Karen Ashbrook

Crowdfunder now closed. Thank you everyone!

“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!

Crowdfunder now closed. Thank you everyone who contributed to the $12,070 total raised!

Official Release Date: Monday June 8th

CDs and downloads are available on my website store. Product being sent out in the next two weeks.

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: $600
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: June 8th, 2026

DONATION: Levels & Thank You Gifts

$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”)

Donations to Date: $12,070.74 Crowdfunder

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