Karen Ashbrook is an American virtuosa of the hammered dulcimer who performs and teaches primarily classical and folk music. She is the founder of the Sligo Creek Hedge School. While in her teens, growing up in Rochester, New York, she built a dulcimer, taught herself to play, and went overseas for ... More informationfive years on a one-way ticket to learn Irish music in small, local pubs. Ashbrook continues to play a big role in the revival and development of the hammered dulcimer in the U.S., Japan, and Belgium. She wrote "Playing the Hammered Dulcomer in the Irish Tradition," published by Music Sales America in 2002. Although now settled near Washington, DC, she continues to perform globally, playing a variety of instruments, often with extraordinary musicians, including Paul Oorts, her husband. Her styles include Appalachian, Belgian, French, English, Irish, and Jewish. She has been influenced by authentic and world beat mixes. Less information