Workshops By Presenter

  • We're glad to have Erik back at his fourth Somerset (so far two on video, two in person)! Fueled by his interest in medieval history and fantasy literature, Erik Ask-Upmark started playing folk music when he was a teenager and took up piano and harpsichord. His friend built a small harp and asked him to try it out and he was hooked. At the same time he took up the Swedish bagpipe. Nordic music became his passion and he has recorded many CDs solo and with his groups including the critically acclaimed "Heaven's Polska" and "Winter is coming". His latest CD 1350 - Music for a plague features medieval music where he plays different Gothic harps, among many other instruments! Erik has has earned the coveted title of "Riksspelman" (Master musician of the Realm in Sweden) and performs early music and Nordic traditional music both as a soloist and with his groups Svanevit, Dråm and Falsobordone. He lives at the tip of Sweden and is just about an hour from Copenhagen from where he usually travels all over the world to give concerts and workshops. Listen to Maureen’s interview with Erik on the HarpSong® podcast

    Presenter Website: Erik Ask-Upmark

  • Black Death Tunes with Erik Ask-Upmark | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | Archive Add-on

    Erik's previous workshops at Somerset in medieval and renaissance music have always been popular, and this one follows in those footsteps, only now he's focusing on a single year and a specific event in history-- the fateful year 1350 AD and the Black Death! It's not as gruesome a subject as you might think. The era is home to some amazing music, utterly captivating and especially poignant considering the times and circumstances in which it was composed. If you have even the slightest interest in history and medieval music, you will find this workshop very fascinating! Historical harps are of course welcome but not needed as any harp will do fine. Part of the workshop will explore the possibilities of singing with the harp while accompanying ourselves.

    Early music for the Folk Harp | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int.-Adv.| When: On Video Starting July 1

    750 years of music history crammed into one workshop! This will be a headlong dive into the wonderful world of early music, meaning European music from the span 1000-1750 AD. Needless to say, we will be a bit pressed for time to include every single tune written during this period (duh...), but you will come out at the other end with at least a few tunes from each era - the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque! Historical harps are welcome but certainly not necessary – the tunes will work equally well on all types of harps!

    Nordic Traditional Dance Music | 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!

    Recording the Harp | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live Zoom 07/30/23 5-6:30pm

    Even if the CD has gone the way of the dodo, recorded music is still a thing, and at some point you will probably need or want to make a recording of yourself playing the harp - maybe just for archival or personal reasons, or maybe in the hope of making the ultimate, best-selling harp recording of all time! Either way, Erik is here to show you some of the best and most practical ways to make it happen. We will discuss things such as microphones, recording software (Mac or PC), post processing and applying effects, and lots more. Apart from working as a freelance musician, Erik founded his own record label (Nordic Tradition, www.nordictradition.com) back in the late 1990's and has recorded over 20 full-length albums on this label alone as well as doing all kinds of studio work over the years. </p>

    Swedish Christmas Music | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live Zoom 07/30/23 10-11:30am

    It will maybe feel a bit strange to play Christmas music in July, but it is actually the perfect time to start practicing, so you’ll have those tunes ready when December comes around! In case you didn't know, Christmas is HUGE in the Nordic countries, and there's an enormous amount of traditional music that comes with it. You will learn some essential Swedish Christmas tunes that will have everyone humming along, from perky polskas to smarmy Romantic choral songs arranged for the harp, as well as hauntingly beautiful medieval ballads, all connected to the Nordic Christmas ("Jul/Yule") in some way! Almost by definition, there will be many songs in this workshop but you don't need to know Swedish OR be a singer in order to enjoy it!

Erik Ask-Upmark with his harp

  • “My Muse, tho' hamely in attire, May touch the heart." said Robert Burns. There is nothing ‘hamely’ about Debbie Brewin-Wilson’s artistry as a musician and singer, and the combination of these skills with her passion for Robert Burns results in music that echoes ‘the wood note wild’ as Burns describes the natural and unpretentious singing he liked best. An experienced performer and teacher, Debbie’s repertoire also includes many traditional Scots ballads and Scottish jigs, reels, and strathspeys as well. She is also an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, her current congregation being in nearby Sparta, NJ. To date, she has three solo CDs, Dream of Caledonia, Roots and Wings, and Love Came Down at Christmas, a mix of original and traditional songs. Cofounder, with Kathy DeAngelo of the Harper’s Escape, she was on staff at the Escape for all of its 24 years and co-authored the Escape tunebooks, Ten Years of Tunes, Another Ten Years of Tunes and The Parting Glass). Debbie has also published three song and harp arrangement collections: Burns for Bairns and Wood Notes Wild and her newest Harp of My King, a compilation of Celtic Tunes New & Old for Christian Worship, which also includes a CD companion. She created our Basically Beginning program in 2009. Beginners will be particularly glad to have a chance to be in-person in her workshops this year. She will also be doing the Beginner group for the Harpers' Escape at Somerset Thursday July 20. Check out an interview with Debbie on the HarpSong® Podcast

    Presenter Website: Debbie Brewin-Wilson

  • Beginner's Basics | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: Live 07/21/23 9:30-11am

    New harpers or those who need a refresher should take this workshop so Debbie can guide you through the basics of hand position, placing, and playing. You'll get lots of hands-on pointers and exercises to help you grow comfortable with your instrument and learn to play more fluidly.

    Beginner's Chord Basics | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: Live 07/21/23 3-4:30pm

    If you're having trouble getting your hands to cooperate with forming chord shapes, Debbie will demystify chord structures and reinforce the harp fundamentals you’ll need to become more fluent in playing chords. She'll show you how to play your favorite tunes using a “lead sheet” , which is just music that displays a chord letter rather than using the bass clef for the left hand.

    Beginner's Coordination Basics | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: Live 07/22/23 9:30-11am

    Feeling that you can play one hand or the other but not both at the same time? This is common for beginning players. Debbie will review some of the basics to lay the groundwork, then focus on pointers, to help you get both hands working together. She’ll teach a tune to reinforce good playing technique with both hands, while reviewing chord structures at the same time.

    Celtic Service | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 07/23/23 8am

    Debbie is our official pastor in residence! Join her for her Sunday morning worship service and make "a joyful noise".

    Harpers' Escape at Somerset (beginner group): Add-on | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg. | When: Live 07/20/23 1-4:30pm

    In the first session, everybody learns the same "group" tune and adds accompaniment suited to their level. Then each group will learn additional tunes, learned by ear, and get left-hand tips and tricks for the accompaniment in the second session. This is an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. People who are signed up for this will get access to download audio files to listen to in advance. This Add-on includes a second Saturday in September. Debbie will be leading the beginner-level group.

    Harpers' Escape Somerset Saturday (beginner group): Add-on | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg. | When: Live 09/16/23 1-5:30pm

    This Saturday is a continuation of the Escape at the July festival, an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. Review session is followed by the Use It or Lose It session with the entire group. A Teacher's Concert ends the day.

  • Beginner's Boost 1: Exercises 1 | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: On Video Starting July 1

    If you've just started to play the harp, this video workshop is from a series Debbie created for the Beginners' Boot Camp in 2020. If you already know how to tune the harp, sit at the harp and your basic hand positions, start this video! Now start learning the notes and how to pluck! Thumbs up! Get comfortable with the instrument and yourself! Music-reading ability is not necessary. Video 4 from the 2020 Series.

    Beginner's Boost 1: Exercises 2 | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: On Video Starting July 1

    If you've just started to play the harp, this video workshop is from a series Debbie created for the Beginners' Boot Camp in 2020. This segment continues on from Beginner's Boost Exercises 1 and here you're learning how to position and playing using more fingers. Practice plucking and playing scales. Thumbs up! Use both hands and practice cross-overs.Music-reading ability is not necessary. Video 5 from the 2020 Series.

    Beginner's Boost 1: Sitting at the Harp | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: On Video Starting July 1

    Debbie gets you off to a good start with some solid foundation in learning how to position and sit at the harp and how to work on hand position. Review these "basics" videos as often as needed to establish good habits. Video 3 from the 2020 series.

    Beginner's Boost 1: Using a Tuner | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: On Video Starting July 1

    If you've just gotten your harp and want to start building a solid foundation for learning and playing it, the first step is actually learning how to tune it! Debbie explains how to use a tuner to do that. Video 2 from the 2020 series

    Beginner's Boost 2: Cookie Cutters | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: On Video Starting July 1

    We've brought back 3 videos from Debbie's Beginners Boost 2 series. View these videos and refer back to them when you need to before our 'live' festival and your sessions with Debbie. In this segment, Debbie gets to showing you 3-finger chords, starting with triads, and explains how these chord patterns easily translate to every key. Learn to place, then play. Placing is important.

    Beginner's Boost 2: Finger Conventions | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: On Video Starting July 1

    We've brought back 3 videos from Debbie's Beginners Boost 2 series. View these videos and refer back to them when you need to before our 'live' festival and your sessions with Debbie. In this segment, Shapes of chords, Debbie calls them cookie cutters, become all-important and once you learn the shapes it will make your playing clean and beautiful. Consistency is key. Place, then play, is the harp mantra. Learn which finger to play for which intervals.

