Discover the Chinese Hammer Dulcimer
The Chinese Hammer Dulcimer is a captivating early childhood music resource that introduces children aged 0–6 to the shimmering sounds of Chinese folk and classical music. This unique instrument is a board zither with strings arranged in groups of three. Players strike the strings with small hammers or beaters, producing tones that range from delicate music-box melodies to rich, resonant chords.
A Sweet Tune — The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Hammer Dulcimer comes from the Latin and Greek words “dulce” and “melos” — meaning “sweet tune.” It is a fitting name for an instrument that captures children’s attention the moment they hear it!
A Long and Fascinating History
The Hammer Dulcimer enjoyed great popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. People crafted it at home in many countries, and it remains a beloved instrument in both classical and folk music traditions today.
Greg’s Yang Chin
Greg plays a specific type of Hammer Dulcimer called a Yang Chin, which means “foreign zither” in Chinese. This remarkable instrument has 46 strings and arrived in China around the 1800s. Children love watching Greg play it — the hammers move fast and the sound is unlike anything they have heard before!
The Chinese Hammer Dulcimer in A Swag Full of Instruments
The Chinese Hammer Dulcimer features in The Road to Beijing — a musical journey that takes children to China through sound and movement. It is a wonderful starting point for exploring Chinese culture, particularly for centres with Chinese-heritage families.
Experience the Sound of the Hammer Dulcimer Click here.
to explore more music click below to stream this tune and other songs from A Swag Full of Instruments.
