About Thomasina

Educator

Thomasina, with a Master of Science degree in Education, uses music to help students of all ages discover their own creative spirits. In January of 1999, she was accepted to become part of the Connecticut Commission on the Arts’ Master Teaching Artist Program. Her present studies in Improvisation with cello master, David Darling and Music for People reaffirm her belief that music is in each one of us and is just waiting for the right time to come out.

As one of the founders and co-organizers of the Housatonic Dulcimer Celebration, Thomasina has been instrumental in helping to bring students, teachers, and other musicians together to celebrate the joy of making music. Some workshop possibilities are:

• Mountain Dulcimer instruction for all levels and ages
• Earth Day environmental songs and activities
• Build your own cardboard dulcimer from a kit
• Make your own musical instruments for all levels and ages
• Singing and dancing games from around the world
• Songs of Peace and Freedom
• Toddler Tunes for preschoolers and their parents
• Songs and Activities from American History
• December Holiday Activities and Songs which honor our culture’s diverse celebrations during the winter season.
• A Singing Circle
• Musical Improvisation using Music for People techniques

Performer

Thomasina is a nationally recognized mountain dulcimer player, singer, and song writer whose performances weave together the best of traditional and contemporary folk music.

She touches audiences with a simplicity, humanity, and strength drawn from the deep roots of the folk tradition. Her freshness and vitality surprise people, often evoking unexpected emotional responses from first time audiences and loyal fans alike.

There are no spectators at Thomasina’s concerts. Her infectious energy level draws audience members into some kind of participation- singing, clapping, drumming or even playing along on an instrument which has been handed to you.

Thomasina sings, composes music and plays the mountain dulcimer. Her voice has been described as "both sweet and strong with a moving spiritual strain." Her original and traditional compositions and arrangements appeal to a wide range of audiences - from children to grandparents.

After years of work on the mountain dulcimer, Thomasina’s unique and complex adaptation of the instrument with its sweet simple sound has become one of her trademarks. While it is possible to appreciate Thomasina’s music through her recordings, one must attend a concert in order to truly experience her magic.

Recording Artist

Thomasina has recordings for both children and adults:

Chasing Cloud Shadows is Thomasina's latest recording.  It is now available on CD.

Holding Back the Night This highly acclaimed 1999 release breaks new ground as a dulcimer recording by blending the dulcimer with world beat percussion, traditional melodies and instrumentals, original compositions, and contemporary folk songs. Her unforgettable, expressive voice and musical selections take listeners on a joyful musical voyage. It is available on CD only.

A Peaceful Storm, a Mountain Dulcimer Journey Through Songs and Instrumentals was released in 1995. This eclectic collection of music shows the many moods and faces of the mountain dulcimer. Thomasina’s clear, strong voice and adept dulcimer technique move listeners through songs that range from the traditional to the contemporary. It is available on CD and cassette.

Let’s Pretend, Original and Traditional Folk Songs for Children is Thomasina’s first release. It has been called "One of the Best of the Best children’s recordings of 1994" by the Emergency Librarian Magazine. The music in it ranges from the whimsical to the classical. It is available on cassette only.

December’s Hearth, A Wizmak Holiday Gathering is a compilation recording of holiday instrumentals with music from various outstanding dulcimer recording artists. Thomasina recorded the opening and closing cuts for this album. It is available on CD and cassette.