The Music of John Denver

This workshop will consist of FOUR separate classes with each session focusing on a particular John Denver classic (see below).

Since John Denver's music is protected by Federal Copyright Law, you will need to purchase a copy of each tab before you register for this class. You will find separate links in the descriptions below.

All arrangements have been thoughtfully crafted by Larry with musicality and creativity in mind.  The songs are intended to challenge your skills as a player and renew your interest in playing more complex arrangements while adding new material to your dulcimer repertoire.

The scheduled times will be as follows:

  • Sunday, September 6  -  7:30 PM EDT
  • Sunday, September 13 - 7:30 PM EDT
  • Sunday, September 20 - 7:30 PM EDT
  • Sunday, September 27 - 7:30 PM EDT

Each session will be approximately 60 minutes in length and geared toward the intermediate to upper intermediate level player. All sessions will be recorded for later viewing, should a participant have a conflict and cannot attend at the scheduled time. A 1+ fret will be needed to play some of the arrangements.

 

Session 1 - September 6 - “Annie's Song”

  • A #1 hit in both the U.S. and U.K., this was John's 2nd #1 in 1974. The song is tabbed in the key of D but makes use of a capo on the 4th fret, which is used as an extra finger to help note some of the chords.  Purchase the tab HERE.

Session 2 - September 13 - "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

  • John wrote and recorded this song in 1966, then gave copies of the record to friends as Christmas gifts.  Three years later in 1969, Peter, Paul & Mary had a #1 hit with the song.  John subsequently re-recorded it two more times.  Tabbed in the key of G, the arrangement will make use of a 1+ fret.  Purchase the tab HERE.

Session 3 - September 20 - “Back Home Again”

  • “Hey! It's good to be back home again.”  This country shuffle from 1974 makes use of numerous hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides. Quarter note triplets and eighth note triplets will be discussed and applied to the arrangement. A 1+ fret is optional. Purchase the tab HERE.

Session 4 - September 27 - “Sunshine On My Shoulders”

  • “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.”  This was a #1 hit for John in 1974.  It may be the most challenging of the four tunes we will be learning because the chords change every two beats. A 1+ fret will be required to play this arrangement. Purchase the tab HERE.

 

Register below. A discount is being offered for early registration.  All registered participants will receive a Zoom link a few days before the first session on September 6.