Artist Information:
Instrumentation
Ted Yoder- hammered dulcimer, drum programming and keyboards
Biography
Ted Yoder plays hammered dulcimer.
You've heard people play hammered dulcimer before – the guy at the Maple Syrup Festival last spring; that Christmas CD you picked up in that gift shop in Tennessee.
That's not Ted.
Life-long Indiana native Ted grew up in a musically inclined family, like a lot of musicians. His whole life has been filled with writing, performing, recording, experimenting with new instruments... But it wasn't until Ted received his first hammered dulcimer as a wedding gift that Ted knew he'd found his niche. Ted decided that the hammered dulcimer had gotten a bad rap, being narrowly categorized as a mountain bluegrass instrument. Ted knew there was great potential here as he began mastering and experimenting with this eclectic and maligned instrument.
Drawing on his gospel and rock and roll roots, Ted was able to create something never heard before: a dulcimer that doesn't sound like a dulcimer “should.” With master skill, Ted plays his dulcimer almost like a piano, unafraid to tackle complex rhythms and unusual harmonics. The result is a sound that makes the trained listener say, “How many hands does this guy have?”
Ted's musicianship, creativity and ability to put a fresh face on dulcimer music led him to the title of 2010 National Hammer Dulcimer Champion – one of only a handful of performers to be crowned Champion on their first appearance at the Walnut Valley Festival.
Capturing the Championship title, Ted decided it was time to go professional. Since then, he has released two CD's:
- “Songs From Walnut Valley,” a compendium of original songs (plus one Bach number) that he played in competition to earn his title. This album really shows off Ted's ability as a songwriter. “Storm” and “Moon On the Water,” in particular reveal Ted's rock and roll roots.
- “Comfort and Joy,” a Christmas album featuring Ted's unique interpretations of traditional Christmas numbers. Despite Ted being an untried artist, this album gained international airplay.
Ted has played at the Blue Gate Theater, Gaither Fall Festival, IN State Fair, Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival, Winter Creek Reunion, Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour, Charley Creek Arts Festival, ODPC Dulcimer Festival and the National Bible Bee, as well as performing for CCM veterans Bill and Gloria Gaither.
Discography:
December 2010- Comfort and Joy
September 2010- Songs From Walnut Valley
July 2009- Hymns
For booking information call Ted directly at 574-834-4985 or email him at ted@tedyoder.com
His web site is loaded with videos, photos, and MP3s. Please take the time to visit
http://www.tedyoder.com
