Learn some brilliant traditional tunes from Ireland and England on the harp, both learning by ear and playing from score. Harp ensemble pieces, lever skills and informal performance opportunities also included!
STANDARD: ELEMENTARY, LOWER/UPPER INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED
Resident: £402 Non-Resident: £292 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/268
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Tuesday 14 May 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Tuesday 4 June 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
Now a regular feature of our calendar, the Clarsach Society again joins forces with Benslow Music for this
unique course for Celtic and folk harpists. For Oct 2024, Fidelma will be working by ear, teaching Irish tunes
with ornamentation. Steph will work from score, with English tunes as your solo pieces and a blues ensemble
to help you develop your lever skills!
We have an informal concert on Saturday night where you can bring a piece to play or sit back and enjoy the
music, and a sharing session on Sunday to hear what each group has been working on.
Tutor website: wwww.stephwest.co.uk
What will we cover?
We will be learning traditional and popular repertoire on the harp, exploring the different tunes and styles available to us as harpists.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Play a small selection of tunes from different styles.
Take home some simple left hand ideas that you could use with other tunes.
Play a part in a harp ensemble.
Work on simple traditional ornamentation techniques
Explore using your levers
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at players Grade 1 - 5+. The minimum requirement is to have been playing for one year and to be able to play an easy song with a simple left hand.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The course will be taught in a group with no preparation required. We will learn a tune in small sections, exploring fingering and memorising as we go. Time will be allowed for private practise inside the classroom, with tutor feedback given as we go. Sheet music will be provided during the session.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, it will be provided by the tutor on the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your harp and a recording device if you would like to take recordings of the tunes away with you. Music for each tune will be provided at the end of the weekend.
It may be possible to borrow or hire a harp from the Clarsach Society.
What previous participants said about this course…
“A chance to play and participate at whatever level in small and larger group sessions with wonderful teachers who are great professional players themselves. A variety of music. Also fun to associate other harpists, plus a session in the bar with fiddlers!”
“Outstanding, inspiring teaching.”
“Lots of variety. Very skilled teaching. Something for everyone, from relative beginners to quite advanced.”
“Great fun, not at all intimidating even if you're not very competent at lever harp.”