    Beginner's Boost 2: Octave Patterns | Type: Hands-on | Level: Nov.-Beg | When: On Video Starting July 1

    We've brought back 3 videos from Debbie's Beginners Boost 2 series. View these videos and refer back to them when you need to before our 'live' festival and your sessions with Debbie. In this segment, you'll learn the most common "big" chord patterns or "cookie cutters" as Debbie calls them. Be sure to place, then play! Thumbs up!

  • New format for this year's Escape! In the first session, everybody learns the same "group" tune and adds accompaniment suited to their level. Then each group will learn additional tunes, learned by ear, and get left-hand tips and tricks for the accompaniment in the second session. This is an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. People who are signed up for this will get access to download audio files to listen to in advance. This Add-on includes a second Saturday in September. Debbie will be leading the beginner-level group.

David Brown

  • David will be presenting at the Historical Harp Society's Sunday conference Add-On at Somerset. He is a lute and harp builder, conservator, and repair technician in Baltimore, Maryland and has worked on several projects for museums, such as the Este harp in the Galleria Estense in Modena, Italy. David has contributed to various seminars, symposia, and courses regarding early instrument construction. His ongoing work has carried his interest to the later evolution of Welsh triple harp construction from the 18th into the 19th century.

  • Harp Construction from 1607-1762 | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 4:15-5:00pm HHS Add-on

    Notes on different aspects of the construction and stringing of Italian double and triple harps, Welsh triple harps, chromatic German Davidsharfen, and hook harps.

  • Deette Bunn says it was love at first sight but took a year of persistent parental persuasion before she started harp studies when she was 9. Classically trained with a Bachelors and Masters degree in harp performance, Deette has soloed with orchestras throughout the US and has held several principle harp positions as well. She discovered the lever harp - both single and double strung - during her 17 year stint as 2nd harp with the Syracuse Symphony and has been an active teacher and performer on the single and double strung lever harp ever since. Teaching is her passion and she is currently on the faculty at Syracuse and Cornell Universities, giving lessons on both pedal and lever harp. She maintains a full private studio, a busy performance schedule, and is the director of Harmony of Harps, a local lever harp ensemble for which she has written numerous lever harp arrangements. In addition, she works as a double-harp therapist at her local hospital and hospice. Deette is a long-time Somerset attendee. Her Double-strung workshops were so well-received last two years we had to have her back.

  • Double Strung Harp: Adapting Single Music | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 9:30-11am

    You don’t need a whole new repertoire to play double strung. Learn some techniques for adapting music for single strung harp to your double strung. Deette will show you how to arrange and adapt music you already have in your library creating arrangements that are uniquely double strung. Feel free to bring questions and issues you are having to class.

    Double-Strung & Harp Essentials for Beginners | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg. | Archive Add-on

    Yes! You can begin on a double-strung! This workshop is for those who are new to harping and the double-strung. You will learn how a double-strung is different from a single strung harp, how to hold your harp, basic harp technique and easy exercises appropriate for any kind of harp, and how to use them effectively on the double-strung harp. You will also learn about basic hand shapes for chords, and how to turn those into fun rhythm patterns as well as beginning techniques like echoing and overlapping that are unique to double-strung harp.

    Double-strung Harp Improv Techniques in Therapy Settings | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/20/23 3-4:30pm

    Become more comfortable improvising, Deettte will teach you some tricks and techniques to get you started. With a little time and practice, you’ll be on your way! Deette will reassure you that you don’t have to know hundreds of popular songs, hymns, and carols memorized in your therapy work. Being able to improvise opens up whole new options that are effective and enjoyable for you and your patients/clients.

    Double-Strung Next Steps with Deette Bunn | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    If you already play the harp, this is your chance to learn how the double-strung adds interest to your arrangements. We'll learn how to take advantage of never having your hands get in each others' way and work around having to change levers. You'll get solid new exercises to assist you with hand independence and new ideas for "thinking outside the box" when creating your arrangements.

  • At home in two cultures, Nicolas Carter was raised in Asuncion, Paraguay, where he learned to play the Paraguayan harp and later in Minnesota. His principal teacher Isidro Caballero (Father to Paraguay's harp genius Nicolasito) taught him in the traditional folk style of learning by ear, an “ideal way for me to learn, every note I have to hear and feel it.” Playing professionally since 1988 in a variety of settings, as accompanist to singer Lizza Bogado, to playing in a various trios and groups from “Son del Sur” (Song from the South, Latin-American folk music), and “Los Amigos” (traditional Mexican music) to ” Nube” (New World Fusion). As a solo harpist, Nicolas has had concerts in Europe, the United States, and Latin America. Nicolas combines his passion for music with a deep interest in theatre, and indeed, holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Direction from the University of Minnesota. His CDs, more than a dozen, reflect the several musical idioms from Latin to Fusion in which he is fluent. After living in Central America for a few years, Nicolas is now is based in White Plains NY and gigs all over the United States. Check out Nicolas’ interview on The HarpSong® Podcast.

    Presenter Website: Nicolas Carter

  • Andean Music from Argentina | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    Carnavalito is a traditional indigenous dance from northern Argentina. Its current form is an expression of a syncretism between Pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial culture. The song has a catchy melody that will invite you to skip around the house. If you love the flavor of Andean music this workshop is for you.

    Christmas Latin Style | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    Here is an entertaining way to spice up your Christmas repertoire! Nicolas Carter has put a new twist on beloved North American traditional Christmas pieces so you can wake up your listeners with joyful rhythms and a delightful surprise to the ear. Nicolas makes all his workshops FUN, so he'll show you how to play "Joy to the World” as a Colombian Cumbia, a very popular Latin dance music style that will truly bring joy to the song.

    Harp in Spain and the New World | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 07/22/23 1-2:30pm

    Nicolas Carter - Paraguayan harp Christa Patton - Spanish Baroque harp

    The musical traditions from 17th century. Spain have come down to us as living traditions through the multiplicity of cultures found chiefly in Central and South America. Join Nicolas and Christa to explore the connections between the music of Spain and it’s dominions as well as a unique source from Peru called the Trujillo Manuscript which synthesizes both indigenous and European musical styles.

    Latin American Rhythms Using Pachelbel's Canon | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int | When: Live 07/23/23 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 | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int | When: Live 07/22/23 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 | 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.

    Make Me a Lyre! | 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 this video for more information.

    Mexican Romantic Music | 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.

    Storytelling and the Harp | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 3-4:30pm

    Make storytelling come alive with your harp! ​Through Nicolas’s warm, affirming guidance, you will surprise yourself as he guides you through improvising melodies and creating sounds with your harp. Accompany your storytelling and enjoy what your hands can create. Bring a story to share.

Màiri Chaimbeul with her harp

  • Màiri Chaimbeul is a Juno-nominated harp player and composer from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. A native Gaelic speaker, Màiri is known for her versatile sound, rooted in language and tradition, combined with a distinctive improvising voice and expressive rhythmic approach.

    Currently based in Halifax NS, after almost a decade in Boston MA, Màiri tours regularly throughout North America, theUK, and Europe. Màiri can currently be heard regularly in duo with leading US/Scottish fiddler Jenna Moynihan, Canadian Folk Music Award-winning prog-trad group Aerialists, and the new improvised-music group Quilting.

    Màiri is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, where she was awarded the American Roots Award, before joining the college's faculty in 2018.

    Màiri was Berklee College of Music’s lever harp and Celtic music professor from 2018-2021, and maintains a small online private teaching studio as well as regularly teaching short courses and camps internationally.

    Presenter Website: Màiri Chaimbeul

  • Patterns for ease and dexterity throughout the harp | 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.

    Scottish Gaelic Language and Song: Isle of Skye | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live Zoom 07/30/23 1-2:30pm

    Màiri will teach a Scottish Gaelic melody from the Isle of Skye, working through suggestions of fingering, ornamentation, variations and left hand ideas that emphasize and support the melodic phrasing. You'll learn about the background of the tune, hear some versions from archival and contemporary recordings and how the Gaelic language impacts the rhythm of the melody.

    Scottish Gaelic Language and Song: Isle of South Uist | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 07/29/23 3-4:30pm

    Màiri will teach a lovely Scottish Gaelic melody from the island of South Uist, working through suggestions of fingering, ornamentation, variations and left hand options to help the tune flow. You'll learn about the background of the tune, hear some versions from archival and contemporary recordings, and hear how the Gaelic language informs the rhythm of the melody.

    Tools for Right Hand Melodic Expression | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: On Video Starting July 1

    Get excited about the depth that even the simplest melodies can hold. Màiri will show you a variety of tools and exercises to help enhance your melody playing. Work on creating small variations to help make tunes fit more easily under the fingers; adding counterpoint; and different ways of creating excitement and momentum with phrasing. These are tools that you can apply to melodies in many different genres.

Jaque Davison sitting in front of his VR Harp World

  • Jaque Davison is an author, cartoonist, and retired Army officer, who is passionate about the harp. His “Harps: A Virtual Reality World” is a wealth of information about all aspects of the harp. With over 2100 harp-related links that can be found all in one place, Jaque will walk you through his Virtual Reality creation and share with you tips and links to help you find everything you will need to better understand this wonderful instrument. No matter where you are in your journey Jaque’s research will help you along the way.

