New Recording Crowdfunder

“Hands of the Healer–Gentle Music for the Spirit”

When Dave Wiesler presented Karen with a beautiful tune in honor of her work as a therapeutic musician, she knew it would become the title track of her next recording.  It will feature lush contemporary compositions along with tranquil traditional international lullabies from five different continents.  In addition to solo dulcimer, she will be joined on a few tracks by  Sophie Chang on cello and Paul Oorts on harp guitar and cittern. The target release date is summer 2026. Recording started November, 2025.  This recording will be a reflection of her 50-year life journey playing the dulcimer!

Read the blog posts about the project and its development.

BUDGET: $10,000-$11,200

The project will be modified for a slimmer budget by reducing the number of tracks unless the fundraising goal is met.

EXPENSES:

  • STUDIO (recording, mixing, mastering) $8200
  • ART: $500
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: $300
  • MUSICIAN FEES: $500
  • MECHANICALS: $500 (for copyrighted songs)
  • CD DUPLICATION: $1300
  • PAYPAL FEES (approximately 3% of revenue)
  • Postage (for CD orders) $300

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INCOME: 

  • CROWDFUNDING/Pre-Orders Goal: $11,000. 

(I applied for a Maryland State Arts Grant but did not receive it.)

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RELEASE DATE: Early Summer, 2026

 

DONATION: Levels & Thank You Gifts

Scroll down to read alternate ways to give in the FAQ section

  • $15 – Pre-order Digital Download
  • FAN $30 – Pre-order CD + Digital Download (includes shipping in the US)
  • PATRON $50 – Pre-order CD + Digital Download (includes shipping in the US)
  • ANGEL $100 – Pre-order CD, Digital Download + choose an additional recording from Karen's site to add on
  • STAR $250 – Pre-order CD, Digital Download + choose an additional recording from Karen's site to add on, and a 3-month subscription to The Dulcimer With Heart Do-It-Myself subscription (DWH value $150)
  • DREAMER $500 – CD, Digital Download + choose any recording from Karen's site to add on, and a 6-month subscription to The Dulcimer With Heart Do-It-Myself subscription (DWH value $300)
  • CELESTIAL – $1000  includes a virtual or in -person (DC/Baltimore area) concert by KA/PO–Karen & Paul!
  • CUSTOM – Any amount is appreciated!  Above $15 will include a digital download (Select “SUPPORTER”)

Scroll down to choose donation level. 

 

SELECT GIVING LEVEL

Scroll down to the FAQs for alternate, non-Paypal ways of giving.

LIMITED TIME OFFER - Only 2 Pairs Left!!

Valid Until June 8th

Wold Hill Woodworking has generously donated 19 pairs of Ashbrook Signature hammers as a special promotion for Karen's new recording "Hands of the Healer."  For $55 purchasers will also receive a download of the recording when it comes out in June!  Order HERE.

Hands of the Healer Pre-Order Digital Download
  • Hands of the Healer Pre-Order Digital Download

Hands of the Healer Pre-Order Digital Download

Support Karen's new recording, "Hands of the Healer–Gentle Music for the Spirit" with a pre-order for a digital copy. Release date will be Summer 2026.

In cart Not available Out of stock
$15.00
Hands of the Healer FAN
  • Hands of the Healer FAN

Hands of the Healer FAN

Support Karen's project with a pre-order of Hands of the Healer CD & Digital Download. Available by summer 2026. Price includes domestic US shipping!

In cart Not available Out of stock
$30.00
Hands of the Healer Patron
  • Hands of the Healer Patron

Hands of the Healer Patron

Includes a CD and digital download of Hands of the Healer when it's released in summer 2026. Also includes your choice of a CD or download of any other recording in Karen's Store. Domestic US shipping included.

In cart Not available Out of stock
$50.00
Hands of the Healer ANGEL
  • Hands of the Healer ANGEL

Hands of the Healer ANGEL

Your support includes a CD, Digital download, plus another CD of your choice from Karen's recordings. Includes domestic US shipping.

