Help Songbird Dulcimers Carry On Into the Future

Dear Friends, Family, and Dulcimer Lovers,

For 33 years, our beloved hammered dulcimer shop has been a labor of love, and the heartbeat of a vibrant community that cherishes music and craftsmanship. We’ve created thousands of these beautiful and affordable instruments, each with its own unique character, resonating with the joy of countless musicians and families. Your support has always meant the world to us, and today, we find ourselves reaching out for help.

Sadly, recent tariffs and economic challenges have placed an immense strain on our business. Despite our passion and dedication, the realities of the world have threatened our ability to continue this sacred craft. Our current building has served us well, but since we have to pay rent on it, we need to build a new space that will enable us to thrive and to continue to build dulcimers. Unfortunately, the choices are between building a new building or eventually selling the business. We don’t want to close down because we believe Songbird is a very important part of the hammered dulcimer world, and we want to continue on.

We have been unsuccessful in getting our own building in Muscatine. However, our costs would be greatly reduced if we can build on our rural property in Joy, Illinois (attached to our garage, seen in the picture).

To cover the costs of the new building, we are setting a fundraising goal of $30,000. Every dollar counts, and we promise that your contributions will go directly toward ensuring the future of our shop. We have already built a concrete slab and purchased the metal for the building; both have been paid for. However, we don’t have funds to cover the rest, nor should we borrow.

We believe in the power of community, and now we are turning to you—the friends, supporters, and patrons who understand the magic of the hammered dulcimer. We need your help to raise funds for a new building that will allow us to:

• Expand our workspace

• Provide a welcoming environment for visitors and customers

• Uphold our commitment to crafting high-quality dulcimers that inspire generations

• Continue training up the next generation of dulcimer craftspeople

For those who have played our dulcimers, felt the resonance, or simply enjoyed the sweet sounds, now is your chance to help us continue this incredible journey. Whether you can make a financial contribution, share this campaign on social media, or just send us your positive vibes, we are grateful for your support.

Together, we can ensure that the music of the hammered dulcimer continues to resonate for many years to come. Thank you for being an integral part of our story, and for believing in the magic of music.

With heartfelt gratitude,

All of us at Songbird Dulcimers