    Presenter Website: Harps: A Virtual Reality World

  • Internet for Harpers | 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.

Kathy DeAngelo with her harp

  • Kathy took over management of the Somerset Folk Harp Festival in July 2008 with the retirement of founder/director Gerry Serviente and passed the crown to Maureen Buscareno in 2022. She performed in the first Somerset and had been part of the festival as concert manager since 2002.

    Kathy has been playing the harp since 1984 and performing traditional Irish music since 1972. She has been actively engaged in the folk music scene in New Jersey since her Douglass College days, starting the Mine Street Coffeehouse in New Brunswick in 1973 and being the music director at the first New Jersey Folk Festival in 1975. In 2006 she rejoined the New Jersey Folk Festival as its music director, retiring from that position in 2014.

    Kathy teaches harp and runs 'You Gotta Have Harp Productions'. She organized the annual Harpers Escape Weekend for 24 years, which has now morphed into the Harpers Escape Harp Tour of Ireland. She created and taught at the You Gotta Have Harp Summer Camp with Gloria Galante for some years.

    When she is not teaching harp or performing with her husband Dennis Gormley in McDermott's Handy or working on the festival, she's a booking agent and concert producer. She and Dennis were inducted into Mid-Atlantic Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame in 2015.

    Presenter’s Website: You Gotta Have Harp Productions

  • September: Harpers' Escape Somerset Saturday (Intermediate group): Add-on | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | When: Live on Zoom 09/16/23 1-5:30pm

    This Saturday is a continuation of the Escape at the July festival, an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. Review session is followed by the Use It or Lose It session with the entire group. A Teacher's Concert ends the day.

    Music Business Basics | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 07/29/23 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.

  • Sometimes a particular experience will connect with existing skills in such a way that a person will embark in an entirely new but inspired path. Such is the case for Edie Elkan, who with a strong background in music, experience as a teacher of piano, and an early grounding in playing the harp, found herself first, returning to the harp to assuage her own grief, and then discovering that the harp was being used in medical environments which in turn led her to found Bedside Harp in 2002, a New Jersey, hospital-based harp therapy program. In 2005 Elkan was recognized by the Society for the Arts in Health Care for her work at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s cancer center, where, in a research project, she discovered that patients who listened to live harp music while receiving chemotherapy were less anxious that those patients who did not. Edie has published Everything You Ever Wanted to Know (about Harp Therapy) and her master’s thesis: The Edie Elkan Method of Teaching Folk Harp as an Instrument of Healing. Also available is a 4-set CD Oodles of Noodles, a recording of a workshop on ‘noodling’ presented at Somerset.

    Listen to a panel discussion with Edie and other members of the Therapeutic Harp community on the Impact of Covid on Therapeutic Music

    Presenter Website: Edie Elkan

  • Creating a Cradle of Sound | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 3-4:30pm

    At Bedside Harp we don't’ just play a tune to the end, stop, and then play another tune. We’ve found we get the best response when we create a sound cradle by playing something familiar then move seamlessly to an improvisation (noodle) and then back to the familiar again. Hands on, all levels.

    Fifty Ways to Play Your Tunes | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/22/23 1-2:30pm

    How many different ways can you play one tune? This hands-on, all levels workshop will give you ideas galore on freshening up your lead sheet and play-by-ear tunes so that it’s a new experience for both you and the listener every time you play them.

    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.

  • From her first glimpse of the harp at age of three, Shelley Fairplay was itching to play. At nine, after time learning piano, her harp journey began. Soon she was playing in harp ensembles, regional and county orchestras, and providing music during theatre performances. From Cardiff, Shelley achieved her BMus and was invited to play a solo with the University Symphony. From the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Shelley received her Masters and soon after that her teaching diploma. Shelley is a fully qualified Primary School teacher with two years of classroom experience where she ran choirs, school orchestras, recorder groups and music workshops. She also has an on-line teaching program at StartHarp.com. where she is known as a thorough, fun and compassionate teacher. Shelley brings passion and energy to all things harp—and fun. This is her third year presenting at the festival and first time in-person at Somerset.

    Performer Website: Shelley Fairplay

  • Arranging Lullabies | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/23/2023 9:30-11am

    Learn “tricks” that can be used to write lullabies and arrange other tunes in the lullaby style. Relax as Shelley shares her favorite lullabies from Wales along with her own original songs in this style.

    Beauty of Simplicity | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 1-2:30pm

    Working on the quality of your sound and truly ‘being in the moment’ to create magic using the minimum notes possible.

    Pop with Pizazz – Create Your Own! | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/2023 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.

    Sunday Meet-Up for Thursday Add-On Students | Type: | Level: Any | When: Live 07/23/23 9-9:30

    Meet Up with Shelley to share your harp experiences from the weekend.

    Thursday Add-On: ‘From Ordinary to Extraordinary’ Take a Simple Tune and Make it YOUR OWN! | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/20/23 1-5pm

    ‘From Ordinary to Extraordinary’ Take a Simple Tune and Make it YOUR OWN! Spend Thursday with Shelley in this Add-On experience as she shares tips with you on how you can work from lead sheets, for improvisation, for arranging and for composing.

    Time for your Left Hand to Shine! | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/2023 3-4:30pm

    Boost your left hand technique and confidence when playing. Shelly will give you tips on improving your left hand playing. During the workshop you will learn a tune just for solo left hand called ‘If the Wren Can’.

  • Thursday Add-On: ‘From Ordinary to Extraordinary’ Take a Simple Tune and Make it YOUR OWN! | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/20/23 1-5pm

    ‘From Ordinary to Extraordinary’ Take a Simple Tune and Make it YOUR OWN! Spend Thursday with Shelley in this Add-On experience as she shares tips with you on how you can work from lead sheets, for improvisation, for arranging and for composing.

Mara Galassi with her harp

  • Somerset is thrilled to welcome Mara as part of the Historical Harp Society's Sunday Conference Add-On. Mara is an Italian harpist, musicologist, and recording artist specializing in the music for early harps, including gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque instruments, in particular double (cross-strung) and triple harps of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, as well as Classical-era single-action pedal harps. She teaches historical harps and chamber music in Milano at the Civica Scuola di Musica and at the ESMUC in Barcelona and has given masterclasses in Lausanne Conservatory of Music, Lyon Conservatory of Music, Moscow Conservatory of Music, and other prestigious venues around the world.

    Performer Website: Mara Galassi

  • From Orfeo to Orfeo: Harps for Seducing, Harps for Healing, Harps for Shouting! | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 7/23/23 3:30-4:15pm HHS Add-on

    In the 19th century, Welsh and Irish harps were perceived as revived versions of true ‘native’ instruments; but were they actually newly invented traditions? Movements to promote national harps and music at festivals struggled with the contradictions of embracing modern harp designs and allowing the inclusion of classical harp repertoire.

    Concert: Sunday Evening Historical Harp Society 7/23/23 8:00pm HHS Add-on

    HHS Conference Concert: William Jackson, Adriano Sangineto, Christa Patton, Nancy Hurrell and Mara Galassi

Martha Gallagher with her Dusty Strings "Orphan" Harp

  • Singer/songwriter Martha Gallagher is an enigma that defies musical pigeon-holes. Her original songs glide in the blink of an eye from wailing blues to Latin grooves to Classical inspirations, from swingin' Jazz to vibrant contemporary Folk. Her voice is chameleon-like, ranging from smokin' hot to achingly tender, and all that's in between.

    Martha Gallagher has been sharing her distinctive and richly varied performances with audiences for over 30 years. She has a diverse musical background; from classical flautist in a symphony orchestra to lead singer in rock and jazz/blues bands. Martha has performed with such luminaries as six-time Grammy winners, The Chieftains. The 2007 premiere of her innovative original work featuring Celtic harp, voice, and taiko drums marked a world’s first of this performance configuration. HarpSong® Podcast interview with Martha

    Performer Website: Martha Gallagher

  • Seasons of the Harp™️ Sampler | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Zoom 9/9/23 10:00am-11:30am EDT

    Journey through the seasons with your harp, exploring the natural rhythms and music that is in harmony with them. Martha Gallagher shares music, illuminations and inspirations that will spark your imagination and ways to choose and/or create music that will grow a repertoire centered around Nature and the seasons.

    Whether you are a performer, a therapeutic musician, a Creation Justice advocate or someone who simply loves to have a season-inspired piece or two to play for personal enjoyment, this workshop is sure to delight and inspire! This workshop is a special sampler offering of tasty tidbits from Martha's expanded online harp retreat Seasons of the Harp™️.

Eileen Gannon sitting on a burgundy couch with her harp

  • Eileen Gannon is an acclaimed Irish harper based in St. Louis, MO. Eileen has one solo album, The Glory Days are Over, and appears on albums with Tommy Martin, Eimear Arkins, Bernadette NicGabhann, and Robert Ryan. With a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from St. Louis University, and a master’s degree in Ethnomusicology from University of Limerick, Eileen is the director of St. Louis Irish Arts, the largest Irish music school in the US. She has toured and performed all over the world and is a regular tutor at international festivals. Eileen’s is known for her unique accompaniment style and clear tone. Her teaching style focuses heavily on technique and allows people at any point in their musical journey to learn something valuable.

