Many-Strings: Music and Music Education

Many-Strings is the musical collaboration of Chris and Jamie. We are vetted performers with the City of San Diego and San Diego County. We have three types of musical offerings:

  1. Many-Strings: Jamie on hammered dulcimer and Chris on guitar. Our instrumental music is a delightful mix of Renaissance, Celtic, American and classical melodies. The rich interaction between our instruments creates a sound that is simultaneously upbeat and melodic. Jamie is inspired by the traditions of folk and Irish music, including Turlough O'Carolan. Chris' contributions reflect the diversity of the classical world along with his love for instrumental music.
  2. Many-Strings: American and World Folk Music: Featuring the guitar, banjo, piano-flute, ethnic percussion, these shows have an authentic thematic focus. Titles include "Celtic Songs from Shannon's Pub," "The History of San Diego Through Music," "Music of the Wild West," "A Treasure Chest of Songs," and many more. See the "Music and History" tab for a complete list.
  3. Music Appreciation classes: Mozart, Copland, Jazz, Rock, American Folk, and much more. Educational, Musical, and very enjoyable. Customized for libraries, OASIS, Educators and retirement communities. See the "Music and History" tab for a complete list.
 Many-Strings Hammered Dulcimer and Guitar Concerts:
  • The Roots of American Folk Music: Renaissance, Bach, English, Irish melodies, concluding with traditional and contemporary American folk tunes.
  • Water Music: Music from the sea, lakes, rivers, and the journey to America.
  • December Notes: Seasonal winter, Christmas, and other holiday-themed melodies.
  • Celtic Notes: Beautiful melodies from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other Celtic regions
  • Notes for an Exhibition: A delightful selection of music that features the beauty of the hammered dulcimer and guitar.

We encourage you to contact us for any event where beautiful music is desired.

Our Performance history has included shows and events, such as.

1. Concerts: Mission Hills Library, Mission Trails Regional Park, The Serra/Presidio, and similar venues.

2. Music for Art Galleries and Special Events, including  The San Diego International Airport, Terminal 2 Arts Venue, Dan McGeorge Gallery, and similar venues.
 
3. Music for Retail: 1906 Lodge Coronado, The Star of India, Big Sur Lodge, and other fine venues.
 
4. Music for Well-being and Health: Scripps La Jolla, Prebys  Cardio Vascular Institute,The Braille Institute, and similar venues.

OASIS  2025 Public Events (register through OASIS San Diego)

  • Music Inspired by Outer Space, Class #1268.  Skip the drive, its on-line 3-4 PST, Jan. 17: 
  • Mozart: The Boy Wonder, his Music and Constance. Class #1269  Skip the drive: on line 3-4 pm PST, Jan. 31: 
  • The Waltz: From Austria to Folk to John Willams and Jazz  Class #1270  Skip the drive: Feb. 14th: on line 3-4 pm PST
  • Felix Mendelssohn: Classical and Romantic Composer  Class #1271   Skip the drive: Feb. 28: on line 3-4 pm PST
  • Composed in Ireland: OASIS Rancho Bernardo, 10-11 am. (858-240-2880 to register.)
  • Celtic Folk Music Traditions: Class #1272  Skip the drive: March 14th: on line 3-4 pm PST
  • Live Show: Songs and Ballads from Molly's Tavern, at the Learning Center in Grossmont, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, 11am.
  •  Wagner: A Romantic Era Giant: Complicated and Amazing  Class #1273  Skip the drive: March 28: on line 3-4 pm PST
  • Live Show: Songs and Ballads of the Wild West, OASIS Rancho Bernardo, Friday, April 11th at 10-11 am. (858-240-2880 to register.)
  • Celebrating the Evolution and Diversity of Brass Instruments  Class #1274  Skip the drive: April 11th: on line 3-4 pm PST
  • American Folk Music: From the Colonies to the Beatnik Coffee House  Class # 1275  April 25: Skip the drive: on line 3-4 pm PST

 

Other Public Events: 2025.
  • Music Inspired by Outer-Space: Borrego Springs Library, Wednesday, Feb. 12th at 4-5pm. This is a great music event for the "dark skies of Borrego!
  • Celtic Ballads: Santee Library, Wednesday, March 5th at 10-11am. Live Show
  • Celtic Ballads: Pt. Loma Library, Wednesday, March 12 at 1pm. Live Show
  • San Diego History Through Music, Clairmont Library, Tuesday, March 25th, 6-7pm. Live Show
  • San Diego History Through Music, San Carlos Library, Friday, Friday, April 18th, 2-3pm Live Show
  • The Music of John Williams, Tierra Santa Library, Saturday, May 10th, 11am - 12noon. Music Appreciation

Other Music Events: 
  • Many-Strings on a weekly basis provides music and music education for San Diego's retirement communities, including Belmont Village Cardiff, St. Paul's Villa and similar venues.

If you would like to book us for a house concert or show, or for outstanding background music for your venue, please contact us at chris@many-strings.com.

Please enjoy samples of our performances in the Video sections of this site.

Our Education Commitment:

Chris has over 40 years of experience teaching San Diego, California, and American history through music.

  • He has led over 150 school assemblies focused on teaching children and adults historical music through vocal and instrument participation.
  • He has taught classes for teachers at UCSD and SDSU.
  • He also regularly teaches OASIS Adult Education classes