The Music Makers - Angie Smales
Whilst music played a big part in Angie's younger life, it wasn't until she was in her fifties, seizing the opportunity an empty nest provides, that she started her music studies with a renewed focus.
She calls it her 'Alzheimer prevention program'. Angie's studies follow the Music Theory and Music Craft syllabus of AMEB.
Originally she chose 'voice' as her instrument, but her Austrian heritage and life's circumstances brought the zither back into her life and she now works through her course using a 9 chord zither with 2 and a half octaves of melody strings.
This beautiful zither was made to her specific requirements by
Zitherbau Marko
one of the few German zither builders still in operation today.
It's almost impossible to learn to play an instrument without learning about it's history and it is the history of the chord zither that provided the spark for Angie to seek out and restore, with the help of her husband, antique chord zithers.
Angie believes that these instruments, very popular around 100 years ago, might be just the thing for dealing with the stresses of the 21st century.
Angie believes that these instruments, very popular around 100 years ago, might be just the thing for dealing with the stresses of the 21st century.
Apart from their stunning looks, once restored to their former glory, what makes these instruments so right for our time are the unique tune-sheets that were designed and written specifically for the chord zither.
With the tune-sheets slipped under the melody strings, anyone can play a tune without the ability to read music.
Add to this their ethereal, harp-like sound, chord zithers provide instant fun and allow budding musicians to just play.
Whilst continuing her own music studies, she now offers a selection of her restored zithers for sale.
Angie also holds zithering workshops, giving participants the opportunity to play her zithers using the unique tune-sheet system and the option to rent/buy any of these unique instruments.
It gives her great satisfaction and joy to see workshop participants play recognisable melodies the very first time they touch the instrument.
The tune-sheet system, whilst simple, is almost magical.
This also the place to keep informed about any up-coming 2015 workshops.