    Performer Website: Eileen Gannon

  • Arranging Irish Slow Airs | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/22/23 3-4:30pm

    Make your playing of Slow Airs even more expressive. Eileen will give you tips on how. In this workshop Eileen will share recordings of Traditional Irish Singers interpreting different songs and together the class will try to recreate each singer's interpretation. By analyzing the tone, "the lift", and how the text affects the song's phrasing you will gain tools to help make these airs “sing” on your harp.

    Find the Tune Within the Tune | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/22/23 1-2:30pm

    Make your arrangements sparkle! Did you ever wonder how your favorite harpists come up with their arrangements for tunes? Could you use some inspiration for your accompaniments? Eileen will give you an alternative approach to accompaniment of Irish dance music by finding the tune within the tune.

    Irish Dance Music: Dancing the Tune | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/21/23 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 Music: Discover the Petrie Collection | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 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.

  • As a harper, composer, and producer Maeve Gilchrist thrives on innovation and improvisation - what she fondly calls "my musical patchwork quilt." Steeped from an early age in both classical and traditional music, Edinburgh-born Maeve Gilchrist discovered jazz in her late teens which she pursued at Berklee School of Music in Boston subsequently becamming Berklee's first lever harp instructor. Maeve has stretched the traditional boundaries of the harp taking the Celtic (lever) harp to new levels of performance and visibility. She tours internationally as a band leader and composer as well as belonging to a number of innovative collaborations including the prestigious Silkroad Ensemble, Arooj Aftab’s Vulture Prince Ensemble, progressive folk-quartet DuoDuo (featuring percussive dancer Nic Gareiss, cellist Natalie Haas and Yann Falquet of Quebecois super-group Genticorum) and a more electronics based project with Nashville—based bassist Viktor Krauss. She has appeared at such major music events as Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Tanglewood Jazz Festival, the World Harp Congress in Amsterdam and the historic opening of the Scottish Parliament. She has played with such luminaries as Yo-Yo Ma, Esperanza Spalding, Tony Trishka, Ambrose Akinmusire, Darol Anger and Kathy Mattea. Listen to an interview with Maeve on the HarpSong® Podcast.

    Performer Website: Maeve Gilchrist

  • Core Arpeggios | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    Fully explore the benefit of working with arpeggios as part of a comprehensive exercise and dexterity program. Delve deeply with Maeve and find how using them in different shapes will help stretch fingers and break muscle memory while increasing dexterity over the full range of your harp. By using unorthodox shapes and different inversions, arpeggios can be the most beneficial exercise that will help free up your hands and navigate your instrument more freely.

    Create a Singing Tone | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 7/21/23 9:30-11am

    Do you want to create a more beautiful tone and let your playing really sing? Through her composition, “Catriona's Jig” Maeve gives you tangible steps to help you create a musical sense of phrase and tone, or as she likes to call it, a “singing tone”. Find the roundness that will give your playing more subtle shades of expression and discover ways to use dynamics and intention to make your playing truly sing.

    Effortless technique I | Type: Hands-On | Level: Beg. | When: Live 7/20/23 1-2:30pm

    Maeve will guide you through a series of exercises and practice suggestions honing in on the three facets of a well-rounded technique: linear work (scales), shape work (chords and arpeggios) and independent hand and finger exercises. Deconstructing as need be, she’ll present an accessible approach to technique with the idea that you will garner an understanding of how to develop these ideas in your own practice in a way that’s tailored to each unique musical vision. Kickstart your practice regime with a bucketload of practice tips and concepts that will keep you going for years to come!

    Effortless technique II | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int./Adv. | When: Live 7/20/23 3-4:30pm

    Maeve will guide you through a series of exercises and practice suggestions honing in on the three facets of a well-rounded technique: linear work (scales), shape work (chords and arpeggios) and independent hand and finger exercises. Deconstructing as need be, she’ll present an accessible approach to technique with the idea that you will garner an understanding of how to develop these ideas in your own practice in a way that’s tailored to each unique musical vision. Kickstart your practice regime with a bucketload of practice tips and concepts that will keep you going for years to come!

    Elements of Jazz & Improvisation I with Maeve Gilchrist | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | Archive Add-on

    Improvisation is an important technique that not need only be associated with jazz but with whatever musical situation you find yourself in. By explaining basic jazz harmony and how to voice it tastefully on the harp, Maeve will help players ease into the world of improvisation. She'll use a standard jazz tune as a base for improvising over chords and form. Get some of the basic blues patterns and groove.

    Hand Separation with Maeve Gilchrist | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    This topic is something that often works its way into Maeve's teaching regardless of topic but in this focused workshop, we hone in on the mind and musical benefits of utilizing our two hands as separate instruments. Not only do an independent left and right hand allow for more interesting arrangement and composition ideas but they blast open up the musical mind and allow a deeper connection both material and instrument. Learning to practice in this way is a process that will never be boring. You'll start to understand how to cultivate your curiosity into a constant stream of learning opportunities. It might sound a little complicated but Maeve promises you'll have fun!

    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.

    Rhythm Workout with Maeve Gilchrist | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    Rhythm brings vitality and drive to music and can make the difference between an amateur and a professional. Maeve will focus on rhythm and how to incorporate it into warm-up and practice routines to strengthen all aspects of your playing. Learn about hand independence, poly-rhythms, syncopation, ostinato's and more!

    Secrets to Effective Practicing with Maeve Gilchrist | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | Archive Add-on

    In this workshop, Maeve will walk you through a well rounded practice session focusing on the warm up and how to incorporate metronome use right from the beginning. Combining rhythm, hand independence and finger exercises for a thorough and effective warmup, you'll realize that the most effective routine is one that YOU can create to fit your own level and challenge yourself. She'll then give examples of how to isolate problem parts of pieces or tunes and tackle them, using time in an effective way and saving the most enjoyable parts of playing to the very end of the practice session as a reward! Questions and group participation will be highly encouraged in this workshop in order for participants to get the most out of it that they possibly can. This will be a fun and highly useful workshop for any level of harpist.

    Waltz Through Lever Changes | Type: | Level: Adv. | When: Live 7/21/23 1-2:30pm

    Gain confidence in your lever changing. Do you struggle with or even avoid arrangements that have lever changes? Maeve will help you move through lever changes to create a more fluid way of playing. Maeve’s beautiful, “Fin and Sarah’s Wedding Waltz” will be used in this workshop as an example of how to take a tricky tune and make it feel fluid.

  • Joyful, centered, and a consummate musician are words that describe the presence and playing of Robbin Gordon-Cartier. Dedicated early to the study of the harp, Gordon-Cartier spent long summers as a young harpist in Ireland studying at the Royal Irish Academy. Since then she has appeared nationally and internationally everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the National Symphony of Santo Domingo, at events honoring Lord Guiness, Cicely Tyson and Sir James Galway. She plays frequently at churches and gospel events. Robbin teaches an extensive and very successful harp program in the East Orange School District's Cicely Tyson's School of the Performing Arts where she works to bring the harp to the attention of a wide variety of young people, busting stereotypes. Her Cicely Tyson harp ensemble will be playing in our Friday lunchtime concert. Robbin led our Youth Harp Program in 2014 and 2015 and led the Teacher's Symposium for 2 years. Now we have her back this year with a completely updated Teacher's Symposium. She has joined the faculty of Kean University in Union, NJ as Concert Artist/Adjunct Harp Faculty. Robbin has a CD out, Just As I Am. Check out Maureen’s interview with Robbin on The HarpSong® Podcast.

    Presenter Website: Robbin Gordon-Cartier

  • Let the Spirit Move You | 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 | 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 practice routine, picking appropriate music, reviewing basic technique, and finding time to play the harp!

    Make a Living as a Gigging Harpist | 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!

    Rhythm Me This, Rhythm Me That!! | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 3-4:30pm

    
Rhythm often seems as puzzling as the riddles told by the Riddler form Batman years ago, But just like a riddle, if you take the time to unravel the content, patterns, similarities and solutions present themselves clearly and regularly. Let’s take on some common and uncommon rhythms to make reading music easy and correct!! Many can read the letter names of notes but never get the rhythm to match. Come to this class ready to work on rhythms with fun and success!

  • As well as being an acclaimed harper and dynamic teacher, and with five cd’s and four books of music, Rachel has contributed energetically during this difficult time to promote harp music events and classes on-line. Her youtube harp workshop series HARP at HOME, won her a second nomination as Tutor of the Year in the BBC Alba Scots Trad awards. In early April 2020 Hair coordinated the move of the Edinburgh International Harp Festival online, giving harpists around the world another way to engage in concerts and workshops, earning the Festival a further nomination as Event of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad awards. Hair, who grew up in the Highlands, normally divides her time between Glasgow and the bewitching Isle of Man where she is exploring the music particular to the island. In the words of an Irish Music Today review of her newest album, SPARKS (with guitarist Ron Jappy) “Rachel helped to establish a modern harp sound with her trio line-up, but on her fifth album she’s gone back to her roots, back to basics, back to the music she most loves to play. Together with guitarist Ron Jappy, Rachel presents traditional tunes from Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, that mysterious land of mermaids, Manx cats and millionaires.” We're catching her 'live' on-site this year thanks to her US touring schedule. Check out the HarpSong® Podcast interview with Rachel.

