Inspiration for Composition with Aisling Lyons | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: 7/29/23 1-2:30pm
Learn how Aisling gets her inspiration for composing modern harp tunes. While giving tips and tricks to help with coming up with new melodies. Aisling will demonstrate her own tunes and will analyse different sections in relation to the discussion. There will be a focus on using chords as a basis & opportunities to discuss different opinions. Everyone will go away with their own new composition!

Inspired Arranging with Kim Robertson | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Beg./Int.   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 1-2:30pm
Tell a story with your arrangements, learning simple formulas for introductions, interludes and endings. A look at dynamics, phrasing and easy patterns and progressions that will expand the possibilities of any repertoire. [all levels welcome, ability to read music not necessary, basic knowledge of chord-structure helpful]

Internet for Harpers with Jaque Davison | Type: Lecture | Level: Any. | When: Live 07/21/23 12-12:30pm
Looking for tips and resources about the harp? Not sure where to start? Jaque will walk you through online resources applicable to all harpists. The material in this presentation results from more than 20 years of active collection, identification, and classification. Many resources are not available through Bing or Google searches. Individual websites will be displayed and demonstrated.

Irish Dance Music: Dancing the tune with Eileen Gannon | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Int.   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 9:30-11am
Give your dance tunes more energy. In this class Eileen will teach an Irish dance tune and the dance to go along with it. Start to really internalize the tune and get a feel for the lift of a piece. You will be given ideas for accompanying the tune to make it your own while keeping the feel of the dance alive.

Irish Dance Music: Technique and Style with Gráinne Hambly | Type: Hands-On  | Level: Int.   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 1-2:30pm
Do you ever wonder how you can make your playing sound more ‘Irish’ or struggle with playing dance tunes up to speed? This workshop will look at various elements of Irish style and associated techniques to help you develop fluency and confidence in playing dance tunes. Some of the areas discussed will include general technique and fingering suggestions for Irish Traditional Music; fingering technique for speed and tips for improving your tempo, rhythm and flow in dance tunes.

Irish Harp Music in the Regency Era with Nancy Hurrell | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 1-2:30pm
In the early nineteenth century “ladies of distinction” played harps for the evening’s entertainment in the great houses and castles of Ireland. In this Jane Austen era, their music ranged from Irish tunes to light classics in a delightfully delicate style. We’ll delve into the music books of Irish harpists and learn pieces by Nicolas Bochsa, the king’s harpist, and Charles Egan, son of the famous Irish harp maker, John Egan. Sight-reading is encouraged, but all are welcome.

Irish Music: Discover the Petrie Collection with Eileen Gannon | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 3-4:30pm
Learn melodies from “Petrie’s Complete Irish Music” collection. Some of which Eileen recorded on her latest album, “Down the Rocky Road”. George Petrie (c. 1790–1866) was a leading figure in the cultural and intellectual life of 19th-century Ireland. From a very young age he had the habit of writing down melodies that he heard while traveling around Ireland and contributed to the publications of Edward Bunting. After The Great Famine, Petrie was prominent in the establishment in Dublin of the Society for the Preservation and Publication of the Melodies of Ireland, which was first published in 1855.

Irish Slow Airs with Laoise Kelly | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.  | Archive Add-on
Just because they're called "slow" airs doesn't mean that they are easier to play than dance tunes. These beautiful pieces defy written music transcription. Laoise will take you through the fine art of interpreting and learning an Irish slow air and getting the nuances that make these pieces among the most challenging in the Irish tradition to get just right. This workshop is taught by ear and no written music will be provided.

Italian Dance Music: Getting the Groove (beginner) with Adriano Sangineto | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Beg.   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 9:30-11am
Explore the rhythmic aspect of the harp and develop that rhythmic-harmonic awareness that is essential for playing dance music. The workshop is divided into learning the basic steps of the dances, singing and studying the techniques on the harp. The course will deal with both Italian folk dances and original compositions of Adriano.

Italian Dance Music: Getting the Groove (intermediate) with Adriano Sangineto | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Int.   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 1-2:30PM
Explore the rhythmic aspect of the harp and develop that rhythmic-harmonic awareness that is essential for playing dance music. The workshop is divided into learning the basic steps of the dances, singing and studying the techniques on the harp. The course will deal with both Italian folk dances and original compositions of Adriano.

Italian folk dances from the North with Adriano Sangineto | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 9:30-11am
Learn Italian dances from the Northern Italy, mainly from the Piedmont region which were influenced in part by The Occitan culture. The workshop is divided into learning the basic steps of the dances, singing, and studying the techniques on the harp.

