lies in his lifelong dedication to string instruments, mastering especially the fiddle and mandolin.
As a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer, instructor and touring musician, David has already contributed to nearly 300 folk and acoustic music recordings. He appeared in the film “Chrystal,” starring Billy Bob Thornton and Harry Dean Stanton, and he is featured in a Laura Ingalls Wilder documentary, playing tunes on Charles “Pa” Ingalls’ actual fiddle.
David loves roots music of all kinds, including mountain music, bluegrass, old timey, and folk rock. He is a founding member of the acoustic progressive-fusion group, The Undergrass Boys. He also helped found Radio Flyer, a group voted the “1985 Best New Bluegrass Band in America.”
For over thirty-five years, David has taught a variety of stringed instruments in private lessons, music camps and festival workshops. What attracts him to the mountain dulcimer? “How such a simple instrument can be used to play complex and intricate compositions, and how beautiful the melodies sound on the instrument.”
David and his lovely wife Julie live in Springfield, Missouri. They operate a fiddle repair shop and an acoustic music recording studio. David plays on the worship team at their church. They enjoy weekend getaways, day trip adventures and spending time with their seven children and 10 grandchildren.
AWARDS
1985 Radio Flyer / KFC Best New Bluegrass Band in America
2023 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion
LISTEN
The 2023 National Mountain Dulcimer Championship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rGrkTGs1wU&t=1047s
Watch David: 17:29—21:01; 40:30—42:22
AVAILABILITY
David is available for workshops, concerts and special events.
CONTACT
Email: 8davidwilson@gmail.com or david@perfecthandmusic.com
Website: www.perfecthandmusic.com
Glendale Elementary School
Mountain Dulcimer Orchestra
Independence, MO
Mrs. Jeannae Segura Brown
Music Teacher - Glendale Elementary School
learn more about Jeannae
BIO
Jeannae Segura Brown is an elementary music teacher with the Independence School District, bringing 30 years of joy and musical discovery to classrooms. With a deep commitment to igniting a love of music in young learners, Jeannae has guided countless children through a rich variety of instruments—from recorder and harmonica to ukulele, guitar, and percussion instruments. Each instrument is carefully chosen to unlock creativity and build confidence.
In recent years, Jeannae has discovered a new favorite to share with her students: the Mountain Dulcimer. Its beautiful, resonant sound and the ease with which students can transfer their existing knowledge to learn new songs make it an instant favorite in the classroom. For Jeannae, there's nothing quite like witnessing that moment when a child's eyes light up as they produce their first clear note or master a beloved melody on a new instrument.
With three decades of experience, Jeannae understands that music education is about far more than technique—it's about fostering confidence, creativity, and the pure joy of making music together.
CONTACT
Email: jeannaesb@gmail.com
Cliff White
Jefferson City, MO
Award Winning Hammer Dulcimist
learn more about Cliff
BIO
Cliff has been playing the hammered dulcimer for over 25 years, ever since he first saw Cathy Barton play at the Big Muddy Folk Festival in Boonville Missouri. She became, and remained, the main inspiration for his playing style.
Cliff mostly plays old time fiddle tunes and most enjoys playing for contra or square dances, or he can be found circled up with other musicians in a good old time jam. In addition to the hammered dulcimer, Cliff plays mountain dulcimer and guitar and enjoys signing folk songs and music from his youth.
He plays in several bands. On hammered dulcimer he plays in a contra dance band called River Ridge String Band. With his wife, Molly, he plays in a duo act called Old Jeff City (named for the well known fiddle tune by Bill Katon, who was from the Jefferson City area), where they play and sing with a variety of instruments, including hammered and mountain dulcimers, guitar, banjo and cello. He also plays back up rhythm guitar with a couple of other dance bands.
AWARDS
Finalist (3 times)- National Hammer Dulcimer Championship
3rd Place- National Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2025
LISTEN
https://www.youtube.com/live/wni-BEXW6gI?si=BZ7NiQj4V1GJVqGe&t=5133
https://www.youtube.com/live/wni-BEXW6gI?si=Zs0vpO-Bal6sEJlp&t=9110
https://www.youtube.com/live/wni-BEXW6gI?si=m6YOmpcfUi7tTT-F&t=11337
AVAILABILITY
Cliff is available for workshops, concerts and special events. Please contact him.
