South Paris native Sarah Cummings has written and published “Finnish Kantele – Techniques, Exercises, Tunes and Arrangements for Five and Ten-String Kanteles.”

This book provides instruction in both plucking and strumming techniques for 5 and 10-string Finnish kanteles. Explanation of musical notation, rhythm, and other elements of music theory are provided for the novice, yet the exercises are scaffolded to provide motivating material for the more experienced musician. In addition to the instructional materials, a number of traditional Finnish tunes are included as well as many familiar melodies. Plus, over twenty arrangements playable by mixed kantele groupings and detailed appendices of chords and chord transitions make this book a solid foundation for learning to play the kantele. The book includes access to online audio.

Sarah Cummings was raised in the Finnish American community of South Paris. Her grandparents (paternal – Komulainen and Mikkonen; maternal – Haverinen and Heikkinen) emigrated from the
Kuhmo region of Finland at the turn of the 20th century. Musical from a young age, she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Maine. She has been teaching in Maine’s public schools since 1989 and has drawn on her years’ experience teaching instrumental music for the book. Cummings’ respect for her heritage and love of music have fostered her passion for the kantele and Finnish folk music. She and her husband, Scott, also a musician and teacher are working to convert their 1880s barn and property into a venue for concerts, workshops, and other events, including a future Maine Kantele Institute.

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