Sam Rizzetta

Dulcimer Boogie Sam Rizzetta

Sam Rizzetta is a musician and instrument maker whose many design and playing innovations have helped define the contemporary hammer dulcimer. The tone of his instruments and his playing style have been called 'resonantly sensual magic,' and 'awe inspiring.' Performance credits include The Kennedy Center and National Cathedral, as well as public radio and TV. In 1975 Sam formed the renowned dulcimer quartet Trapezoid. His many recordings include 15 solo CDs featuring hammer dulcimer, and there are four books of his original music. Rizzetta dulcimers have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and the National Folk Festival and featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine. Many top performers play dulcimers made or designed by Rizzetta. Sam has been nominated for a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship for lifetime achievement in the arts.