In cart Not available Out of stock
$100.00
Hands of the Healer STAR
  • Hands of the Healer STAR

Hands of the Healer STAR

Includes a CD, digital download, additional CD (includes domestic US shipping) or download of your choice from Karen's Store, plus a 3 month subscription to Dulcimer With Heart Do- it Yourself level ($150 value), where you can access on-demand lessons, receive a new monthly tune with instruction, and jam with Karen and Paul!

In cart Not available Out of stock
$250.00
Hands of the Healer DREAMER
  • Hands of the Healer DREAMER

Hands of the Healer DREAMER

Includes a CD and/or digital download of Hands of the Healer, plus a recording of your choice plus a 6-month Dulcimer With Heart Do-It-Yourself subscription (DWH value $300)

In cart Not available Out of stock
$500.00
Hands of the Healer CELESTIAL
  • Hands of the Healer CELESTIAL

Hands of the Healer CELESTIAL

Includes CD or digital download and a private one-hour CONCERT from KA/PO-Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts, in person (within a 50 mile radius of Silver Spring, MD) or virtual, at a time arranged by all parties.
(Only 2 concerts available)

In cart Not available Out of stock
Out of stock

SUPPORTER for Hands of the Healer Recording Crowdfunder

Support Karen's project with a custom donation. All donations will be greatly appreciated! If your donation is $15 or higher, you can also request a free download.

Enter the amount you wish to donate

$

The minimum tip is $2.00

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Donations to Date: $10,610

FAQ

Q. I want to donate but I don't need any (or all ) of the gifts.  What do I do?

     A. There is a place at Checkout to write a note when you make your donation.

Q. When will I receive everything?

     A. CDs and digital downloads will be sent as soon as they are available (early summer 2026.) Sign up codes for Dulcimer With Heart subscriptions will be sent within a few days of making a donation and can be activated at your convenience.

Q. I don't like using Paypal. Is there any other way I can donate?

    A. Yes! Email Karen for information for mailing checks or paying by Zelle or Venmo. Write: mail@karenashbrook.com

Other questions?  Contact Karen at mail@karenashbrook.com

 

 

The ART! Houston, We have a Cover!

I've been negligent in updating this blog.  Last month I finished the recording part of the project. It's mixed and mastered and sounds fantastic!  The total time is 64:30.  This is the first project I have ever been truly happy…

Read more

Special Hammers & Recording Update

I'm excited to announce the very generous donation of 19 pairs of Ashbrook Signature Hammers from Wolf Hill Woodworking to my crowdfunding campaign.  For $55 you can receive a pair of the style of hammers I use plus a download…

Read more

Paul Goes in the Studio

This Saturday Paul joins me at Tonal Park to record at least two of the pieces he'll be on.  He's on 3 sets, of course all on different instruments: The Ukrainian lullaby the Dream Passes by the Window/Manx Lullaby  with…

Read more

Third Time's the Charm

As we come to the end of 2025, I will try one last time (my third attempt) for the Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant.  I finally received feedback the end of October from my initial application that had some…

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The Cello Tracks are Recorded!

 

Thanksgiving weekend the project's cellist Sophie Chang was in town.  We played Thanksgiving morning at our home church, Church of the Ascension in Silver Spring.  Friday we practiced all day (the service music showed us many spots we needed to…

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The Photo Shoot

Grammy-award winning artist Michael G. Stewart has done amazing pr photos for my last 3 recordings.  HOH was the excuse to get new photos!  So here are a couple of the silly takes. The things you have to do to…

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Long distance Rehearsals & October 15 Update

October 15 Update:

Much progress has been made in the last 2 months. I had a fantastic all-day rehearsal with the project's cellist Sophie Chang up in Rhode Island the end of August.  The photo is us rehearsing on the…

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Regroup

I applied for a Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant of $4000. My application was just 3 points (out of 100) short of receiving it.  I can try and tweak the application and reapply, but it will be another few…

Read more
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