Joe Collins
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Joe Collins

Band Folk Acoustic

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Music

Press


"Dulcimer Workshops"

I just want to thank you for the great workshops at the Mo. Heartland week-long event. I have used so much of what you taught and have richly increased my confidence level of playing. I used your "Grace Greater Than Our Sin" tab for a wonderful arrangement with a flat-picking intro and the 3/4 timing strum you taught, at my church to accompany a lady, and have been asked to play more often there.
Have a great hymnfest Sat.!
Glenda and I will be at the Pine Mt. dulcimer convention this week-end.
See Ya here, there, or in the air! Jo Mills
- Jo Mills


"Dulcimer Workshops"

My husband is practicing daily after 12 years of playing at the dulcimer. Why? He had Joe Collins for a novice class at Chautauqua on the Wabash. Joe finally made the light come on for chords, strumming and finger picking. I have also had several classes with Joe over the last 4 years. He is an excellent teacher. He provides professional packets with information and songs that you can continue to work on at home. His instruction is clear and he is very patient with his students. His TAB is easy to read and understand. The use of bold on melody notes is great for folks who are just learning. When vending, Joe always has time to answer questions and give individual help. We enjoy visiting with him.

In concert, Joe presents a wide variety of music, from comic to sacred. Joe is a fantastic dulcimer player and he has a beautiful voice. We could listen to him for hours.

Joe is blessed with great talent and a love for people. He is a very special person and we look forward to spending time with him at dulcimer events.
- Lynn Padgett


"For the Fun of It!"

I just got the newest CD by (3rd place Winfield winner 2003) Joe Collins - "For the Fun of It!" . . . wow folks if you have not bought this yet . . . do it! Without doing a whole review of the CD I'll just say this is one funny recording and the playing and singing is outstanding. I can't stop playing it . . . over and over and over again and can't stop laughing.
- Terry Lewis


"More Music at Broad River"

This Cleveland County talent is very enjoyable to hear and whether for a private party or a public performance, one should try not to miss this very entertaining man. - Andy Andrews - The Shopper


Discography

Hymns for the Hearth (1994) – folk arrangements of traditional hymns

The Dancing of Time (1999) – a mixture of Celtic, hymns, and original pieces

Erin’s Wish (2002) – a collection of Christmas instrumentals

For the Fun of It (2003) – a collection of funny and feel good songs w/ vocals

Looking Ahead (2008) - some wonderful instrumental arrangements of original, Celtic, and popular music including songs by Carole King, James Taylor, James Horner, and Chet Atkins.

Included on Great Players of the Mountain Dulcimer (2001) – a collection of players from all over the country.

Photos

Bio

2007 NATIONAL MOUNTAIN DULCIMER CHAMPION!
3rd place - National Mountain Dulcimer Championships - 2003, 2004, & 2006
1st place Mountain Dulcimer - Mid-Eastern Regional Championship - 2005 & 2002
1st place Vocal - Coshocton Dulcimer Days - 2005 & 2002
1st place Dulcimer Duet (w/ Gary Sager) - Coshocton Dulcimer Days - 2005
1st place Mountain Dulcimer - Kentucky State Championship - 2003
1st place Folk Singing - Bryson City Fiddlers' Convention - 2001

Joe Collins has been a folk musician and mountain dulcimer player since the late 70s. He is a songwriter, vocalist, and an occasional guitarist originally inspired by artists like Simon & Garfunkle, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, and Kris Kristofferson. However, now that he is older and "pudgier," he realizes that Burle Ives was a much stronger influence than he ever imagined. His performances are sprinkled with a lot of humor and some excellent mountain dulcimer playing - sure to bring a smile to audiences of all ages.

Joe graduated from East Carolina University with Bachelor and Master degrees in English, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity with Religious Education, and from NC State University with a Doctorate in Adult Education. He has worked in Religious Education for most of his professional career and is an assistant professor of religion at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. And, of course, he continues to build dulcimers, write songs, and accept as many opportunities to perform as he can!

As much as he loves sharing his music and craft, he loves the opportunity to share his faith in Jesus Christ even more. Without being pushy, he is open and honest about his faith in all kinds of musical venues. He currently resides in Shelby, NC with his family of four.

Joe often plays with his good friend and guitarist Mike McGee. They began playing together in 1988 and have "cross-pollinated" one another with their varied backgrounds.

Serving together on the same church staff for over eleven years as the Minister of Education and Minister of Music respectively, they had plenty of time to develop a unique folk sound with dulcimer and guitar. They play a variety of music which includes their interpretations of well-known and lesser known Celtic tunes, modern folk arrangements of traditional hymns, fun fiddle tunes, and a host of original pieces they have written over the years. However, they have also dug into their pasts to dig out classical, beach, James Taylor, and classic pop tunes for their repertoire.

Whether as solo acts or as a duet, their performances are varied and fun for all types of audiences.

Joe has also become a popular teacher in mountain dulcimer festivals around the country and welcomes any inquiries from festival organizers that includes opportunities to teach. FOR A LIST OF MOUNTAIN DULCIMER WORKSHOPS ALREADY DEVELOPED BY JOE COLLINS, GO TO

http://www.jcdulcimer.com/DulcimerBio.htm#workshops