Dan Duggan, nationally touring performer and teacher, is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the finest dulcimer players and composers in the country. As recipient of the prestigious National Hammered Dulcimer Championship, Dan's accomplishment, though based on technical merit, is even more considerable as he is the first winner to have performed all original compositions.

Although pioneering innovative compositional work for the dulcimer, Dan's renditions of traditional Irish and American tunes reflect his study and understanding of their original context. Whether re-creating 18th century harp pieces or vibrant 19th century dance tunes, Dan has engaged audiences nationwide in an excursion of musical styles and moods.

Dan has recorded four albums of original compositions, "First Frost", "Last of May", "Seasons of Change", and "Trillium Lane" as well as three albums of traditional holiday music "Christmas Morn", "Winters Eve", and "All Through The Night", and a Family album of original songs written with children in schools throughout NY, entitled "The Pieces of our Life". Pieces of Our Life received a 1998 Parents Choice award. Selections of Dan's recordings, highly acclaimed by top critics in the traditional music field, have been aired on National Public Radio during daily broadcasts of "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered". Dan's dulcimer work can also be heard on Paul Simon's Grammy nominated CD "Your The One" released in October of 2000.

Dan is also a member of the Susquehanna String Band, a trio which has performed two pieces , "The Celtic Suite" and "The Americana Suite" in concert with several symphony orchestras throughout the country. These arrangements featuring the talents of Dan, John Kirk and Rick Bunting, are an exciting step forward in combining traditional instrumentation with symphonic accompaniment. The Susquehanna String Band has released three recordings " The Cloths of Heaven", "North Country" and "Singing All The Way Home"

In addition to maintaining an active touring and teaching schedule, Dan is currently at work on several new projects. He has designed and marketed a hammered dulcimer unique with its extended range of notes , full sound, and lightweight portability. A book of Dan's original compositions for dulcimer and guitar, as well as book of original children's songs, is soon to be released.

One of Dan's main objective is to bring traditional music and instrumentation to audiences unfamiliar with this genre of music. Through his innovative blending of traditional instrumentation with creative musical format, Dan is indeed accomplishing his goal.