    Presenter Website: Rachel Hair

  • Harpy-go-lucky | Type: Hands-On | Level: Beg./Int. | When: Live 7/21/23 3-4:30pm

    Don’t you just love it when you find a tune that just *fits* the harp SO well and is super satisfying to play AND learn? Rachel delights in finding these tunes so come and see what she has in store for you this year!

    Highland Harpbeat | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 9:30-11am

    Bring your harp to the Highlands and learn some beautiful Scottish Highland and Gaelic melodies, whilst learning about the culture, language and stories behind them.

    Mannin Aboo! | 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.

    Pipe down with the harp | 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.

    Scottish Ceilidh Dance | Type: Dance | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 9-11pm

    Leave your harp well out of the way for this workshop as Rachel teaches you some of the most popular Scottish Ceilidh dances. Dress for moderate level exercise and wear comfortable shoes!

  • From her expressive renderings of airs to dynamic dance tunes, Grainne Hambly demonstrates ‘absolute mastery of the Irish harp’. Her accompaniments while firmly traditional, incorporate and celebrate contemporary rhythms with dexterity and flawless taste. Popular worldwide, Grainne has three solo CDs, two music books and a collaborative CD with William Jackson. Over the past year Gráinne has developed a popular online programme of workshops as well as participating in many online performances. With a master's degree from Queens University in Belfast and years of workshop experience, her teaching skills match her playing; she is patient, clear, and sharp-eyed. She teaches at most of the major summer schools in Ireland and is in much demand here when she's on tour. She was also on staff at You Gotta Have Harp's Harpers' Escape Weekend for 16 years. This year we're glad to have her here in person. She will be teaching at Somerset’s Sunday Harper’s Escape program from her home in County Mayo, Ireland later in September. For the advancing student, eager to take on challenges, (warning: she makes it look easy!) Gráinne is a great choice. We're glad to be able to host Gráinne on-site this year and see her in-person! Listen to an interview with Gráinne on The HarpSong® Podcast.

    Presenter Website: Gráinne Hambly

  • Beyond Carolan: Ireland’s Other Harper/Composers with Grainne Hambly | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    We're still playing their music more than 300 years later and many of their pieces have worked their way into the folk tradition. Learn about the popular harper/composers who are not Carolan and preceded him in the musical timeline. Their simple, elegant melodies have stood the test of time and some we only know from music collections like Buntings. Add some new pieces to your repertoire. Taught by ear with written music in PDF that is downloadable before/after the class.

    Beyond Jigs and Reels with Grainne Hambly | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    Broaden your repertoire of Irish dance tunes, with some slides, polkas, barndances and other less widely played tunes. Grainne will teach some of these easy melodies, along with some tips on appropriate ornamentation and how to add lift and rhythm through interesting accompaniment and syncopation. This workshop is ideal for both intermediate and advanced players, as the melodies are not difficult to learn but playing them up to speed can be a fun challenge! Music taught by ear, no sight-reading necessary.

    Carolan & the Music of the Harper Composers | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 9:30-11am

    We’re still playing his music more than 300 years later. Simple, elegant melodies that are as popular today as then. Learn about Carolan and the other harper bards in this hands-on workshop that will add a new piece to your repertoire.

    Discover the Neal Collection with Grainne Hambly | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | Archive Add-on

    Find out more about the first collection of Irish music published in Ireland in 1724, which included some tunes by Carolan and other well known pieces such as Molly MacAlpin. We will discuss the background to the collection and learn a tune from it, including ideas for the left hand arrangement.

    From Scotland to Ireland | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 7/21/23 1-2:30pm

    This workshop will explore the close musical ties between Ireland and Scotland which have existed for centuries, focusing both on the old Gaelic harping tradition of both countries and the transfer of dance tunes and songs between them. A number of Irish melodies have their origins in Scotland, or exist in different versions in both countries. A brief overview of the topic will be presented, with musical examples, and a few sample tunes will be taught.

    Fun & Easy Irish Tunes with Grainne Hambly | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | Archive Add-on

    Build on your current Irish repertoire with this bonus workshop from the 2021 Somerset Saturday series. Gráinne will teach a dance tune by ear and show you how to do the various stylistic ornamentations that give the music that lilting quality. Gráinne will also give you important tips on fingering that will help you play more quickly. While Irish music is all about the melody, you'll learn how to add an appropriate accompaniment.

    Harpers' Escape at Somerset: Add-on | Type: Hands-On | Level: Adv. | When: Live 7/20/23 1-4:30pm

    In the first session, everybody learns the same "group" tune and adds accompaniment suited to their level. Then each group will learn additional tunes, learned by ear, and get left-hand tips and tricks for the accompaniment in the second session. This is an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. People who are signed up for this will get access to download audio files to listen to in advance. This Add-on includes a second weekend event on 9/16. Gráinne will be leading the advanced-level group.

    September: Harpers' Escape Somerset Saturday (advanced group): Add-on | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg. | When: Live 09/16/23 1-5:30pm

    This Saturday is a continuation of the Escape at the July festival, an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. Review session is followed by the Use It or Lose It session with the entire group. A Teacher's Concert ends the day.

    History of the Harp in Ireland: | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 7/23/23 9:30-11am

    A lecture / recital on the history of the harp in Ireland, from its earliest depictions and descriptions up to the present day. Illustrated with musical examples and powerpoint slides.

    Irish Dance Music: Technique and Style | 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.

  • As our 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, It's always great to have Deborah Henson-Conant on our faculty to challenge you to boldly go where no harper has gone before. Since one reviewer called her the ‘wild woman of the harp,’ Deborah describes herself as being "cross-genre: jazz-pop-comedy-blues-flamenco-celtic.” During her impressive career which includes a CD that was nominated for a Grammy, Deborah has brought the harp out of the demure background and into the electric limelight! Mixing music and theatre Deborah performs solo or with a symphony with equal ease. When orchestrating her own music, she often engages symphonic musicians in unexpected ways. Writes another reviewer “her life, her shows, her instrument, her workshops, and her music are all about transformation.” Listen to an interview with DHC on The HarpSong® Podcast.

    Presenter Website: Deborah Henson-Conant

  • Play Along Songs for Kids | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 9:30-11am

    Power Progression | 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.

    Sing and Play | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/21/23 1-2:30pm

    Sunday Add-On | Type: | Level: | When: Live 7/23/23 9:30-5pm

    Tell Your Story with Music | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/21/23 9:30-11am

    Do you get nervous when someone asks you to, "play something"? DHC will share techniques to help you find your confidence. Be proud of where you are in your personal harp journey. One of the most powerful things you can do is share your harp journey through your music regardless of your level of playing.

  • Sunday Add-On | Type: | Level: | When: Live 7/23/23 9:30-5pm

  • Nancy Hurrell plays modern harps for special events and historical harps in concerts with Boston early music ensembles. She promotes her interest in harp history in workshops, journal articles and her book on the nineteenth century Irish harp maker John Egan, “The Egan Irish Harps:Tradition, patrons and players “(Four Courts Press, 2019). Nancy has presented lecture-demonstrations at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Academy of Music Museum (London), the Royal Irish Academy (Dublin), Birr Castle (County Offaly) and the Metropolitan Museum (NY). She teaches Renaissance harp classes at Brandeis University and has published seven books of harp arrangements. Listen to Nancy talk about how she loves being a “Harp Detective” on the HarpSong® Podcast.

    Presenter Website: Nancy Hurrell

  • Irish Harp Music in the Regency Era | 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.

    Playing Weddings of Different Faiths | 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.

    Renaissance Harp Ensemble | Type: Hands-On | Level: Beg./Int. | When: Live 7/22/23 3-4:30pm

    Join Nancy in a Renaissance harp ensemble play-along. You will learn pieces from the early 17th Century arranged in multi-level harp parts. These ensemble arrangements have been performed by Nancy’s students in the Brandeis University Early Music Ensemble. Advanced beginners and intermediate level; sight-reading is necessary.

    Spanish Harp's Fiery Improvs & Sublime Fantasias | Type: | Level: Beg./Int. | When: Live 7/21/23 3-4:30pm

    Harp music from 16th - 18th century Spain has syncopated rhythms and dramatic harmonies. We’ll explore the dance music in the Luz y Norte of Ruiz de Ribayaz (1677) and the sublime polyphonic gems from Libro de Cifra Nueva of Venegas de Henestrosa (1557), some of the first music published for harp. In the style of the period, we’ll use improvisational techniques and go beyond the notes on the page. Advanced beginners and intermediate level; sight-reading is necessary.

  • Nancy will be presenting at the Historical Harp Society’s Sunday Conference.

    Somerset hosts The Historical Harp Society’s 2023 Conference. Join the HHS on Sunday July 23. Add-On to your Somerset subscription or as a stand alone full day of workshops.

    Hybrid online + in-person sessions from 9.30am-5pm featuring:

    David Brown

    Mara Galassi

    Nancy Hurrell

    William Jackson

    Christa Patton

    Adriano Sangieto

    Bill Taylor

    Topics will include:

    The use of triple harps in Baroque opera

    Construction methods for making triple harps

    The harp in Baroque opera - Preparation and performance

    Historical fingernail and damping techniques for playing metal and gut strings

    Origins of music therapy

    Authenticity and tradition in the early modern era

    Evening concert with presenters from the sessions.

