This month’s free tab is a hymn arrangement that has become closely associated with Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” is one of the most beloved hymns in the Christian tradition, celebrated for its joyful spirit, majestic imagery, and confident expression of faith. The original German text, “Lobe den Herren”, was written by Joachim Neander in 1680 and published the following year in a collection of hymns and sacred songs. Drawing upon the language of the Psalms, particularly Psalm 103, the hymn calls worshipers to praise and be thankful to God for His enduring goodness, faithfulness, and sustaining care.

Read More

Scott Joplin’s Peacherine Rag, published in 1901 by John Stark & Son, is one of the lesser-known compositions by the composer widely known as the “King of Ragtime.” It appeared only a few years after Maple Leaf Rag had established Joplin as one of the leading composers of the emerging ragtime style. Like Joplin’s other classic rags, Peacherine Rag combines a syncopated melody over a foundation of a steady march-like rhythym. The original sheet music even carries the simple instruction “Not too fast,” a reminder that the music’s rhythmic character depends more on precision and bounce than sheer speed.

Read More

In January of 1987, Sandy Conatser, a lifelong resident of Nashville, Tennessee, went in search of a dulcimer instructor for herself and a friend. Sandy's friend was a dulcimer player whose teacher had left Nashville, but Sandy had never even seen a dulcimer. She found the name David Schnaufer on a community education flyer and decided to give him a call and ask about private lessons. Little did she know that the call she was about to make was like looking for someone to paint a house and connecting with Michelangelo!

Read More