Cradled in my mother’s womb by her daily singing scales at the piano, I was immersed in music from the start. She was a mezzo-soprano with an outstanding voice and performed many operas, sometimes even asking my father, brother and I to be extras on stage. Eager to transmit her passion, she initiated me to piano and singing early on. I did my best but it became clear that dancing was coming to me naturally while piano wasn’t.
However, I told myself that one day I would find an instrument made for me. Years later, in the United States, I tried the guitar, the banjo, the mandolin and the violin. Nothing seemed really suited to the size of my hands. Then in 2004, during a trip to Black Mountain, South Carolina, I discovered the Appalachian dulcimer, an instrument used in American traditional music. The sound of his voice immediately charmed me and I bought it, displayed it on my bedroom wall… and then forgot about it for several years! It was not until 2007 that a friend invited me to join her to participate in the Dulcimer Festival in Albany, NY. That’s where I finally found my place and began studying in earnest with Susan Trump.
Back in France, I continued to practice, but this instrument is not widespread in France and I could not find a music club like the one in Albany to share music and learn with other dulcimer players. However, I had the chance to meet Cristian Huet and to study with him. To my surprise, I discovered then that my instrument was Celtic and not American as I thought when I brought it back home with me from the States. I discovered that he has many cousins in France and in Europe, such as the épinette des Vosges, the German scheitholt, and the langeleik from Norway. Gradually, I began to compose and also to transpose songs for the dulcimer. I gave some concerts and I was recently invited to present my instrument during Heritage Days in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Last October, I met a sufi musician very interested in my instrument. When he suggested we play together, I told him that I did not know how to do that and that the sound of the acoustic dulcimer being very soft, it seemed difficult to play with someone else. He proved me wrong and we played together for the first time. It was a truly magical experience and I hope to meet other musicians who will know how and will want to play with an acoustic dulcimer.
Do not hesitate to contact me for more information or to invite me for a presentation or house concert!