Harp Workshops in the sun ☀️ What a treat for me to travel to beautiful Wales to teach an Irish Harp Workshop as part of the very first Cambrian Harp Festival, in association with the wonderful Derwent Harp School. Participants of all ages and abilities leaned to play Planxty Irwin, by 17th century composer andContinueContinue reading “Cambrian Harp Festival”
Tag Archives: harp teacher
New Book: Traditional Irish Music for Small Harps
I am delighted to announce the publication of my first book of Traditional Irish Music for harp. This is a book of arrangements for small harps of 20 and 26 strings (or 19, 22, 27 or 29 strings and anything in between!). It is the culmination of my work teaching harp to beginners, many ofContinueContinue reading “New Book: Traditional Irish Music for Small Harps”
Covid-19 Update
https://vimeo.com/420425127 My contribution to Harp Ireland’s Online Concert Series, ‘Harps for Hope’ It was my pleasure to contribute to Harp Ireland’s ‘Harps For Hope’ concert series during the Covid-19 lockdown. Sadly, all classes and workshops were cancelled due to the Covid 19 lockdown. However, I am still offering individual tuition online via Skype and haveContinueContinue reading “Covid-19 Update”
The Irish Harp: UNESCO status as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Katy Bustard, Janet Harbison and Aibhlin McCrannPhoto credit: Mal McCann 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 quiteContinueContinue reading “The Irish Harp: UNESCO status as Intangible Cultural Heritage”
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’. WeContinueContinue reading “Christmas and New Year at Causeway Harp School”
Causeway U3A Irish Harp Classes
Causeway U3A Traditional Harp Class in Portballintrae Village Hall On Monday mornings it is my pleasure to teach two Traditional Irish Harp Classes as part of the Causeway U3A activity programme. The Causeway U3A has a wealth of activities and groups on offer and there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone! PlayingContinueContinue reading “Causeway U3A Irish Harp Classes”
Build a Harp Workshop, Portballintrae
Building the soundbox 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 guidedContinueContinue reading “Build a Harp Workshop, Portballintrae”
Harp Tuition in Schools
Pupils from Dunseverick Primary School performing ‘Be Thou My Vision’ on Prize Day 2019 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 HarpContinueContinue 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.ContinueContinue reading “Remembering Edward Bunting Festival 2019”
Beginners’ Harp Class
Portballintrae, Sept-Oct 2019 Beginners’ Harp Class, Portballintrae Village Hall, October 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 weContinueContinue reading “Beginners’ Harp Class”
Causeway Harp School 