Shared by Christa Kermode, Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator, as Guest Blogger.

Early into her teaching career at Warren County High School in Front Royal, Virginia, Madeline MacNeil decided that being a folk singer might be a better fit for her life.  In 1972, she began her new career at Skyland Lodge in Shenandoah National Park.  When she first began performing she played the guitar as an accompaniment to her beautiful singing voice.  That changed in 1974 when Madeline met Appalachian music legend Ralph Lee Smith.  He insisted that she add the dulcimer to her music.  Not only did she take his advice and add the Mountain Dulcimer to her repertoire, but she learned to play the Hammered Dulcimer as well.  Today Madeline is a best-selling author of Mountain and Hammered Dulcimer books for Mel Bay Publications and has recorded numerous CDs through the years.