Causeway Harp School

Harp Workshops, Recital & Lecture with Janet Harbison

I am delighted to announce that world renowned harper, teacher, composer and academic, Professor Janet Harbison, shall be visiting us in beautiful Portballintrae, Saturday 1st June.

Janet will be teaching harp workshops for all ages throughout the day and, in the evening, giving a harp recital and lecture entitled, ‘The Belfast Harp Festival of 1792 and the Revival of Harp in Ulster’. This promises to be an entertaining, insightful and engaging evening, suitable for all ages. Come along and enjoy the music and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the harp in Ulster.

Janet will be teaching a workshop for kids and teens from 10am-12pm and a workshop for adult players from 2-4pm. These fun workshops are suitable for players of all abilities (except complete beginners). The evening talk and recital begins at 7pm in Portballintrae Village Hall.

Irish harping was awarded UNESCO status in 2019 as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is fitting that this event will be held in Portballintrae, a small coastal village at the foot of our very own UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Giants’ Causeway. There is much beauty, history and heritage to be celebrated here!

Tickets are available for either workshop only, evening event only or a bundle ticket including a workshop and the event event.

Tickets for the event are available to purchase here.

Celtic Connections for 34 Strings

This is a series of video tutorials plus ABC notation for a few of our favourite tunes to play at Causeway Harp School.

Those of you who follow my Instagram or Facebook may be familiar with some of the tunes in this collection, such as Gordon Duncan’s beautiful Sleeping Tune or Nathaniel Gow’s Coilsfield House: two of the tunes we enjoy playing at our monthly ensemble meet ups.

This video tutorial series is designed for full size lever harp (34 string) although may be easily adapted for 26 strings. There is no note reading required. There is a total of 6 tunes in this collection. Each tune is broken down into a right hand video, a left hand video, a hands together video, a sound file and a pdf file with ABC notation. This is how my pupils learn at Causeway Harp School.

It is suitable for the early intermediate level player, although more advanced players may take the arrangements and build upon them to suit their playing style.

The theme, Celtic Connections, is a celebration of our unique little corner of the world- the stunning north coast of Ireland. Where old castle ruins dot the dramatic coast line and where Scotland appears so close on a clear day. To reflect our location and mixed cultural heritage on this part of the island, I have included 3 tunes of Irish heritage and 3 of Scottish. Indeed, one of them, Sleeping Tune, was originally composed for bagpipes.

This video tutorial bundle is available on Etsy or here via the shop page.

You can watch this short video on Instagram or Facebook to give you a feel for the music and how it looks.

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Video Tutorial Series

This week I am delighted to finally launch the first in my series of video tutorial series. These have been designed for players who prefer to learn without sheet music. Indeed, this is the method I use with my pupils at Causeway Harp School. This tutorial series is available for purchase on Etsy or here via the shop page.

When learning a new tune, we listen first to familiarise ourselves with the music. Then we learn it phrase by phrase, by watching, listening and through repetition.

Once we learn the right hand, it’s time to add the left. I try to keep left hand simple, pattern based and easy to memorise.

I also provide ABC notation for my pupils as a visual support for home practice. Usually, this just helps with remembering the left hand.

Many people often get in touch with me, wishing they lived closer so they can join in our wonderful harp community here on the north coast of Ireland. It is my hope that this is a chance for those of you who can’t make it in person to enjoy playing our music wherever you are in the world.

This first series is designed for small harps or lyres with just 16 strings; a fabulous place to start!

Very soon, I will be releasing series for 34 strings for the early intermediate player.

All tunes in the series are those that are most loved by my pupils and sound great on the harp.

The first video tutorial bundle is available to purchase on Etsy or here via the shop page.

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Happy harping to you all 🤗🎶🌀

Katy xx

Music for Small Harps and Lyres

A central tenet of Causeway Harp School is to make learning the harp more accessible. Sadly, the cost of purchasing a harp is often a major barrier to learning. However, with smaller harps such as Derwent Harps‘ Discovery 16 becoming available, learning the harp is within the reach of many more people.

