JCCFS: Tell us more about your upcoming weekend music class, “Try Tune and Song Writing” from September 8-10. It’s for all levels, correct?

DD: This class provides methods and guidance for writing your own original tune and/or song. If you have a poem that wants a melody; or a tune in your head that needs chords; if you want to start from an idea and write a piece for a gift; or start from scratch and state your case, you will receive the keys to the secrets.

You can bring any instrument you’re comfortable with, or use your voice. No experience is necessary, just an open heart. In this supportive class, there is no right or wrong because what is created is what each student feels. Expressing that is what we’ll do.

Reading and notating music on paper is not necessary. If you can hear chord changes and tap your foot to the beat, you’ve got this! Come and sing or play your own song!

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave with? 

DD: Students will be sharing their music with others as they open up creatively, and can expect to leave with a rich soup of ideas for how to go about writing music and songs. Along with their thoughts and feelings set to music, they’ll leave with the confidence to keep writing, as they wonder why it seemed so mysterious before. An incredible new experience for many and life-changing too.

JCCFS: Tell us a little more about yourself for those who are unfamiliar.

DD: I’ve been composing since 1992. My music has appeared in numerous films and documentaries, such as “Sanctuary,” a nature film by renowned wildlife photographer Scott McKinley of Jackson Hole, WY; and the “Vaquero Series” of DVDs by J&S Productions in Santa Barbara, CA. My original music, “The Oldest Hemlock,” inspires preventative disease treatment for the species.

I’ve taught this class many times at the Folk School, and my piece, “A Composer’s MorningSong” has been sung in the Keith House at daylight often. As a resident contra-dance musician at the school, I currently write tunes in traditional style and structure, and I play many instruments including piano, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Celtic folk harp, and Irish tenor banjo.

JCCFS: What is your favorite aspect of the John C. Campbell Folk School?

DD: It always feels like home. From a song I wrote: “Home is not a place always; but can be a place where comfort stays, and holds for you a warm embrace.”

The Folk School is where I have countless memories of friends made, food enjoyed, laughter, song, and a deep new understanding of craft and creativity. It promotes a simpler enjoyment of living, from Singing Behind the Plow to cutting a rug on the dance floor; to sporting a sooty face or blistered guitar fingers. It is where I can share the joy and process of what I love doing.

JCCFS: What’s something you’ve written recently that you’re proud of, and why?

DD: I am currently in the process of writing a lullaby song for my yet-unborn granddaughter, and am crafting words that may help her throughout her life. I feel that after I’m gone, it may be a song she can keep by her until the end of her life. That would be the most meaningful continuation of the circle, and the best gift from my heart, from what I was meant to do to who she may become.

JCCFS: What tips would you give an aspiring musician or songwriter? Anything you wish you knew earlier in your career?

DD: I grew up studying classical piano. And though technically on point in national competitions, the judges would caution me against using too much “rubato,” or my own feeling. I start my classes by encouraging the students to “free up” and listen to their inner voices, as long as their expression is within acceptable parameters.

JCCFS: We heard you’re teaching at Olive’s Porch, our space in downtown Murphy, as well! Tell us more about that.

DD: Yes! I am scheduled to teach an “Introduction to Songwriting” workshop on October 20 from 2-5 p.m., followed by “Return to Songwriting” on October 27 from 2-5 p.m. Both these workshops act as shorter introductions to the topics covered in my class at the Folk School.