Welcome to the Missigman Music website! We are a small company marketing to musicians and artisans. We thought you might want to know a bit about us and how we got here.
When I graduated from college, in 1991 for those who are interested in dates, I held in my hand a bachelor’s degree and a certificate to teach music in public schools. At an auction I purchased an antique hammered dulcimer for the hefty sum of $37.50. Since my major was piano the hammered dulcimer and I became fast friends. At a dulcimer festival I watched, listened, and after about a half dozen public school substitute teaching experiences realized there had to be a way to merge the wonderful things about music education I had learned along with my obsession with making my own path. Thus Missigman Music was born.
In our early days we traveled to arts and crafts fairs all over the place performing in many different settings. From Canada to the Gulf, from New Jersey to the Mississippi we played in tents, barns, and all too often, outside. Those events were a terrific learning experience and we have fond memories of customers and fellow vendors we met along that route.
Over the years our focus gradually evolved from arts and crafts events to dulcimer and harp festivals where we continue to meet greater numbers of players ready for quality teaching materials. My personal performing focus remains on harp, hammered dulcimer and bowed psaltery. Workshop experiences have included the get-your-feet-wet variety of introductory workshops as well as week-long teaching venues including Kentucky Music Week. Performing venues now include harp with the Harrisburg Harp Orchestra as well as solo performances for wedding, funeral visitations and corporate events.
Because I am rarely at a loss for words, or notes I recorded 5 CDs of hammered dulcimer music. Along the way I also compiled 3 books for fellow players. Resurrection Road is a mountain dulcimer publication of music for the Lenten and Easter seasons. The Dulcimer Capo Book is a how-to book for mountain dulcimer players looking to expand their repertoire in a quick way by adding a capo. Beginning Bowed Psaltery is a method book for bowed psaltery players arranged for both single and double-bow playing. My latest performing and occasional arranging venture involves the Harrisburg Harp Orchestra, directed by Louis Lynch. You can find ticket information for upcoming concerts at www.harrisburgharporchestra.com.
Because music and the arts are what we define us as individuals and because I’ve always loved artsy projects in 2002 we expanded our inventory to include pattern books and coloring books. Our pattern books are for stained glass artisans, quilters, painters, wood crafters and anybody with a yen to make something of their very own. Our coloring books are the finest available and are enjoyed by children, adults, artisans, teachers and therapists around the world.
We are pleased to include a large selection of Lick Library DVDs to our product line. As a music educator I am very excited about this product that drives players to progress with the consistency and enthusiasm found in Lick Library DVDs. Customers and music teachers tell us again and again how much they appreciate the progress they’re able to make by learning from this product.
The two lovely ladies featured on our front page are rescued Australian Shepherds adopted from www.AussieRescue.org. Australian Shepherds are dynamic, intelligent herding dogs and terrific family pets. We have adopted Australian Shepherds from our local SPCA and from Aussie Rescue and we encourage you to look to your local shelter or breed specific rescue group to find your next best friend.
We’ve been helping people learn to play music and create their own artwork since 1992. We look forward to providing you with the products you need to make your own musical and artistic expressions more enjoyable. Thanks for shopping with us!