A good friend dropped me round a small lyre she had recently bought and I was enthralled! The strings ring out like bells and sound remarkably like the ancient Irish wire strung harps, only smaller. It has 16 strings, just like my Discovery 16 harp, but required much less work to play. It is small, light and portable (which is like a dream when you carry a heavy harp everyday for a living!) and much more affordable than a harp… what’s not to like?!

So, I am proud to introduce my latest publication, Traditional Irish Music for Harp and Lyre: Music for 16 Strings. It is my hope that this book will help open up the joy and beauty of playing harp to many more people.

Each tune may be played on either a 16 string lyre or small harp, tuned to C Major. I have included two arrangements of each tune, one for lyre and one for harp. They are of course interchangeable on either instrument, but the lyre version is somewhat simpler in style.

I have included Irish traditional tunes of different types to suit the late beginner player.

These are tunes that I play and teach myself at Causeway Harp School. I find that they are enjoyable and accessible to late beginner players and they sound delightful on these charming little instruments.

This new book is available to purchase as digital download on Etsy or here via the shop page. Thank you for visiting!

Causeway Harp Community News

It’s been such a long time since I’ve posted here, but needless to say, our harp community here on the north coast of Ireland is truly thriving.

In April, a group of young pupils had the wonderful opportunity to perform at the iconic Mussenden Temple. What an unforgettable experience for everyone.. just stunning …

In July, I took all my primary school harpers to play in the walled garden at Mount Druid Vintage Rally in Ballintoy. Another beautiful day had by everyone.

In July, another group of young pupils performed at the annual Red Sails Festival in Portstewart.

In August we held our annual Harp Summer School for ages 7-14 which was wonderful! We combined playing harp with jewellery making which was a perfect combination.

Then in October we had Lá na Cruite/ National Harp Day. Causeway Harp School provided harp music all day at a Macmillan Coffee Event at Stone Row Artisans, Coleraine.

Causeway Harp Ensemble is expanding. We now have both a Junior and Senior meet up on a monthly basis where we enjoy learning and playing new tunes together. We all got together for Harp Day 2023 to play my arrangement of Nathaniel Gow’s Coilsfield House. Sheet music coming soon!

Ensemble, Harp Day 2023

It’s been a busy time! And we’re coming into Christmas with many performance dates in the diary and a new book in process! Thanks for visiting! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for up to date news 🙏

Music of the Harpers at Mussenden Temple

When Claire O’Kane from Mussenden Sea Salt invited me to provide harp music for bespoke dining experiences at A Taste of Mussenden, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Mussenden Temple with my harp.

My particular area of interest is the music of the old Irish harpers, as collected by Edward Bunting at the Belfast Harp Assembly in 1792 and subsequently as he travelled around the country collecting the old harp music. Mussenden Temple is of huge significance to the history of the Irish harp as it became home to the famous Downhill Harp, as played by last of the ancient Irish harpers, Denis O Hampsey of Magilligan.

MS 4/29 Manuscript book of Irish airs, QUB Special Collections

This is an example of the manuscripts from which I work. These old manuscripts and notebooks of Edward Bunting’s are fascinating to me and I love the process of piecing together a tune and arranging it for the modern lever harp. It is my particular joy to then pass on this unique musical heritage to my young pupils.

The atmosphere inside the temple on these evenings was nothing less than magical. Steeped in history and perched on the very edge of the cliff, being in this temple takes your breath away. I loved the opportunity to play my favourite ancient harp airs in this historic setting.

In addition to the music of the ancient harpers, I also enjoy playing music from the traditional repertoire, including original compositions by contemporary musicians from the locale.

It would of course be remiss of me not to mention the amazing dining experience on these evenings, featuring Paula McIntyre of BBC’s Hamely Kitchen and Alison Williams of Old Schoolhouse Dinners . A truly sumptuous dining experience on every level!

I’m so grateful to the National Trust and to Mussenden Sea Salt/ A Taste of Mussenden for the opportunity to play harp at Mussenden Temple. I’m very much looking forward to visiting again.

Lá na Cruite/ Harp Day 2022

Each year on the 15th October, Ireland’s national body, Cruit Éireann/Harp Ireland heralds a national and worldwide celebration of Ireland’s harp, its music, players and makers.