Italian folk dances from the South with Adriano Sangineto | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 3-4:30pm
Bring your dancing shoes as Adriano teaches you how to play and dance Italian dances from the Southern Italy (tarantella, tammurriata, pizzica). The workshop is divided into learning the basic steps of the dances, singing and studying the techniques on the harp.

Jewish Music & Modes with Sunita Staneslow | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | Archive Add-on
Jewish music often has a distinctive and passionate sound created by the modes that it uses. What modes are commonly used in Jewish music? Sunita will give an overview and cultural signifcance of these modes and what will help make your arrangement or performance sound more authentic. You'll learn two traditional Jewish melodies that will give you the confidence to play for a Jewish wedding or audience. Add some Jewish flavors to your repertoire!

“The King of the Harmony”: Continuo and its Modern Evolution | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live 7/23/23 2:30-3:30pm HHS Add-on
This session deals with the role of harp as a leading instrument of early harmony, the so-called “continuo”. A bass line can change the mood, lead the rhythm and give different nuances of a tune to become one of the main factors responsible for the aesthetics of music.

Latin American Rhythmic and Accompaniment Patterns with Alfredo Ortiz | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 9:30-11am
Add more fun to your accompaniments. Alfredo will guide you through different Latin American Rhythmic and Accompaniment Patterns to open up a whole new world of possibilities in your playing. This is a great introduction to learning some of the traditional folk harp playing styles of Latin America and a fantastic way to bring more dimension into your repertoire.

Latin American Rhythms Using Pachelbel's Canon with Nicolas Carter | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int   | When: Live   | 7/23/23 9:30-11am
Spice up the Canon with rhythmic variations, played as a Paraguayan polka, as a Paraguayan Guarania and note the subtle differences in the accents of similar Latin American music as the Mexican Son or the Venezuelan Jorocho. A great intro to Latin American traditions.

Latin American Song: Learn Moliendo Café with Nicolas Carter | Type:   | Level: Int   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 3-4:30pm
Learn this classic Latin American song from Venezuela that will get you dancing. "Moliendo Café" ("Grinding Coffee") has become popular around the world, and has even been used as a football (soccer) chant! Improvisational and rhythmic exercises will be part of developing the feel for this composition.

Latin American Waltzes with Nicolas Carter | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.   | Archive Add-on
Most of the world's cultures include some kind of waltz in their dance repertoire. In this fun workshop, learn about the distinct characteristics of waltzes in Latin American music and how specific Latin harp techniques will make you sound like an entire band. Nicolas will teach the music "by ear." Nicolas will use the Paraguayan waltz Lena Luna. You can hear him play it on the video on his bio page. Bring a recording device to jog your memory later.

Latin Harp Special Effects with Alfredo Ortiz | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 1-2:30pm
Latin American harp traditions include many unique and fun special effects. Even if you've never heard these terms before, you'll learn muffling techniques, muffled glissandi, Paraguayan "trino" (mandoline-like effect) and more. If you're interested in pop or jazz or looking to do something with your own compositions, this workshop will expand your technique repertoire with these interesting effects. Even beginners will be able to master some effects right away while understanding others to put them into practice in the future. Alfredo will guide you through some of the special effects used in Latin harp music.

Lead Sheets on Cross-Strung with John Metras | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | Archive Add-on
With a cross-strung harp you don't need to wonder if the lead sheet can be played on your harp. It can! Take a look with John at some tunes that would be virtually impossible to play on a lever harp and how one might arrange them to work easily on your harp.

Let the Spirit Move You with Robbin Gordon-Cartier | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 9:30-11am
What music fits where, how to know what denominations use what music and the different ways they are played. Be able to go from a synagogue to a Pentecostal Church with ease and assurance. Let's explore arrangements, rules, and repertoire.

Let's Get It Started with Robbin Gordon-Cartier | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 722/23 9:30-11am
Whether you are just getting started or want a fresh start at the harp, this class will give you all the tools and motivation you need to get going at the harp. The class will cover all the basics: finding the right harp for you, looking for a teacher, developing a preactice routine, picking appropriate music, reviewing basic technique, and finding time to play the harp!

Lilting Lullabies with Kim Robertson | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 3-4:30pm
A sampler of beautiful, international lullabies along with some ideas for simple, lilting LH patterns -All levels welcome

Llanera Harp Introduction with Nicolas Castaneda | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | Archive Add-on
You don't need a Llanera harp for this workshop--any harp will do! This fun workshop is an introduction to the Llanera Harp, a traditional folk instrument played in the plains of Colombia and Venezuela. Learn its origins and how the melodic and harmonic relationship are combined with syncopated and polyrhythmic rhythms. You will learn a Llanera harp short piece that applies all these basic playing techniques. This workshop is the foundation of Nicolas' other workshops later in the weekend.

