You’ve heard of the hammered dulcimer before – mountain music, renaissance fairs, that Christmas CD you picked up in a gift shop in Tennessee.

That’s not Ted Yoder

Life-long Indiana native Yoder grew up in a musically inclined family, like a lot of musicians. His whole life has been filled with writing, performing, recording, experimenting with new instruments … But it wasn’t until Yoder received his first hammered dulcimer as a wedding gift that he knew he’d found his niche.

Yoder decided that the hammered dulcimer had gotten a bad rap, being narrowly categorized as a mountain bluegrass instrument. He knew there was great potential here as he began mastering and experimenting with this eclectic and intriguing instrument.

Drawing on his pop and rock-n-roll roots, Yoder was able to create something never heard before: a dulcimer that doesn’t sound like a dulcimer “should.” With master skill, he plays his dulcimer almost like a piano, unafraid to tackle complex rhythms and unusual harmonics. The result is a sound that makes the trained listener say, “How many hands does this guy have?”

Yoder’s musicianship, creativity and ability to put a fresh face on dulcimer music led him to the title of 2010 National Hammer Dulcimer Champion – one of only a handful of performers to be crowned Champion on their first appearance at the Walnut Valley Festival.

Capturing the championship title, Yoder decided it was time to go professional. Since then, he has released two CD’s.

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, Yoder will be at Warsaw Community Public Library to share his craft. He will also have CDs available for purchase.

The free program begins at 6 p.m. Call WCPL at 574-267-6011 or go online at www.warsawlibrary.org to register.