    Join the HHS Sunday Conference

  • Simply listing William Jackson’s achievements, as musician, performer and composer can’t come close to capturing the brilliant spirit, musical intelligence, dry wit, and sympathy that he brings to every instrument he plays, piece he composes and class he teaches. Although the harp is his primary instrument, Billy’s knowledge and experience allows him to move comfortably from the bouzouki to the tin whistle. In 1976 he was a founding member of Ossian, a breakthrough Scottish band. His richly woven and bold compositions, The Wellpark Suite, St. Mungo, Inchcolm, and A Scottish Island, reveal him as a master of orchestration with a sensitivity to contemporary tastes and the traditional idiom. His most recent composition (2020) is an as yet untitled suite celebrating the connections between Ireland and Scotland over the years. Now living in Ireland, Jackson and Gráinne Hambly have been hosting concerts from their home in County Mayo. His CD with Gráinne Hambly debuted at Somerset in 2009. Besides many CDs he also has one book, Scottish Traditional Music, complementary to the CD The Ancient Harp of Scotland. He is leading our Harpers' Escape Add-On at Somerset on Thursday. In 2016 Jackson was recognized with Somerset's Lifetime Achievement Award. We're happy to have Billy on-site in-person this year. Podcast interview with Billy can be found here on HarpSong®.

    Presenter Website: William Jackson

  • Accompanying Other Instruments | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | When: Live 7/21/23 3-4:30pm

    You love playing music with other people but it's almost impossible to know a million melodies. Learn the secrets of good accompaniment in traditional music. The modes used in Scottish and Irish traditional music will be discussed and you'll get solid techniques to accompanying other instruments as well as ideas for playing in sessions by improvising chord patterns.

    Arranging Pipe and Fiddle Tunes for Harp | Type: | Level: Int. | When: Live 7/22/23 1-2:30pm

    Pipe and fiddle tunes are such an integral part of traditional Irish and Scottish music. You'll get some useful ideas on how to expand your Scottish repertoire and how to select tunes from non-harp instrumental collections from William, who not only plays harp but the pipes as well. Learn how to develop creative arrangements and perform them by using devices such as intros, bridges and "outros”.

    Harpers' Escape at Somerset (intermediate): Add-on | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/21/23 1-4:30pm

    In the first session, everybody learns the same "group" tune and adds accompaniment suited to their level. Then each group will learn additional tunes, learned by ear, and get left-hand tips and tricks for the accompaniment in the second session. This is an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. People who are signed up for this will get access to download audio files to listen to in advance. This Add-on includes a second Saturday in September. Billy will be leading the Intermediate group.

    Messing with Chords | 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.

    Where did that come from? | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 3-4:30pm

    Did you write that ? How do you compose something original, in your own style ? Using existing tunes as a template or inspiration for new compositions. Experimenting with different tunings.

  • Harpers' Escape at Somerset (intermediate): Add-on | Type: Hands-on | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/21/23 1-4:30pm

    In the first session, everybody learns the same "group" tune and adds accompaniment suited to their level. Then each group will learn additional tunes, learned by ear, and get left-hand tips and tricks for the accompaniment in the second session. This is an Add-on to an All-Access ticket. People who are signed up for this will get access to download audio files to listen to in advance. This Add-on includes a second Saturday in September. Billy will be leading the Intermediate group.

    Add-On The Harpers’ Escape

  • Billy will be presenting at the Historical Harp Society’s Sunday Conference.

    Somerset hosts The Historical Harp Society’s 2023 Conference. Join the HHS on Sunday July 23. Add-On to your Somerset subscription or as a stand alone full day of workshops.

    Hybrid online + in-person sessions from 9.30am-5pm featuring:

    David Brown

    Mara Galassi

    Nancy Hurrell

    William Jackson

    Christa Patton

    Adriano Sangieto

    Bill Taylor

    Topics will include:

    The use of triple harps in Baroque opera

    Construction methods for making triple harps

    The harp in Baroque opera - Preparation and performance

    Historical fingernail and damping techniques for playing metal and gut strings

    Origins of music therapy

    Authenticity and tradition in the early modern era

    Evening concert with presenters from the sessions.

    Join the HHS Sunday Conference

Liza regulating a pedal harp

  • Liza Jensen has studied harp maintenance and mechanics privately under the tutelage of master harp builders Pat Dougal and John Pratt. She has worked out in California with Triplett Harps and is a warranty repair service for their company. She is the only American woman to be invited by Jakez Francois, president of Camac Harps, the most innovative harp manufacturer in the world, to become a warranty repair service for their company. When she's not working in her studio in New York City, Liza is globetrotting on her harp maintenance missions and has been all over the world. Since we'll have her on-site and in-person (yay!) you'll have the option to bring your harp to her for regulation and minor repairs. To schedule your harp regulation/repair with Liza on-site, click here to sign-up.

    To hear more about Liza’s harp journey, check out her interview on The HarpSong® Podcast.

    Presenter Website: Liza Jensen

  • DIY harp maintenance 1: Knot Tying | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 7/21/23 11:30-12:30pm

    Learn to Do It Yourself. You are, inevitably, going to break a string. You should know how to change it. Take this workshop and get a lesson in knot-tying and replacing strings. If you're a beginner or have never changed your own string, you must take this workshop!

    DIY harp maintenance 2: Tuning | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 11:30-12:30pm

    Learn to Do It Yourself. Liza focuses on properly using your tuner and tuning your harp. Essential! Is there a difference between tuning with levers up or levers down? What about the difference between tuning loud or soft. Then what do you do when your lever buzzes when engaged? You gotta know this stuff.

    Harp Regulation & Maintenance | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 3-4:30pm

    The mysteries of harp regulation will be completely resolved in this one workshop with our expert harp technician! Liza will answer your questions about what it means to have your harp regulated and all its associated concerns such as what happens to your harp as it ages and why the harp shifts. See what that looks like. Bring your harp to this workshop and see it for yourself. How old is too old for your strings to be on your harp? What are the top 5 reasons your harp will buzz? There are all sorts of things to be learned about your harp--no matter how long you've been playing you'll learn all kinds of useful info in this workshop.

  • Liza will be doing harp regulation at Somerset. Book your appointment with Liza at Harp Central.

Sandra Joyce

  • Harp Studies : Perspectives on the Irish Harp | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 7/29/23 3-4:30pm

    Dr. Sandra Joyce will discuss, “Harp Studies”, a book that contains fourteen articles presenting new research on the Irish harp covering many areas such as history, musicology, sociology and arts. Written by musicians, historians, academics, researchers and artists, the wide approach brings new perspectives in the understanding of the historical and the modern period of the Irish harp. Dr. Joyce’s newest publication, “Harp Studies II: World Harp Traditions” is due out this June.

  • Dynamic and versatile, Tristan Le Govic returns to our online Somerset faculty to regale us with the music of his native Brittany. Tristan began playing Celtic harp at six, first near home and then further afield in Ireland and Scotland where he has often appeared playing in duos and trios with other harpers. In concert Tristan captivates through a combination of his playing style, strong rhythm, singing, and rapport with fellow musicians on stage. He is just as comfortable on an acoustic harp as on an electric, especially when playing with his trio. He can sound ultra-traditional with his Breton renditions or just as easily swing into rhythmic jazz improvisations. He has numerous CDs to his credit, featuring his own compositions as well as Breton to Scandinavian music. Tristan has published a number of music collections, including, The Breton Harp Anthology, a unique collection of three music books featuring the best harpists in Brittany. He is featured in Alain Gallet's 2003 documentary, Le Renouveau de la Harpe Celtique en Bretagne ("The Celtic Harp Revival in Brittany"). Listen to an interview with Tristan on The HarpSong® Podcast.

  • Alan Stivell’s Breton Music | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: Live 7/29/23 1-2:30pm

    50 years ago, Alan Stivell was one of the most prominent pioneers on the Celtic harp (he was the recipient of the Festival's Lifetime Achievement Award last year). His two ground-breaking albums "Renaissance of the Celtic harp" and "Olympia" had a fantastic impact all around the world. Let's come and celebrate some of the famous tunes of one of the leading Breton harper. Handouts will be available prior to the workshop.

    Breton Legends & Myths | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/30/23 1-2:30pm

    Discover some of the most inspiring Breton/Celtic Legends & Myths through music. Merlin, Broceliande, Korrigans and other fairies. Brittany is full of legends and myths on which many tunes are based. Tristan will present and teach some historical music related to those myths. No level requirement for this workshop. Everybody is welcome. You will learn at your own speed and level. Bring your harp and/or just enjoy listening to legendary tales! Handouts will be available prior to the workshop.

    Breton Music Made Easy | Type: Hands-On | Level: Beg./Int. | When: On Video 7/29/23

    In this workshop, Tristan has chosen some easy traditional Breton tunes for you. Add dance tunes, marches or songs to your repertoire and learn different styles with different modes and rhythms. Tristan will guide you through the basic arrangement appropriate to this music. No prior knowledge of Breton music is necessary. Everyone is welcome. You will learn at your own pace and level. Handouts will be available prior to the workshop.

