Did you know?

​The hammered dulcimer is known to have existed at least 500 years ago. Hammered Dulcimers came over with early settlers and were even sold in the Sears and Robuck catalogs at the end of the 1800s. The instrument enjoyed a revival in the sixties and is now played by enthusiasts around the country and the world.

Add some hammered dulcimer music to your next gathering...

Contact Kathy

Videos

In December 2017, Inside Arts Barnstable featured an interview and music with Kathy Spirtes

Click here to skip to Kathy playing Bach, Invention #13.  (arranged by Steve Schneider), a hammered dulcimer duet with Jon Weinberg.
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Library Programs

For libraries, I present a program of hammered dulcimer history combined with the performance of a variety of songs.

Nursing Homes

Nursing home audiences enjoy my performances and informational programs. Additionally, I can provide melodic music as background music and as a stand-alone program.  ​

Background Music

I fell in love with the sound of the hammered dulcimer twenty-five years ago. My main genre of music is on the softer, melodic style. 

I have provided ambient music in a number of settings on the Cape.

“Kathy is a versatile and experienced hammered dulcimer performer who plays lush, beautiful music with great style and a sensitive touch.”
-Jon Weinberg

“We are delighted to have Kathy Spirtes fill our reading room with an hour of calming Hammered Dulcimer music on Friday mornings. Patrons find it relaxing and a nice addition to reading their newspaper or book while others ask questions, intrigued by the instrument. Kathy shares with enthusiasm, taking time to answer all questions. Her social and bright personality is a wonderful accompaniment to the music!”
-Frances Bausman, Cotuit Library

“Friday mornings usually start out quietly, with patrons slowly drifting in and sitting down to read the newspaper and browse on the computers. The gentle plinking of the dulcimer creates an almost spiritual atmosphere, as if one has entered a sacred space.”
-Antonia Stephens

“I have only ever heard very positive feedback from patrons about the dulcimer music on Friday mornings. Some people make a point of coming at that time just because they know she will be playing.”
-Lenora Levine