Mountain Dulcimer
The distinctive voice at the center of the Barnard Sisters sound— lyrical, rhythmic, and full of possibility.
Mountain dulcimer • harmony • heart
Tight sister harmonies, jaw-dropping instrumentation, and dry & unrefined sibling humor.
Kara and Pam Barnard bring mountain dulcimer, harmony, humor, and heart to stages and workshops across the country.
Piccolo Spoleto • Walnut Valley Festival • Workshops & Concerts
Kara & Pam Barnard
Two sisters.
One unmistakable sound.
The Barnard Sisters have spent a lifetime making music together— blending mountain dulcimer, close harmony, quick humor, and the kind of sisterly connection you can't rehearse.
From concert stages to festival workshops and welcoming community jams, Kara and Pam create performances that are rooted in tradition and alive with personality. They have opened concerts for James Taylor, Wynonna, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac, REO Speedwagon, and Pat Benatar.
Kara became the National Mountain Dulcimer Champion in 2022 and is now a leading voice in the dulcimer community. She has authored several acclaimed instruction books and tours internationally with a dedicated mission: to cultivate and inspire a new generation of mountain dulcimer players.
Pam has an impressive acting resume spanning musical theater, improv comedy, television, and film.
The sisters have recorded six albums of original music and continue to join forces in venues across the US.
Walnut Valley FestivalSpoleto FestivalOzark Folk CenterColorado Dulcimer FestDulcimer Week in the WallowasNew England Dulcimer DaysEvart Dulcimer Festival
The music
Roots that feel like home.
Traditional heart, fresh arrangements, and stories that make every room feel a little smaller.
Sister Harmony
Decades of singing together create the effortless blend and storytelling warmth audiences remember.
Live Connection
Concerts with humor, heart, and just enough sisterly mischief to make every performance one of a kind.
See us live
Come hear the stories in person.
Festival stages, intimate listening rooms, community concerts, and music weekends—the Barnard Sisters make every gathering feel personal.
Bring us to your event →
Upcoming dates
The Walnut Valley Music Festival
September 15–21, 2026
Join The Barnard Sisters for a week of music, community, and festival fun.
Festival DetailsFeatured workshop
Workshop with Kara
Learn mountain dulcimer with Kara Barnard at the Walnut Valley Music Festival.
Workshop Details →Learn & play
Workshops with warmth, humor, and a good flourish.
Designed for festivals, dulcimer clubs, schools, and music communities—from curious beginners to experienced players.
Beginner Mountain Dulcimer
A friendly first step with practical skills and plenty of encouragement.
Technique & Musical Expression
Add rhythm, dynamics, arrangement ideas—and never underestimate a good flourish.
Community Jams
Inclusive, joyful playing that helps musicians listen, connect, and make music together.
Booking & inquiries
Let's make some music.
Tell us about your festival, concert series, workshop weekend, or special event. The Barnard Sisters are available for performances, workshops, and custom music programs.
Booking materials
EPK, festival résumé, photos, and program ideas are available.
Reach out with your event date, location, audience, and program ideas. We'll follow up with availability and the right materials.
Email: sistersbarnard@gmail.com