The mountain dulcimer is a traditional instrument of the Appalachian and Ozark mountain regions of the United States, and was played by the older generations in Jenni’s family. Olaf and Orilla Pinkston, of Cave City Arkansas, helped found the Ozark Folk Center and mentored their first cousin twice-removed, Jenni, in the regional songs of the mountain dulcimer. It has such a special, delicate sound that she only plays it in concert or educational shows and only solo. All of her children’s shows feature the instrument, because it is so easy to demonstrate and see.