Jan Parkerson, dba Joyful Spirits Music, provides solo and ensemble performances for wedding ceremonies and receptions, parties, corporate functions, and other special events in the Greater Asheville, NC, area.

Trios feature… Violin, Hammered Dulcimer, and Cello.
Quartets feature… Violin, Hammered Dulcimer, Viola, and Cello.
Quintets feature… Violin, Flute (or second Violin), Hammered Dulcimer, Viola, and Cello.

Musical styles range from Classical, Baroque, and Renaissance, to Popular, Celtic, Folk, Old-time, and Sacred.

Jan also provides beginning to intermediate instruction in Hammered Dulcimer in both Black Mountain and Hendersonville, NC, studios.

May I introduce myself?

Growing up in PA where my father was a violin-maker, I studied classical piano. While living in San Diego (school, job, marriage), I studied many other instruments before choosing in 1991 to concentrate solely on hammered dulcimer, which I first heard on a tape purchased at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I bought my first dulcimer on that 1991 trip, and dulcimer has blessed my life ever since!

For six years in the 1990s, I took musical groups out in countless volunteer settings. For the next ten years (until September 2007) I headed up the busiest professional ensemble in San Diego, performing on hammered dulcimer with Symphony and Chamber musicians on violin, viola, and cello, sometimes with flute or trumpet. We booked 150-175 weddings and other special events every year!

My three beautiful dulcimers--all made by Jerry Read Smith of Song of the Wood in Black Mountain, NC--were a magnet for people of all ages. Many of them asked if I offered lessons. Because I was the only one running my music business (while my dear husband ran my life and pursued a lifelong career in law enforcement), I had to pass on giving lessons, but I yearned to teach again. Since October 2007 when Bill and I moved to the Asheville, NC, area to return to the mountains and seasons we love, I have been free to start my life all over--and I am teaching with all my heart! I believe that every student who is physically capable and makes an effort can learn to play hammered dulcimer and find great pleasure and reward in it!

Between private teaching and solo and ensemble performances, I cherish every moment that we live and work in the embrace of these amazing Blue Ridge mountains!

To hear samples of both solo and ensemble music, please click on the audio tracks in the upper left-hand corner of this page. If you have any trouble accessing these samples after installing a current version of RealPlayer, please call or email to request a complimentary CD.