Carolyn Cruso teaches hammered dulcimer and ukulele in the NW Washington state area and also online. As a dulcimer teacher Carolyn focuses on Celtic music. She enjoys helping the student to develop lush arrangements that fit their current technique level, encouraging technique development through scales, arpeggios and rhythmic study. Additionally she works with songwriters to craft potent lyrics, melody and chord progressions. Carolyn has been performing professionally in both the United States and Europe for two decades as a multi-instrumentalist playing hammered dulcimer, various flutes, guitar and vocals. Her material is largely Celtic and her involvement with that genre colors her original work. She celebrates the release of her latest instrumental recording, Migrations – A Retrospective (1989-1995), which draws from four early albums she made with the late great Robert Almblade. Migrations was chosen Best Instrumental CD of 2013 by the Indie Acoustic Project. Carolyn’s performances have been called powerful and emotionally provocative. Her lyrics are thoughtful, poetic and possess a compelling sense of longing. Her vocals are tough and tender. She regularly uses open tunings which allow her to find rich voicings to the chords she uses. Her instrumental compositions are mainly for the hammered dulcimer and are inspired by her strong connection to nature as well as her extensive travel and the cultures she’s encountered along the way. Carolyn has shared the stage with many fellow musicians including: Susan Osborn, Brenda Hunter, Joanne Rand, Banshee in the Kitchen, Randal Bays, Stanley Greenthal, Mare Wakefield, Larry Murante, Martin Lund, Eric Apoe and Jim Page. She’s opened for Pierce Pettis, Peter Case, Peter Mayer and Dawn Clement.
