On Thursday 20th February 2020, I had the honour of speaking at ‘The Irish Harp: Reception to Celebrate the recent UNESCO status designation of the Irish Harp as an Intangible Cultural Heritage’. I spoke about my own journey of learning the harp, which was quite a lonely one, and of how I have come toContinue reading “The Irish Harp: UNESCO status as Intangible Cultural Heritage”
Tag Archives: causeway harp school
Christmas and New Year at Causeway Harp School
Christmas is always a super busy time for harpists! This year pupils played at Dunseverick Primary School’s annual carol service at Ballintoy Parish Church. A group of 5 harpists played a selection of pieces as guests arrived and also did a special group performance of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and ‘Carol of the Bells’. WeContinue reading “Christmas and New Year at Causeway Harp School”
Build a Harp Workshop, Portballintrae
On Saturday 2nd November, 2019, a group of harpers gathered in Portballintrae Village Hall to build their very own harps, using a ‘Build a Harp’ kit, developed by Brian Waugh of Turmennan Learner Harps and Build a Harp, Ireland. Renowned harpmaker, Mervyn Waugh (Turmennan Harps, Ireland) and his son Brian, expertly guided us through theContinue reading “Build a Harp Workshop, Portballintrae”
Harp Tuition in Schools
I really look forward to my days in school teaching harp. Pupils as young as 7 have begun their harp adventures with me in school, some of whom, by age 9, are already working towards Grade IV in Irish Traditional Harp Performance through the London College of Music. To date, all of my pupils haveContinue reading “Harp Tuition in Schools”
Remembering Edward Bunting Festival 2019
There was once a time on the North Coast of Antrim when every great house had their harper and it was traditional that the harper must be able to play music for three distinct purposes: to calm and bring forth rest; to evoke emotion and bring forth tears and to inspire gladness, dancing and smiles.Continue reading “Remembering Edward Bunting Festival 2019”
Beginners’ Harp Class
Portballintrae, Sept-Oct 2019 In September 2019, ten women and girls gathered together in Portballintrae Village Hall to learn the Irish harp. After only 3 lessons together we have learned to play the traditional air, ‘The South Wind’ and a polka known as ‘Johnny Leary’s’. Each week we focus on good hand position and playing techniqueContinue reading “Beginners’ Harp Class”
Harp Tuition, Classes and Workshops on the Causeway Coast
Summer 2019 saw 26 harpists, ranging from age 6 to 60, meet in Bushmills Community Centre and in Portballintrae Village Hall for Beginner and Intermediate level Harp Workshops led by Katy Bustard of Causeway Harp School. In September 2019 a new 6 week Beginners’ Harp Course will be held on Saturday mornings in Portballintrae VillageContinue reading “Harp Tuition, Classes and Workshops on the Causeway Coast”
Causeway Harp School 