Description
Katie Moritz is a national champion hammered dulcimer player and teacher from Northern Illinois. Her music is a mix of old and new, and pays homage to the roots of the instrument while demonstrating its versatility and modern capabilities. She showcases everything from traditional fiddle tunes and waltzes, to adaptations of modern pop songs.
Work Sample
This is a video I made for my YouTube channel of a piece of music from the television series, Game of Thrones.
This is another example of playing something more contemporary on hammered dulcimer. I recorded the theme from Home Alone for Christmas in 2022.
Much of my work is in teaching hammered dulcimer and this playlist walks through an example of my teaching buildable exercises for all levels.
I submitted two more modern pieces because that is one of the things I am very passionate about. Traditional fiddle tunes and waltzes will always have my heart, but I believe in order to advance this instrument and attract more people to take interest, they need to hear music they recognize and relate to. I also included a creative teaching series because teaching the dulcimer and encouraging creativity and musical exploration is one of my main focuses as a teacher. I believe it creates a bond between the player and the instrument.
History
I have been playing music my entire life and began playing hammered dulcimer in 2006. Since then I have won two regional hammered dulcimer contests as well as the National Hammered Dulcimer Championship. I've received 7 master/apprentice grants from the Illinois Arts Council for my studies with Bill Robinson. I have traveled extensively through the Midwest and eastern states playing and teaching workshops and recently travelled abroad to play and teach in England as well.
Artistic Vision
I strive to play and teach things that showcase everything the hammered dulcimer is best at. From folk to contemporary music, my goal is to spread appreciation for the gifts this instrument presents. It is not an easy instrument to tune or transport. Some find the sustain difficult to manage, or they get frustrated by the diatonic layout. Rather than try to morph it into an instrument that it is not (a piano or fiddle) I try to showcase the instrument's versatility while taking advantage of the gifts that make it so ethereal and unique.
Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise
On my own, and through my apprenticeships with Bill Robinson, I did numerous programs for seniors, libraries, and children. Because this instrument is relatively unknown, I spend some time explaining the history and layout to any audience. For children I wouldn't tend to spend as much time talking, but (depending on the age) I do sometimes allow children to try playing the dulcimer. With older audiences I tend to offer that opportunity after the presentation. Depending on the audience age, I try to incorporate songs that they'd be more familiar with.
Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement
My roots with the hammered dulcimer are in traditional and old-time music. The dulcimer community is widespread but not dense in any area. The actions I have taken with this instrument have always been very community oriented, which is another reason why I included a teaching video in my work samples. sharing and teaching is such a driving force for me. Festivals are also. Why is it important to me, because they promote connection within the community and those interested in knowing more about the dulcimer. Aside from QuaranTUNE, I have worked with several out-of-state festivals. I also organized, designed and set up the website, social media, and mailing list for Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival here in Illinois.
Name
Katie Moritz
Type
Individual Artist
Address
1567 Sienna Drive
Yorkville, IL 60560
Contact Person
Katie Moritz
[email protected]
815.280.8276
Web Site
Artistic Discipline(s)
Music
- Folk/Traditional
Geographic Availability
Central Illinois
Chicago/Chicagoland
Northern Illinois
Fee Ranges
$400-$1200
Additional Services
Demonstrations
Workshops
Core Audience(s)
Adult
Children
Seniors