CONTACT
Email: hammerdul@gmail.com
Susan and Bill McFarland
Columbia, MO
Award Winning Mountain Dulcimists
learn more about Susan and Bill
BIO
Susan and Bill McFarland found the mountain dulcimer on their way out of Silver Dollar City over 20 years ago as a souvenir, not knowing it was a real musical instrument. Over the years they have learned to play real music on this friendly simple instrument.
Susan teaches dulcimer from her home in Columbia. Some of her first students were from South Korea. She and Bill were invited to visit Korea in 2016 for a month, sharing mountain dulcimers through performance, radio and TV interviews. Now, they spend part of each year in Mountain View, Arkansas playing and sharing dulcimer music. Although 2025 was their final year, for 8 years Susan and Bill organized the Ozark Mountain Dulcimer Gathering, a week-long festival of classes, taught by volunteers who shared what they knew to those wanting to learn.
Susan and Bill play at Ellis Cancer Center in Columbia every Tuesday afternoon. The sweet mountain dulcimer music calms patients and their families as they wait for treatment. They have discovered that mountain dulcimers are easy to learn and can take a lifetime to explore its possibilities.
AWARDS
1st Place- Ozark Folk Center Dulcimer Ensemble, 2011
1st Place- Arkansas Dulcimer Ensemble Championship, 2018
AVAILABILITY
Contact Bill and Susan by email.
CONTACT
Email: susanmcfarland11@gmail.com
Susana Baker
St. Louis, MO
2024 Hammer Dulcimer Champion
learn more about Susana
BIO
Susana (soo-sah-nah) Baker is a hammered dulcimer performer from St. Louis, MO. She has been playing hammered dulcimer since she was 14, after 4 years of playing classical violin. Through the hammered dulcimer, she was introduced to the wonderful world of folk music. Susana’s main style of music is now Old Time, but she also draws influence from Celtic, Canadian, and Scandinavian music traditions.
Susana is the 2024 National Hammer Dulcimer Champion. She has taught and performed at Evart Fun Fest and Gebhard Woods Dulcimer & Traditional Music Festival. In 2025, she played with Michael Martin Murphey and his Rio Grande Band as part of his Cowboy Christmas tour.
AWARDS
National Hammer Dulcimer Champion, 2024
LISTEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yw8_BsICAo&list=RD7yw8_BsICAo&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGfFq0D2qeY&list=RDdGfFq0D2qeY&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVexUpPyyYk&list=RDLVexUpPyyYk&start_radio=1
AVAILABILITY
Contact Susana for your workshops, concerts and special events.
CONTACT
Email: susana.dulcimer@gmail.com
Website: https://www.susanabakerdulcimer.com
Mickey Sweeney
Lake St. Louis, MO
2023 National Hammer Dulcimer Champion
learn more about Mickey
BIO
Mickey Sweeney began playing piano at age 10, continued on to major in music in college, and earned three degrees in music education. Mickey performed on piano and taught music in public and private schools for 40 years. Ever since she began playing hammered dulcimer in 2017 (a retirement project), she has had a passion for sharing her music through performing and teaching. This led to certification as a Therapeutic Musician, playing in hospitals and nursing homes. Mickey was raised on classical music, but also loves to play hymns, folk tunes and pop songs, and Celtic music with a little old-time music thrown in on the side.
Mickey has participated in many dulcimer festivals throughout the Midwest and Southeast, both teaching and performing. Her latest project is a compilation of her own arrangements, “Hymns Throughout the Year,” for Hammered Dulcimer. You can also find more information and videos at www.HeartStringsDulcimer.com.
Recently, Mickey has been joined by her husband, Dave Sweeney, on the bass marimbula. This instrument of African origin adds a foundation and unbelievable energy to the performance. They perform together as “Heart Strings” and specialize in traditional Celtic tunes, giving them a unique touch grown out of a classical and folk background, and blending the distinctive sound of the hammered dulcimer with the lush resonant tones of the marimbula.
AWARDS
Finalist- National Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2021
3rd Place- National Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2022
1st Place- Southeast Regional Hammer Dulcimer Competition, 2023
1st Place- Lone Star State Hammer Dulcimer Competition, 2023
1st Place- National Hammer Dulcimer Championship, 2023
LISTEN
National Competition Final Round (2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSVj05LZ5Xc
Gateway Festival: Reflections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QBv9tUBmw
Evart Funfest (2025): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjDajvRMQ3Q
AVAILABILITY
Mickey is available for workshops, concerts and special events, and would love to teach and/or perform at your event. As a Therapeutic Musician, she is also available for therapeutic music at bedside. (Please schedule in advance.)