    Breton Music's Early History | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: On Video Anytime

    Breton music is rooted in a long historical tradition which belongs to the Celtic heritage. Some musical forms, such as the gwerz, are specific to Brittany. Thanks to these tunes, the history of the country has passed through the ages orally. In this workshop, Tristan will present some of the historical tunes typical of Brittany. No level required for this workshop. Everyone is welcome. You will learn at your own pace and level. Handouts will be available prior to the workshop.

Erika Lieberman with her harp

  • Erika Lieberman fell in love with the harp as she was walking around a renaissance festival in California 25 years ago. Enchanted by the instrument, she moved to NY a few months later and the first thing she did was find a teacher. The rest is history… literally! Now Erika and her harps can be seen performing at renaissance festivals all over the East Coast, including Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire (CT), the Sparta Renaissance Faire (NJ), the Maine Renaissance Festival, the Maryland Renaissance Festival, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, and more. Erika’s experience as a solo harpist, a member of various ensembles and folk bands, and her graduate studies in Film Scoring and Music Technology at New York University give her a diverse and rich musical background. When she’s not time traveling to the 16th century, Erika plays at weddings, nursing homes, theatrical events, and teaches beginner harp students at a music school in Portchester, NY.

    Presenter Website: https://www.erikatheharpist.com/

  • The Modern Bard: Marketing Methods for Renaissance Festivals and Historical Themed Events with Erika Lieberman| Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 12-12:30pm

    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.

  • Karen Loomis is Assistant Director of the Historical Harp Society of Ireland, and is a specialist in musical instrument research, with expertise in the historical harps of Ireland and Scotland. She is dedicated to helping harp builders and musicians rediscover the sound world of the historical wire-strung harps of Ireland and Scotland, using modern technology to unlock the secrets of the surviving instruments. Karen has conducted groundbreaking studies of the Queen Mary and Lamont harps of the National Museum of Scotland, and led a project funded by the Arts Council of Ireland to study the 18th-century Hollybrook harp at the National Museum of Ireland, for the Historical Harp Society of Ireland. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for these harps at workshops, and is a teacher and administrator for Acadamh na gCláirseach–Academy of Early Irish Harp.

    Presenter Website: Karen Loomis

  • Early Irish Harp: Introduction to playing | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/29/23 10-11:30am

    Want to learn how to play the early Irish harp, but not sure where to begin? This workshop will introduce you to the basic skills to get you started on the path to exploring the sounds and music of the wire-strung harp traditionally played for centuries in Ireland and Scotland.

Aisling Lyons with her harp

  • Aisling Lyons, multi-award winning harper, concertina player & composer from County Clare has been described as '..the finest young Irish harpist at work today..' - Songlines Magazine & 'one of traditional music’s finest musicians’ by Hot Press Magazine in 2022 after the release of her debut album ‘Aistear’. She is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles & has performed all around the world, from Europe to the U.S, Australia & China. Aisling graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Irish Music from the University of Limerick in 2018 & as a Professional Master of Education in 2021. She currently tutors harp at the Irish World Academy, Limerick & at University College Cork. Aisling is an experienced concertina teacher also, having taught masterclasses at festivals such as Consairtín, Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School (USA) & Swaledale Squeeze (UK). Aisling was nominated in the ‘Best Folk Instrumentalist’ & ‘Best Emerging Artist’ categories at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in 2022.

    Aisling was involved in a collaborative music residency with glór & Creative Ireland in 2022. She is a member of bands 'Harpanno' & ‘MERFOLK’. She has been described as ‘one of the rising stars and budding composers of the Irish harp world – rooted in tradition and beautifully inventive’. In 2021, Aisling collaborated with artist Aideen Barry, on ‘Oblivion’ commissioned by Music Network and the Irish Traditional Music Archives & also performed with Tolu Makay on RTÉ's 'Ireland in Music' & for Michael D. Higgins' 80th Birthday Celebrations on TG4. Aisling’s debut album ‘Aistear’, supported by Clare County Council, was released in 2021 and has been described as ‘an exceptional CD’ ( the Living Tradition), ‘a standout record, flawless’ (Hot Press) & ‘excellent’ (Folk Radio UK).

    Presenter Website: Aisling Lyons

    HarpSong® Podcast Interview: Aisling Lyons

  • Composers from County Clare with Aisling Lyons | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/30/23 10-11:30am

    This workshop will focus on jigs, reels and hornpipes from County Clare composers who are now deceased: Paddy O'Donoghue and Martin Junior Crehan. Aisling will focus on teaching the melodies to these tunes. During the lesson, she will also incorporate suggested ornamentation & ideas for variations in the left hand.

    Funky Accompaniment! with Aisling Lyons | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: On Video Starting July 1

    Are you stuck in a rut with right and left hand accompaniment in sessions? Are you hoping to find some tricks to spice up your chords? This workshop might be for you! This workshop will help you 'funk up' your accompaniment to dance tunes! There will be a focus on numbers & syncopated rhythms.

    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!

    Tunes played by Rose Mooney & collected by Edward Bunting at the Belfast Harp Festival with Aisling Lyons| Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | When: On Video Starting July 1

    In this workshop you will learn 2 tunes brought to the Belfast Harp Festival in 1792 by harper Rose Mooney; Sir Charles Coote & Planxty Miss Burke.

  • Cuban born Alfredo Rolando Ortiz is one the leading performers of the Paraguayan harp and has a multi-cultural repertoire which covers the folk, classical and popular music of many countries, in addition to his own compositions. He began playing the Venezuelan folk harp at 15, four years after his family emigrated there, a few months later began playing the Paraguayan harp and he eventually used music to support his medical studies. Dr. Ortiz also has a background in music therapy and sensory motor integration, which he draws on in his body/harp workshops. His compositions and publications are used in many schools and by many harp ensembles around the world. In 2008, he was commissioned by the Tenth World Harp Congress to compose a piece, which was then performed by 232 harpists at the Congress. When not performing with symphonies and orchestras, doing concerts or recording, Dr. Ortiz is traveling and doing lectures and master classes. In 2011, in honor of his 50 years of contributions to the harp community, Alfredo was awarded the very first Lifetime Achievement Award by the Somerset Folk Harp Festival.

    Presenter Website: Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

  • Latin American Rhythmic and Accompaniment Patterns | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 9:30-11am

    Latin Harp Special Effects | 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.

    Prevent Injury & Play Better 1 | 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 | 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.

  • Christa Patton, originally a classically trained oboist, was always drawn to the ancient sound of double reeds. While her brother was collecting recordings of classic rock, Christa was searching for LPs of crumhorns and shawms. A late bloomer as a harpist, Christa was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study the Baroque harp with Mara Galassi in Milan, Italy just as she was turning 40. She is a noted historical harpist and early wind specialist who has performed with many of today’s premier early music ensembles including Piffaro the Renaissance Band, Early Music New York, Boston Camerata, The King’s Noyse, Folger Consort, Newberry Consort, Apollo’s Fire, Parthenia, ARTEK and Chatham Baroque. Since one of her specialties is 17th century opera on Baroque harps, Christa has performed with New York City Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera Atelier and the Opera Theater of Saint Louis. She is musical director of the Baroque Opera Workshop at Queens College, focusing on the works of early 17th century composers. Christa has been on the faculty of Rutgers University as well as the Madison Early Music Festival, Amherst Early Music Festival and Pinewoods Early Music Week, among others. She is a past president of the Historical Harp Society. She has toured throughout the Americas, Europe, and Japan. She will also be presenting at the Historical Harp Society's Conference held here on Sunday as an Add-On.

    Presenter Website: Christa Patton

  • Harp in Spain and the New World | Type: | Level: | When: Live 7/22/23 1-2:30pm

    Nicolas Carter - Paraguayan harp Christa Patton - Spanish Baroque harp

    The musical traditions from 17th century. Spain have come down to us as living traditions through the multiplicity of cultures found chiefly in Central and South America. Join Nicolas and Christa to explore the connections between the music of Spain and it’s dominions as well as a unique source from Peru called the Trujillo Manuscript which synthesizes both indigenous and European musical styles.

    Lute music for the harp | 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

    Spanish Dances of the 17th Century | Type: Dance | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 3-4:30pm

    Dances were used to teach the harp in 17th century Spain. Improvisation in melody and accompaniment formed the basis of harp technique and musicianship which we still hear today in the harp traditions of Latin America. Learning these basic progressions and rhythmic patterns is fun and a wonderful way to jam away the hours. All harps welcome.

    Troubadour songs for harp | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 7/21/23 9:30-11am

    Bernart de Ventadorn epitomizes the classical period of the troubadours, Bertran de Born, master of the political song, and Giraut de Bornelh, reputed by his biographer to be the greatest composer of melodies to ever live, will be our guides in this magical monophonic repertoire from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. All harps and voices welcome to sing and play.

  • Christa will be presenting at the Historic Harp Society’s Sunday Conference.

    Somerset hosts The Historical Harp Society’s 2023 Conference. Join the HHS on Sunday July 23. Add-On to your Somerset subscription or as a stand alone full day of workshops.