Llanera Harp Por Derecho with Nicolas Castaneda | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.   | Archive Add-on
Por Derecho is a 12/8 structure that uses polyrhythmics, hemiolas and multiple percussive effects in both hands plus improvisation. Get ready for a rhythm workout with Nicolas. You will learn how to play in the "Por Derecho" system by learning a short piece "Pajarillo". This piece will offer you a fun way to explore and strengthen all aspects of your playing, learn about hand independence and improvisation with a Latin American taste.

Lute music for the harp with Christa Patton | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 9:30-11am
In the 16th century, the harp barrowed from lute repertoire enriching the compositions with its ample range and resonant voicings. Learn songs and dances from all over Europe from lute sources adapted (or enhanced) for harp! All harps welcome

Make a living as a gigging harpist with Robbin Gordon-Cartier | Type: Participation Lecture   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/23/23 9:30-11am
‘You want me to play what?? Explore ways to navigate the new world of being a gigging harpist. As technologies continue to grow it can become overwhelming. Robbin will walk you through the tech she uses. Topics will include: teaching workshops on Zoom, FaceTime with clients, music and reading apps, ForScore, page turning pedals, and putting together digital set lists. Embracing these topics will enhance your professionalism. Robbin will also give you strategies and techniques to enable you to please the client while staying true to yourself!

Make Me a Lyre! with Nicolas Carter | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | Archive Add-on
Smaller than even most lap harps, how can you make the most out of a 10-string lyre? Nicolas explores many ways to make music with the lyre, techniques, musical patterns, rhythms, special effects and even half steps notes. You will be surprised with the musical possibilities. Check out his quick little video: http:// youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOIEYU3qpQk&t=8s

Mannin Aboo! with Rachel Hair | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Int./Adv.   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 1-2:30pm
The Isle of Man might be the smallest of the Celtic Nations but it punches above it’s weight in culture with a fantastic traditional music and dance scene. Rachel has taught harp on the island for over 10 years and will teach you some of her favourite Manx tunes, played regularly by her students in sessions and for Manx dancing.

Manx Music 101 with Rachel Hair | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Beg.   | Archive Add-on
The Isle of Man is sandwiched in the middle of the Irish Sea between Scotland, England and Ireland, and its music has some similarities to its surrounding neighbours but also some unique qualities. Learn about how the music was revived and learn a sampling of this particular flavor of Celtic music! Tunes will be taught by ear, with music provided as a downloadable PDF.

Manx Music Starter Kit with Rachel Hair | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Beg.   | Archive Add-on
Sandwiched in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man and its music has some similarities to its surrounding neighbours in Ireland, Scotland and Great Britain but also some unique qualities. Learn a sampling of this particular flavor of Celtic music! Tunes will be taught by ear, with music provided as a downloadable PDF. To learn more about the culture, see Rachel's Manx Music 101 in our Archive for a tour of the island and more tunes!

Manx to the Max with Rachel Hair | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.   | Archive Add-on
The mysterious island in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man, is the smallest of the Celtic Nations, but in recent years has been making waves in the Celtic Music scene. The Claasagh (Manx Gaelic for harp) has been undergoing a recent revival on the island, so come help further the cause and learn some of the tunes from the island in the process! Add some Manx tunes to your repertoire. Tunes will be taught by ear, with music provided at the end of the workshop.

Messing with Chords with William Jackson | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 9:30-11am
Experimenting with simple chords patterns which can then be used as an accompaniment to songs, or as the basis for new compositions.

Mexican Romantic Music with Nicolas Carter | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.   | Archive Add-on
El reloj (The Clock) is a song of the Bolero genre, with music and lyrics by Mexican composer and singer Roberto Cantoral. The song became a classic in the late fifties, the golden era of the Mexican trios. It has been recorded endlessly ever since. The song works nicely on the harp and is easy to learn and you'll learn some Mexican-flavored accompaniment too.

The Modern Bard: Marketing Methods for Renaissance Festivals and Historical Themed Events | Type: Lecture   | Level: Any   | When: Live 7/22/23 12:00-12:30pm
Marketing yourself as a harpist can be challenging - with the growing popularity and accessibility of the harp, we are facing more local competition than ever. The ol’ “bread and butter” wedding gigs might not be enough. Or maybe you simply want to branch out into a specialized area of interest. Whatever your incentive, specializations can be an asset. This discussion will focus on marketing yourself as a harpist for renaissance festivals and related historical/fantasy events. Topics will include how to find the gigs, what Ren Fest entertainment directors are looking for in a harpist, how to present yourself in an Electronic Press Kit (EPK), other important marketing tools such as YouTube and social media, making the most out of networking, and more.

