"Our purpose is to have fun while promoting interest, preserving tradition, and providing education as it pertains to the hammered dulcimer and its music."        The Founders 

About Us

The Thornapple Valley Dulcimer Society became an official group in January 1984. The group started with 20 dulcimer players on a Saturday afternoon 25 years ago, and formally organized a club for the Hastings, Michigan area. The club was started by Stan and Bud Pierce of Hastings.  Called the Thornapple Valley Dulcimer Society, its purpose was to "have fun while promoting interest, preserving tradition, and providing education as it pertains to the hammered dulcimer and its music".

The purpose is still being carried on today, a quarter of a century later. The hammered dulcimer dates back to 1500 B.C. It was very popular in the late 1800's and the early 1900's and was often played for square dances and barn dances. The dulcimer fit under the early settler’s wagon seats and was carried around the country during the lumber era.

The hammered dulcimer has a beautiful sound and if you can hum a tune, you can learn to play one. The club meets monthly at the Maple Leaf Grange, Nashville, MI on the fourth Saturday of the month on most months. The club performs in various places upon request.

We welcome new players and all types of non-electrical acoustic string instruments. We have guitars, bass, mandolins, autoharps, mountain dulcimers, musical saw, and other instruments in the club. We also have instructors and workshops to help you learn the instrument. Come join us!

Membership is $15.00 per year. Music is available for club members.  Membership Application