CONTACT
Email: masweeney52@gmail.com
Phone: (706) 348-3450
Website: www.HeartStringsDulcimer.com;
Contact her by email to purchase her
“Hymns Throughout the Year” in pdf or book form
1:00pm – 2:20pm Dulcimer Jam . . . . . . . . . . . . Leader: Rick Thum
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS!
Help us document the events of Fine Arts Education Week! Click here to share with us the images you take.
By selecting this link and uploading files, without expectation of compensation or other remuneration, now or in the future, I grant permission to the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education to use any of the image/video files uploaded for use within its digital or print publications, advertising or other media activities.
Visit your legislators!
Share your story about the value of arts education!
If you are able to meet with an elected official let us know!
Please complete the google form following the visit.
Tap for tips for a successful visit.
Tips for a successful legislator visit:
Plan ahead!
Contact your legislator and arrange a meeting time that fits the obligations of your Fine Arts Education Day activities.
Tell your story! Each time one of our decision-makers learns about the hard work of your students and their teachers, we build a bridge that can support arts-friendly future decisions.
If you have a specific "ask" prepare a document (letter, note, card, flyer) and leave it with them.
Suggested asks:
Restore core funding of $10.1M to the Missouri Arts Council,
Restore funding of $1M for MO Humanities
Fully fund the Missouri Academies for $1.1M to eliminate economic barriers for students with limited financial means. (MO Academies of MO Scholars Academy and MO Fine Arts Academy share a line item in the state budget)
Take a picture of the legislator with members of your group.
Thank them for their service and their time. Handing them a few student generated notes are also helpful.
Let the Alliance know about your visit using this form.
You can also access the elected official visit form throught the QR code below.
Participants: Contact your legislators directly to make an appointment.
More Details
Tips for Entering the Capitol Building
Tips for Entering the Capitol Building
click for more details
Access additional parking and shuttle information.
Guests at the Capitol enter the building through the security checkpoint at the "Carriage Entrance" under the south steps, which can be accessed from the sidewalks at the southeast and southwest corners of the building. Entrances are staffed by Missouri Capitol Police utilizing both magnetometers and X-ray conveyors for security screening. These public entrances are also used by school groups, contract employees, special guests, members of the media and others. Learn more about Capitol security here.
(If you climb all the south stairs, you will have a great view, but you will be unable to enter the building from that location.)
Access additional parking and shuttle information.
Note: Busses are have specific unloading, parking and loading locations at the request of Capitol Facilities and Capitol Police.
See Bus Information for more details.
Vehicle Parking Information
Vehicle Parking Information
Street parking is often readily available in and near the Capitol Complex on weekends. The city's interactive parking map provides more detail.
Special arrangements have also been made to allow us to utilize a parking lot Southeast of the capitol building near St. Peter's Catholic Church marked in red on the diagram below.
Access a map to Jefferson City's street and metered parking lots.
Instrument Storage info
Instrument Storage info
We've made arrangements for temporary instrument storage for those who wish to use it during the morning performances. Volunteers will be on hand to help retrieve instruments for the jam session if desired.
Getting around the Capitol
Getting around the Capitol
This diagram outlines the locations you'll encounter on your visit.
The entrance and security Checkpoint
The Rotunda is straight ahead and in the center of the building.
The temporary instrument storage is at the far west side of the building on the first floor.
Click to learn more about the activities and opportunities around the Capitol.
Experience the art and architecture of the Capitol building!
Tour the Capitol and Visit the museum
A visit to Missouri's Capitol provides opportunities for exploring a variety of aspects of the building an Capitol Complex area. Check out the "Enhance your visit" page for more information. Note: Not all areas are open to the public on weekends. Check with your legislature
You can also...
View the Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibit!
Thanks for celebrating Dulcimer Day with us!
Youth Art Month Exhibits
3rd Floor rotunda - YAM
NOTE: Exhibit will be removed after 4.9.26
Lower level hallway connecting the Capitol with the Senate Parking Garage
Senate Exhibit
The Missouri Capitol is host to several exhibits. Check out the 3rd floor Famous Missourian's sculpture gallery, the "lunettes" and more!
Learn more on the "Enhance your visit" page
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