Beatrice Hole 6560 Leesborough Avenue Eden Prairie MN 55346-2823 (952) 934-4535 enstrengb@aol.com Work Samples Video: video clip (higher bandwidth, DSL, ISDN, T1) video clip (lower bandwidth, 56K) To hear the work samples, Windows Media Player is required. If you do not have it installed, you can download it for free here: Download Windows Media Player

Music-On-A-String Scandinavian psalmodikon music The psalmodikon is a one-stringed folk instrument that originated in the Scandinavian countries in the 1800s. It was used to lead singing in the churches and schools. Solo artist Beatrice Hole, whose ancestors came from Norway, enjoys demonstrating and storytelling to create a program about the psalmodikon that is entertaining as well as educational. Beatrice performs in traditional costume, giving a program suitable for festivals, museums, historic celebrations, and small clubs and organizations. She will also do special programs on Scandinavian heritage and customs for elementary school children, as well as musical selections for special services such as church worship, weddings, and funerals. Available: Anytime and anywhere within reasonable distance from the twin cities area Space: Performances require only a small area, but I need a sound system if performing in a large room or auditorium Fee: $100, negotiable

Additional Information:
Beatrice Hole is a psalmodikon player who has been instrumental in reviving this nearly-lost musical form in the United States.

The psalmodikon is a simple, one-stringed instrument that originated in Sweden and Norway. Beginning in the early 1800s, it was adopted by many rural churches in Scandinavia and later, the immigrants brought the instrument to the United States. At the time, many congregations could not afford organs. Dance instruments were considered inappropriate for sacred settings, so violins were not allowed. The psalmodikon, on the other hand, was inexpensive to build, was not used for dancing, took up little space, and could be played by people with little musical training. Its slow, melodic quality worked well with the hymns of the period. Examples of older printed music from these churches often have numbers written over the words. These corresponded to numbers painted on the fret board of the psalmodikon. This allowed players who could not read standard musical notation to accompany hymns. As churches saved money for organs, however, psalmodikons became less common. By the late 20th century, they were rarely seen outside of museums.

Beatrice Hole first learned about the psalmodikon as she was researching her Norwegian heritage. She grew up in a small town where Norwegian traditions were deeply ingrained in everyday life; so much so, Beatrice says, that she did not realize how much of the town's culture was shaped by its Scandinavian roots. Later in life, as she was beginning to study Norwegian culture, she found an article about a local man who had found and learned to play a psalmodikon that had been owned by his family for many years. She met this gentleman, Harlis Anderson, and learned to play the instrument. Since that time, she has given lessons, helped to found an association of psalmodikon players, and edits a newsletter on the subject. In 1995, she was invited to an international psalmodikon meeting in Sweden, and in 2000, her group hosted a joint meeting in Eden Prairie with this Scandinavian organization. She has also produced a videotape in order to preserve the technique for future generations.

Beatrice uses the psalmodikon as a teaching tool at ethnic and cultural festivals, for senior programs, and in schools. She often presents it as part of a larger program on Norwegian immigrant culture in the Midwest.