There are many well documented benefits to mind and body from learning to play a musical instrument. These include lowering stress, increasing cognitive abilities, teaching perseverance and patience, using almost every part of the brain, fostering music appreciation, increasing memory, strengthening the immune system and more. The mountain dulcimer is relatively easy to learn, especially when learning with others as at the Old Growth Mountain Dulcimer Club.  The Club’s website describes well who we are and what we do. “We are a loosely organized group of folks who live in Western Washington state and like mountain dulcimers. Mountain dulcimers are the potato chips of the musical world. It's easy to start and hard to stop.”

The Lessons & Loaner project provided two local made loaner dulcimers for folks exploring the “Old Growth Mountain Dulcimer Club” gatherings and who are interested in learning more about the mountain dulcimer.  Loaners help new learners decide whether they are ready to commit to buying one for themselves.   Also, through the project club member and instructor, Dean Robinson, recorded and produced six dulcimer lessons, now available online.