Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Experience Level: Beginner

Keep your mind active with an easy-to-learn and fun instrument at Beginning Mountain Dulcimer on Saturdays, Oct. 4 through Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio.

Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will lead students through basic chords and strum patterns that will give them the ability to play rounds, fiddle tunes and much more! Playing the dulcimer requires only a love of music and a desire to create beautiful sound - it is a simple instrument that requires little musical knowledge. 

$225/person* (Ages 12+; 12- to 15-year-olds must be accompanied by a registered adult.) Registration will close Oct. 1 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring their own dulcimer. Dulcimers are available to rent by emailing the instructor at koebel@illinois.edu.

If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Lou Ann Koebel currently leads a weekly dulcimer jam for the East Central Dulcimer Illinois Dulcimer Club at Lincoln Square. She also plays in a local band that visits and performs at local assisted living facilities.

Koebel has taught beginning dulcimer classes for The Farms, where she has had a wonderful time teaching the group and realized her love of teaching and passing on the tradition of playing a mountain dulcimer. Lou Ann also plays at area music festivals.