Summary of Bowed Psaltery: The String Instrument Anyone Can Play - Play Celtic, Folk or Hymn by Ann Tucker

Unlock the joy of music with 'Bowed Psaltery: The String Instrument Anyone Can Play' by Ann Tucker. A whimsical guide for aspiring musicians awaits!

So, you've decided you want to play the bowed psaltery. Congratulations! You've just chosen an instrument that sounds like a casual conversation between a harp and a violin, but in reality, it's a whole different musical zoo. Let me break it down for you, because this book is more than just a manual; it's your gateway to becoming the quirky music master you always dreamed of being.

First things first, the bowed psaltery looks like a fancy wooden plank that decided it wanted to join the orchestra. Tucker kicks off the book by introducing you to this lovely little instrument, explaining that not only can it produce soothing Celtic tunes, folk melodies, or hymns, but that anyone-yes, even your pet goldfish-can learn to play it. I mean, that's the dream, right?

Now, the book dives (or shall we say, softly glides?) into the how-tos. With a chapter dedicated to basic techniques, you'll learn how to hold the bow, which side to scratch (uh, I mean, play), and all the exhilarating terminology that will surely impress your friends at dinner parties. "Oh, my dear, have you heard about the bowing technique? It's quite just the thing!" Sounds fancy, doesn't it?

Then, roll out the red carpet for the sheet music! Here comes the fun part: tunes. Tucker provides a collection of delightful songs and instructional snippets for you to try. Whether you want to serenade your cat with a rousing rendition of a folk song or chant hymns that could make even the most stoic of creatures weep, she has you covered. Advanced players, fear not! There are challenges awaiting you too, though you might have to untangle yourself from the music stand first.

As you plow through the pages, you'll find a lovely mixture of history and anecdotes. Ever wondered who else played the psaltery? Spoiler alert: lots of people, and they all seem to live in magical places with rolling hills and bagpipe-accompanied grand entrances. This section also hints at the instrument's journey through time, disappearing and reappearing like that one friend who always borrows money and forgets to pay it back.

The book molds a blend of practical advice, tips for maintenance (because let's face it, instruments need love too), and ideas for making music a more social endeavor. Yes, that's right-grab your friends and embrace your inner folk ensemble!

In summary, Bowed Psaltery: The String Instrument Anyone Can Play is a fun and engaging manual that embraces the whimsical side of music-making. Whether you're a seasoned musician looking for a quirky addition to your repertoire or just someone who accidentally stumbled into the world of string instruments and thought, "Why not?", this book invites you to join the party. The conclusion? If you can read and carry a tune, you're already halfway to being the bowed psaltery rock star you were always meant to be! Now go forth and strum your way into the hearts of everyone around you-goldfish included.

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.