Modes & Moods | Type: Hands-on  | Level: Any   | When: Live 7/23/23 12-1:00pm HHS Add-on
Exploring how different forms of ancient Scottish and Irish scales and modes might relate to the practice of modern music therapy, for instance how variations on a simple musical theme might be employed in a therapeutic setting to move from a single vocal sound into a shared conversation and interaction.

Music Business Basics with Kathy DeAngelo | Type: Lecture   | Level: Any   | When: Live Zoom   | 7/29/23 10-11:30am
So you wanna be a professional musician? You’ve been playing harp for years and want to turn your fun hobby into earned income. Being a professional musician is not just what music you play or how you play because the music business is mostly about business. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you’ll need to consider: from spreadsheets and contracts to how to promote yourself. Bring your questions to engage in a lively Q&A.

Music for the Journey Home with Cass Jendzurski | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.   | Archive Add-on
Cass brings to this class her 20 years of experience in ministering to those who are dying. Because not all music is created equal in this situation, playing in a hospice environment or other situations where a loved one is actively dying has a special dynamic that requires the utmost sensitivity. She will lead this workshop on the specifics for playing harp and/or singing at the deathbed through demonstration, discussion and group participation. Beginners should know simple chord structures.

Music Reading 101 with Robbin Gordon-Cartier | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Beg.   | Archive Add-on
Just as there are many recipes for Chocolate Chip Cookies; there are many ways to learn how to read music. The key is finding the way that works the easiest and quickest for you. In this workshop Robbin will go over the many ways to learn the basics of note reading, drills for practicing reading and how to go from reading notes on the paper to playing notes on the harp.

Music Reading 201 with Robbin Gordon-Cartier | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Beg.   | Archive Add-on
Building on Music Reading 101, this workshop will incorporate reading chords, playing from lead sheets and recognizing patterns rather than reading the notes one by one. Robbin will help you work on sight-reading skills and identifying key signatures to make note reading as easy as reading words in an article. Learning how to count out rhythms and note values is also covered.

Next Steps in Therapeutic Harping with Karen Peterson| Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live Zoom 9/2/23 12pm-1:30pm
If you've already graduated from a certification program, or if you're already working as a therapeutic harpist, what's next? Share effective repertoire for various patient conditions. Learn the best uses of modes and therapeutic improvisation techniques. Discuss methods for getting paid work or adding more paid hours to the work you already have. We'll also touch on some of the latest research in therapeutic music. Learn from Karen's experience working as a Certified Music Practitioner, as a Director on the boards of both MHTP and the NSBTM, and as a long-time member of the MHTP Research Committee.

Nordic Traditional Dance Music with Erik Ask-Upmark | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | When: On Video Starting July 1  
One central aspect of Swedish folk music is that it is a tradition where playing for dancing is really important, and the harp is ideally suited for playing dance music! Here you will learn some polskas, slängpolskas, waltzes and schottisches and how to make them really "swing" so people listening will want to get up from their seats and start moving to the music!

Nordic Tunes “Must-Haves” with Erik Ask-Upmark | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | Archive Add-on
If you ever find yourself at a Nordic music session, or for that matter a Celtic session where you want to infuse some "nordicness", then you will be glad to have taken this workshop! All melodies here will definitely be familiar to other musicians in the Nordic genre since they are all part of the standard repertoire, and for one single good reason-- they're rollickin' great tunes!

Our Day as a Therapeutic Musician with Edie Elkan | Type: Lecture   | Level: Any   | When: Any | Archive Add-on
You've heard of harp therapy and therapeutic music training programs, and you are interested in this field, but how does doing this work differ from a wedding gig, playing at church or a recital? Come and find out what therapeutic musicians do every day and what it's like. Discover what a fulfilling day can be and what special skills are needed. Come if you're interested in the topic. You don't know what you don't know.

Patterns for Ease and Dexterity Throughout the Harp with Màiri Chaimbeul | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any | When:On Video Starting July 1
Explore patterns that will help promote fluidity and ease as well as speed and accuracy throughout the whole range of the harp. Màiri will show you examples that will develop your finger independence and dexterity, while focusing on reducing tension to help you play with greater comfort and flow. You’ll learn how to incorporate these patterns into your practice and talk about using these as a jumping off point for your own particular needs.

