COEUR d'ALENE - Diana Clemons believes fiddling around is going to bring some sweet sounds - and some much-needed financial support - to Harmony Ranch.

So that's what she's planning to do this summer, along with as many folks who want to join her and a few instructors for "Coeur d'Alene Fiddle Camp" set for July 26-30.

"It's a very fun camp," Clemons said Wednesday.

This will be the fourth year for the camp that sees students, young and old, ranging from beginners to advanced classical musicians. It attracts about 40 each year paying $60, with proceeds going to Harmony Ranch, a nonprofit therapeutic riding center Clemons operates at 4929 W. Orchard Ave.

The five, two-hour sessions are followed by a final performance and concert on "The Big Lawn," at Harmony Ranch.

The classically trained musician earned her master's degree in music performance from The Julliard School of Music. According to a press release, she "combines the old and the new; fiddle, jazz, classical, silly and serious music as she shares what she loves about music."

Clemons said when she arrived in North Idaho, she was a "diehard classical musician."

Then she began fiddling around.

"Fiddling is fun, inclusive of everybody," she said.

More should try.

She recalled attending a wedding for two graduates of the University of Idaho music program, and pretty much everyone at the rehearsal dinner was classically trained.

Out of the hundreds of thousands of dollars in music lessons and education, the only person there who wanted to play anything was the fiddle player, she said.

All of Clemons' classical students play the fiddle because she believes those who play the fiddle "can play anything" later on.

"I want better classical musicians," she said.

Students learn by doing the same thing over and over and over.

"You never forget it," Clemons said.

As a result, the final concert at camp's end "is a blast," she said.

"People honestly are shocked they can learn that many songs by ear in a week," said Clemons, a frequent performer throughout the community to benefit other organizations and who will play Aug. 12 at Riverstone Park.

The camp will help fund Harmony Ranch, which "uses horsemanship, music and the arts to enhance the lives of those in our community who are disabled, at risk or elderly."

It works with about 50 people each week, mostly under 18, who see physical, psychological and educational benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.

She knows it works.

She said when two children with cerebral palsy came to Harmony Ranch, one couldn't walk without assistance and the other couldn't sit up by herself.

Now, the one is not using his walker, and the girl is able to sit up on her own.

Clemons said the psychological benefits of being able to control a 1,200-pound horse have an impact on real life. It is also effective because riding a horse uses the same muscles as walking.

"We are seeing astounding results with our kids that have physical disabilities," she said.

Lessons with Harmony Ranch "focus on skills and exercises that will enhance the client's quality of life."

"It's a different lifestyle than sitting and watching TV," she said.

But like other nonprofits, Harmony Ranch has struggled financially as donations have declined.

An energetic group of volunteers who walk along the horses next to the riders, and good old willpower have helped it hang on through this recession.

Clemons believes as more people learn about Harmony Ranch, more will help.

"I always have a waiting list. I could put disabled children on horses every night of the week," Clemons said. "If I had enough sponsors, I could fill up my barn."

"It's just getting what we do before the public," she added.

To sign up for the fiddle camp or for more information, call 819-2603 or go to www.harmony-ranch.org.