Andrea Stader

Folkcraft: How long have you been playing the dulcimer?                        

Andrea: I have been playing since 1982 after building my first dulcimer from a kit.

Folkcraft: When did you get your first Folkcraft dulcimer?

Andrea: I bought it in 2010 after attending Dulcimerville in North Carolina hosted by Lois Hornbostel. I special ordered it from Richard Ash after attending the five day classes at Dulcimerville.

Folkcraft: Where do you enjoy playing your dulcimer?

Andrea: I enjoy playing with Old-Time and Celtic bands that I have been in previously.  As a retired teacher, I play for elementary students while subbing, and also busk with my dulcimer and guitar at the local farmer's market.  I even play at festivals and had the honor of sharing a dulcimer workshop with Jean Ritchie at the Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival.

Folkcraft: What other hobbies, or interests, do you have besides playing dulcimer?

Andrea: I am a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.  I have played in many bands playing guitar, banjo, penny whistle, and bass.  I am also an outdoor enthusiast and avid reader and kayaker.  I just moved back to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the past month and plan to get back into cross-country skiing.  I have currently started to play in the old-time jams hosted by the Hiawatha Music Cooperative based in Marquette, Michigan.

The CD cover is of the last band I played in - for the past decade - using my Folkcraft dulcimer with a Fishman pick-up.