Joellen Lapidus is a renowned pioneer in contemporary mountain dulcimer playing, songwriting, and building. With her innovative blend of Appalachian, Indian, Arabic, jazz, classical, and pop musical styles, she has expanded the rhythmic, melodic, and tuning possibilities of the mountain dulcimer. As a dulcimer maker, her instruments have influenced many builders, and she has crafted instruments for notable musicians such as Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, and Jackson Browne. After a hiatus, Joellen returned to performing, teaching, and writing songs for the dulcimer in the 2000s, and has since released solo and studio albums, performed at dulcimer festivals, and received recognition in various publications.
Currently teaching mountain dulcimer at McCabes Guitar Store in Santa Monica, CA, Joellen also builds dulcimers and creates custom inlay designs in her shop in Culver City, CA. She performs solo or with her trio, Joellen Lapidus and the Ballona Gypsy Band, showcasing her virtuosity on the dulcimer alongside Yvette Devereaux on violin and Oliver Steinberg on bass. With her love for music and dedication to her craft, Joellen Lapidus continues to inspire and push the boundaries of what the mountain dulcimer can achieve.
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