Causeway Harp School, Lá na Cruite/ Harp Day 2022

Part of the celebrations include a ‘Harpers’ Call’, inviting harp players to contribute a video performance on a particular theme. This year’s theme was Harping Together. You can watch Causeway Harp School’s ensemble performance for Lá na Cruite Harp Day 2022 above 👆, or herehttps://fb.watch/gbrVVrNmei/ on Facebook. This is a new ensemble of my young teenage pupils and we recorded this on what was only our second meeting! I’m hugely proud of them.

On National Harp Day, these video performances are broadcast on Cruit Éireann’/ Harp Ireland’s social media and YouTube channels so that viewers can enjoy live harp music all day! You can watch this year’s performances here.

Events are not just online, but this year there were more than 80 harp events taking place around Ireland and abroad, featuring harp collaborations with storytellers, visual artists, singers, filmmakers, and other traditional musicians.

At Causeway Harp School, we champion the work of Cruit Éireann Harp Ireland for the wonderful work they do to celebrate, promote and support harp players, teachers and harp makers throughout Ireland, ensuring the continuation of the 1000 year old tradition of Irish harping and securing its bright future.

Harpmaker’s Workshop at Shankill Rd Library

As part of Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022, Turmennan Harps delivered a Workshop on harpmaking at the Shankill Road Library in Belfast.

Photo Credit: Michael Knan, Harps Alive Festival 2022

Almost all of my pupils and I play harps made by Belfast’s Brian Waugh and his father, Mervyn, who taught him his craft. Brian makes a range of harps, from learner models 26 and 34 to the stunning Eala, who’s shape is inspired by the curve of the swan’s wing.

I was delighted to bring along a talented young pupil of mine, Mollie Flack, to perform a few tunes on our Ealas during the workshop.

One of the most unique and special features of the Harps Alive/An Cruit Bheo event was its use of event spaces right across the city of Belfast, widening access to the tradition of Irish harping and dissolving cultural barriers to the music. I felt hugely privileged to have had the opportunity to play my harp on the once troubled, now rejuvenated Shankill Road.

Harp Summer School, Portballintrae

Harp pupils from Dunseverick Primary School took time out this summer to gather together, learn some new tunes, play some old ones and have fun together in sunny Portballintrae.

The fine weather enticed us outside and many visitors to the area were treated to the sound of 9 harps playing as they began their coastal walks from the car park!

Performing for passers by along the coast!

We have been enjoying learning a new polka set and tomorrow we will begin a new barndance called The Gypsy Princess. These new tunes will keep us busy learning and progressing before our new school term begins next month.

We are so grateful to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for our instruments. We really enjoy learning to play harp and love performing in our local community and beyond. Our harp music spreads beauty and joy wherever we go!

Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022

Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022

230 years ago, the last of the great harpers in Ireland gathered in Belfast for the Belfast Harp Assembly; a bid to preserve and revive the dying aural tradition of Irish harping.

Only eleven harpers turned up. Seven were blind. The eldest was Denis Hempson, 97, from County Derry.

A young Edward Bunting, aged just 19 at the time, was ascribed the task of transcribing the music to preserve it for future generations. The achievement of his work is not to be underestimated. It is the transcriptions of Edward Bunting from these ancient harpers that continues to inform and inspire new generations of harpers today and in the future.

Edward Bunting was so captivated by the music of the old harpers, particularly the very old style of Denis Hempson, and he continued to travel, collect and preserve harp music for the duration of his career. The collections of Edward Bunting span 1792-1840 and reside at Queen’s University, Belfast Special Collections.

These ancient manuscripts are my primary interest and I am committed to teaching this ancient music to my young pupils here on the north coast of Ireland, helping to revive this very special musical heritage.

As part of Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo, and thanks to nationwide body Harp Ireland/ Cruit Eireann, my young pupils and I enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to learn some of these ancient tunes and perform them at the splendid Mussenden Temple, on the cliffs of Downhill, at a Gala evening celebrating ‘The Life and Times of Denis Hempson.’

Performing in Mussenden Temple, the temple on the cliff

I am delighted to be playing a part in reviving and celebrating the tradition and heritage of Irish harp through passing on the music and history to a new generation of harp players.