“Jem’s map of the hammered dulcimer was very helpful to learn basics of music & dulcimer layout and a good foundation on chords. Impressive that he was so good with beginners.”
• Beginning student at the Harvest Festival of Dulcimers, Dana Point, CA, Sept. 27, 2008
“That guitar concerto Jem played at the evening concert just blew me away! He’s an amazing arranger. His level of difficulty and expertise is remarkable, and you don’t have to be a hammered dulcimer player to recognize this.”
• Bobbi Adler, President of Southern Calif. Dulcimer Heritage and Co-Artistic Director, Harvest Festival of Dulcimers, Dana Point, CA,
Sept. 27, 2008
“Jem is an outstanding hammered dulcimer instructor and performer. I’ve been amazed at both his insightful teaching and professional concert performances at both the Summer Solstice (’07) and SCDH (’08) festivals. People can’t believe that he would actually work on perfecting a tune for 5 years. But, when you hear his interpretations, you know why he worked for this level of perfection. We loved his master class and also MinTze’s gifted Celtic fiddling at the recent SCDH festival. They are tops!!
• Barbara Gershman, Vice President of Southern Calif. Dulcimer Heritage and Co-Artistic Director, Harvest Festival of Dulcimers, Dana Point, CA, Sept. 27, 2008
Having about worn the grooves off of "The Women of Ireland", I was really happy that Jem was able to come back to Winston-Salem. I didn't get to take any workshops, but several of Jem's students told me how useful his classes were and asked when he could come back. His playing is inspirational, and I am very thankful to have added Jem to the many friends I have met through our dulcimer festival.
Terry Lefler, Director of The Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival 2008