Pipe down with the harp with Rachel Hair | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Int./Adv.   | When: Live   | 7/23/23 9:30-11am
They may only have 9 notes and be somewhat louder than our harps, but the Scottish bagpipes have an array of repertoire from airs and waltzes, to strathspeys, marches, jigs and reels, many of which fit fantastically on the harp. Rachel has been raking through the collections from and has chosen some beauties tunes to teach you all.

Play Along Songs for Kids with Deborah Henson-Conant | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 9:30-11am
Looking for songs in your repertoire that really connect with people? The songs we learned as children are often the most powerful. DHC will present some of the most cherished children's songs that are perfect for sing-alongs, therapeutic work, and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. You will learn how to arrange these familiar melodies to accompany yourself and others.

Play Faster and Better with Maeve Gilchrist | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.   | Archive Add-on
Maeve will walk you through how to play both faster AND better, something that you might think is impossible for you. Maeve makes it look easy but there's a process she's worked for years that makes her playing look effortless. It's not really a secret but it will take some dedication! If you're interested in working on building up your dexterity, style and comfort in more up tempo music, this is the workshop for you. You won't be going from 0 to 60 by the end of the workshop, but you'll be headed in that direction.

Playing from a Lead Sheet with Verlene Schermer | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Int.   | Archive Add-on
Lead sheets include just melody and chords, and sometimes song lyrics. Learn how to make an arrangement on the fly using lead sheets. Find out how to recognize which chords are in the key signature. Verlene will then give you strategies to adapt chords that are not in the key. Learn some tricks on what to do with the accidentals in the melody. The handout includes a Jazz chord formula chart so you can figure out what notes are in those crazy chords like F#m7b5 and Cmaj13#11, and whether you will be able to pull them off on a lever harp.

Playing in a Healing Environment with Verlene Schermer | Type: Hands-on   | Level: Any   | Archive Add-on
Understanding how melody, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics affects our physiology will give us tools in our music choices, interpretations of music, and music improvisations in order to be effective in a healing setting such as hospice or hospital, or even in our own private space. Verlene will talk about a few studies and show you how to use the findings to play music in a variety of interpretations, altering the tempo, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics to experience a variety of feelings and physical responses. She'll also show you how to improvise over chord progressions with a focus on melodic content in order to more fully understand how to play music that soothes.

Playing Weddings of Different Faiths with Nancy Hurrell | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Beg./Int.   | When: Live   | 7/21/23 1-2:30pm
From Alleluia to Mazel Tov learn the common practices for ceremonies in Jewish, Catholic and Christian churches. Nancy will guide you on appropriate prelude, procession and recession music for each faith. We’ll learn standard ceremony music, “Simon Tov” and “Celtic Alleluia,” and gain insights to prepare you for your next church wedding. Advanced beginners and intermediate level; sight-reading is necessary.

Pop with Pizazz – Create Your Own! with Shelley Fairplay | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 9:30-11am
Write your own pop song! By looking at standard song structures, chord progressions and harp specific tricks Shelley will guide you through the creative process of writing your own pop song.

Power Progression with Deborah Henson-Conant | Type: Hands-On   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 1-2:30pm
Using Beethoven's, "Ode to Joy" DHC will introduce you to the ii V I vi chord progression. Develop the skill of infinite creative expansion from a single consistent structure.

Prevent Injury & Play Better 1 with Alfredo Ortiz | Type: Lecture   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/20/23 3-4:30pm
Dr. Ortiz will help you focus on the right aspects of your technique and learn good habits. Prevention is the key and breaking bad habits may seem difficult but learning how your body works and responds to your playing technique is essential. Take this workshop if you've ever gotten up from the harp with sore hands, arms or shoulders! This workshop is not meant to diagnose each participant's individual issues but feel free to ask questions! Alfredo will ask for volunteers who would like him to access any performance related injuries.

Prevent Injury & Play Better 2 with Alfredo Ortiz | Type: Lecture   | Level: Any   | When: Live   | 7/22/23 3-4:30pm
Dr. Ortiz will help you focus on the right aspects of your technique and learn good habits. Prevention is the key and breaking bad habits may seem difficult but learning how your body works and responds to your playing technique is essential. Take this workshop if you've ever gotten up from the harp with sore hands, arms or shoulders! This workshop is not meant to diagnose each participant's individual issues but feel free to ask questions! Alfredo will ask for volunteers who would like him to access any performance related injuries. Anyone who attended his first workshop is welcome to come back with more questions/concerns.