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photo courtesy of Montreat Assembly Elderhostel

"Anne is one of our most successful and accepted instructors in our
Exploritas program. She is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of
Appalachian traditional music and culture as well as a wonderful entertainer.
Her personality, appearance and unique talent make her a master teacher
and performer. She is absolutely 'tops'."
Lake Junaluska Intentional Growth Center

EXPLORITAS COURSE TITLES

[ Read more about Exploritas ]

SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN MUSICAL TRADITIONS

A survey of the rich tapestry of Southern Appalachian music and its cultural significance. A delightful and participatory exploration of balladry, folk songs, dulcimer, play parties and shaped note singing.

LEARNING TO PLAY THE APPALACHIAN DULCIMER

Learn to play this traditional instrument of the Appalachian Mountains and discover the ease, enjoyment and relaxation of making your own music. Designed for beginners and no musical experience is necessary. Instruments will be provided or bring your own.

THE APPALACHIAN DULCIMER: SWEET MUSIC OF THE MOUNTAINS

Learn the history and beauty of this instrument and its contribution to the musical tradition of the Appalachians. Assemble a dulcimer from a sturdy cardboard kit. Discover the joy and ease of learning to play this lovely, soothing instrument. No musical experience or background is necessary.

FOLK DANCE FOR FUN

Discover the enjoyment and health benefits of Appalachian squares and circles, contra dance, international folk dance, creative movement and the popular contemporary line dancing. No dance experience necessary, just a sense of fun!

I HEAR AMERICA SINGING

A delightful journey through our American popular song. Beginning with the Psalm singing of the Pilgrims, we’ll explore the folk music tradition, the African influence, minstrelsy, Stephen Foster and the development of Tin Pan Alley.

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

Experience the folk music revival and its social impact through the voices of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and others who spoke through their music during times of poverty, social unrest, unionization and the civil rights movement.

OUR SONGS, OUR ROOTS, A Folk Song History

Take a historical journey of our country by way of our national body of folk song. Discover the treasure and significance of our folk music as we travel through Colonial Days, the fight for independence, days of exploration, seafaring, railroading, logging, mining, cowboys, the Civil War and into the dust bowl days of Woody Guthrie.

APPALACHIAN RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION AND TRADITION

Based on the popular Foxfire series, this study will bring to life the world of the circuit riding preacher, camp-meeting revival, rural congregational worship and the musical and shaped note tradition. Enjoy your visit to this rich and meaningful chapter of Americana.

AMERICAN POPULAR SONG:
        FROM TIN PAN ALLEY TO MUSICAL COMEDY

Starting with early roots in the Minstrel tradition and Stephen Foster, explore the development of the commercial music and music publishing industry. Walk the streets of Tin Pan Alley and hear the voices of some of the early performers of Vaudeville and Musical Theater.

FOLK SONGS OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Celebrate the life and culture of these island people with their ancient body of folksong. From old ballads and carols, love songs, songs of war, sea and pup, hymns and Celtic airs to the songs of Robert Burns, we’ll enjoy singing and hearing these timeless tunes.

BEAUTIFUL HARMONY – A CHORAL EXPERIENCE

Designed for those with little or no choral experience or those who have sung in ensembles all their lives, this course will celebrate the joy of harmony singing. Beginning with rounds and including the shaped note singing tradition, we will learn good vocal techniques and  have fun with a wide variety of choral and vocal music

CHRISTMAS IN APPALACHIA

Enjoy a traditional Appalachian Christmas as you discover the link with ancient Celtic customs and culture. Decorate the tree, play simple carols on the mountain dulcimer and experience the music, customs, stories and folklore of the region.

MOUNTAIN FOLKWAYS

Step back to a simpler time and experience the home-made recreation of these timeless mountains.  Enjoy participating in signing, dancing, playing the dulcimer, storytelling, and making simple folk toys.

SONGS OF THE SOUTH

The unique culture of the south combining the English, Scots-Irish and Black culture preserved and cultivated a rich tapestry of music. Take a journey weaving the threads of English and Southern Appalachian folk songs, shaped note traditions, black spirituals, the music of Stephen Foster and Delta Blues into the culture of the South.

Student evaluations:

"This woman is every superlative that exists. She was well organized, broadly knowledgeable, extremely talented, warm and personable. I was fascinated by her presentation and impressed by her wealth of material and enthusiasm for her subject. She deserves dozens of roses."

"The sweetest, purest voice I've ever heard. Beauty all the way - what a treasure."

"Anne is simply outstanding. She has an exquisite voice and talent."

"One of the most gifted musicians and instructors we have ever encountered - 5 star plus!"

"Of the Exploritas programs I have heard, I consider this topic and this instructor Par Excellence and the best I have been exposed to. She is very professional, knowledgeable and talented."

home • about Anne • school programs • exploritas programs • workshops
instruments and accessories • instructional books • recordings • schedule

Anne Lough • Appalachian Traditions • 828-627-2704 • annelough@annelough.info