    Hybrid online + in-person sessions from 9.30am-5pm featuring:

    David Brown

    Mara Galassi

    Nancy Hurrell

    William Jackson

    Christa Patton

    Adriano Sangieto

    Bill Taylor

    Topics will include:

    The use of triple harps in Baroque opera

    Construction methods for making triple harps

    The harp in Baroque opera - Preparation and performance

    Historical fingernail and damping techniques for playing metal and gut strings

    Origins of music therapy

    Authenticity and tradition in the early modern era

    Evening concert with presenters from the sessions.

    Join the HHS Sunday Conference

Karen Peterson with her double strung harp

  • Karen discovered lever harps at Somerset in 2002 and became intrigued by the therapeutic harp programs. Tailoring music to promote healing in patients, give respite to caregivers, and calm harried staff sounded perfect. Karen became a Certified Music Practitioner through the Music for Healing and Transition Program. Since 2010, she has played double-strung harp at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and found ways to provide music for staff when patient access was restricted to CMPs during COVID. Listen to Karen and other practitioners discuss therapeutic music during COVID on the HarpSong® Podcast.

    Karen served on the Board of Directors for MHTP for nine years, as well as the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians. She arranges harp music and gives private lessons with the goal of helping adult learners have more fun at the harp. Her first book, Enjoy the Modes, uses the nature of pedal and lever harps to bring out the characteristics of music modes. We're proud to welcome her back for her third time as a presenter at the festival.

    Presenter’s Website: Karen Peterson

  • Getting Started in Therapeutic Harping | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: Live Zoom 9/2/23 10am-11:30pm

    If you're curious about therapeutic harp, or if you're currently studying for a therapeutic harp certificate, find out how to get started. Should you go through a certification program? If so, how do you choose one? What is it really like to play for patients? How skilled does your harp playing need to be? Where can you work? Should you volunteer? How hard is it to get paid? Discuss these answers and more based on Karen's 10+ years as a Certified Music Practitioner and her service on the Board of Directors for the Music for Healing & Transition Program and the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians.

    Next Steps in Therapeutic Harping | 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.

Nia Pierce with her harp

  • Nia's Somerset journey began eight years ago when she performed with the inaugural Somerset youth ensemble as a high school student, under the direction of her harp teacher, Mrs. Robbin Gordon-Cartier. She recently graduated from The College of New Jersey, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with a focus on the harp. During her time in college, Nia received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Governor's Award in Arts and Education, the NAACP Freedom Fund Award for Arts Education and Activism, and Spectacular Magazine's Emerging Leader of the Year.

    Nia is passionate about sharing her love of music with others and has worked as a music teacher in the East Orange School District for two years. During that time, she directed the elementary music and harp program at Ecole Toussaint L’ouverture. Nia also mentors young harpists and musicians at her old high school and in other programs, and takes pride in being able to give back to the community that helped shape her into the person she is today.

    Currently, Nia works at Princeton University where she advises and mentors undergraduate students. In the fall, she will pursue a Master of Arts in Education Policy at Columbia University’s Teachers College. With her degree, Nia hopes to combine her passion for education, advocacy, and music to help inspire the next generation of leaders.

  • Youth Harp Program: Day 1 in-person, on-site only | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg.-Adv | When: Live 7/20/23 3pm-4:30pm

    Youth Harp Program: Day 2 in-person, on-site only | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg.-Adv. | When: Live 7/21/23 9:30am-11am & 1pm-2:30pm

    Youth Harp Program: Day 3 in-person, on-site only | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg.-Adv. | When: Live 7/22/23 9:30am-11am

    Youth Harp Program Lunchtime Concert (broadcast on Zoom) | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg.-Adv. | When: Live 7/22/23 11:30am-12:15pm

    Youth Harp Program: Day 3 in-person, on-site only | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg.-Adv. | When: Live 7/22/23 1pm-2:30pm

    Youth Harp Program: Day 4 in-person, on-site only | Type: Hands-on | Level: Beg.-Adv. | When: Live 7/23/23 9:30am-11am

  • As one of the pioneers of the American folk harp, Kim Robertson’s style and approach to the instrument is uniquely personal and original. Trained classically on piano and orchestral harp, she brings a contemporary touch to both her original compositions and her arrangements of Celtic music. Her skill and stage presence as a performer has brought her a loyal following and she is an experienced and sensitive teacher as well. She has many CDs, among them Highland Heart, Shady Grove and Shall We Gather as well as numerous volumes of harp arrangements and several instructional videos. Though she makes her home in Wisconsin, she spends a good deal of the year touring both as a solo artist and with other performers. Kim has presented and performed at nearly every Somerset festival, and with good reason! She's got a clear style and can get everybody, seemingly effortlessly, working together and learning with humor and grace. No matter what the topic, her workshops are packed (this year we'll have to spread out!). Kim received our Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She'll be here in-person in Parsippay. Welcome back, Kim.

    Presenter Website: Kim Robertson

  • American Ballads & Airs | Type: Hands-On | Level: Beg./Int. | When: Live 7/21/23 3-4:30pm

    Groovy Basslines | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 7/23/23 9:30-11am

    Learn how to create simple to complex bass lines and grooves for any style of music and create more variety and energy in your playing. Intermediate level, but all welcome.

    Inspired Arranging | 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]

    Lilting Lullabies | 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.

  • This is Adriano Sangineto’s first time presenting at Somerset. He is an Italian musician (specialized in Celtic harp), composer and arranger. He is touring the USA with Ensemble Sangineto, whose members are Jacopo Ventura, Adriano and his sister Caterina Sangineto. Adriano and Caterina’s father is well-known harp and psaltery maker Michele Sangineto. Having grown up in the artistic environment of their father, the twins have developed a natural flair for ancient music, which they were exposed to in the early stages of their musical growth. They later encountered popular music in all its polychromatic facets, with a special preference for the Irish, Breton and French traditions.The delicate combination of the pure and magic tones of the harp and of the bowed psaltery with the guitar intermingle with the three voice-polyphonic texture evoking dreamlike and airy atmospheres, which are simultaneously joyful and light. Join Adriano as he guides you through folk music of Northern and Southern Italy as well as Early Music. The Ensemble Sangineto will also be presenting at the Historical Harp Society’s Sunday Add-On. Be sure to join Adriano Saturday night as he teaches some traditional Italian dances.

    Presenter Website: Adriano Sangineto

    Band Website: Ensemble Sangineto

  • Italian Dance Music: Getting the Groove (beginner) | 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) | 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 | 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 | 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.

    Italian Traditional Dance Party | Type: Dance | Level: Any | When: Live 7/22/23 9-11pm

    After the evening concert come dance with Adriano as he teaches you some traditional Italian dances. Rachel Hair will also be teaching traditional Scottish dances as well. A perfect way to reconnect with friends and have some fun!

Tomoko Sugawara with her kugo

  • Tomoko Sugawara studied the harp at Tokyo University of the Arts and cultural history at Seijo University, Tokyo. She has been playing the kugo since 1991, and has conducted research and activities in New York, funded by Asian Cultural Council grants in 2007–8, 2014, and 2018–19. She has also received awards from the Dunhuang Foundation (2019 and 2020), and NYC Arts and Cultural Affairs (2020). In 2013 Tomoko founded the Eurasia Consort, which performs music from the Chinese Tang Court (seventh – ninth century), using transcriptions made by musicologists for instruments Tang Court musicians played. In 2018 and 2019, she was a visiting researcher at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she researched Tang Dynasty music and taught the kugo. Tomoko enjoys playing harps from East & West, such as the kugo, the Renaissance harp and the Baroque triple harp.

    Presenter Website: Tomoko Sugawara

  • Arranging Music Through the Centuries | Type: Hands-on | Level:Any | When: 7/30/23 3-4:30pm

    Don’t know where to start to come up with beautiful arrangements? In an arranging rut? In this workshop Tomoko teaches you how to look to the past to create your own arrangements. The class will use medieval music, focusing on Spanish Cantigas Santa Maria music as a starting place. Tomoko will also give you historical examples of how East Asia Tang Dynasty court music was adopted from many beautifully simply structured foreign folk tunes, such as the repertoire in Central Asia. Join us and connect with arranging through the centuries.

    Silk Road Journey of the Ancient Asian Harp | Type: Lecture | Level: Any | When: 7/29/231-2:30PM

    Among the earliest known instrument is the Angular Harp. It is first shown in archaeological records, 2000 BC. This instrument is no longer played, but dominatedAsia for a long time, and was played across the continent under various names. TheJapanese called it “Kugo,” and many fine examples have survived in Japan since 750AD. On the replica, Tomoko plays pieces from periods and places where the kugowas played. Her Chinese and Japanese repertoire hails from the 9th and the 11th centuries.

  • Versatility and a willingness to explore—different musical genres, different types of harps and different settings in which to play, characterize Sunita Staneslow’s career. At eight Sunita was already deeply interested in music, playing flute, harp and piano. The next twenty years were spent studying mostly classical music, with such eminent harpists as Lucile Lawrence, Lily Laskine, and Judith Liber. While living in Jerusalem during the mid-'80's, Sunita began arranging various styles of Jewish music for the harp. More recently she has been working as a therapeutic musician in a children's hospital near Tel Aviv. She has participated in two studies to measure the effect of music on premature babies. Sunita has played under the baton of conductors such as Phillipe Brunelle and Claudio Abbado but her passion is traditional music. With more than a dozen recordings to choose from and many books of arrangements from classical, sacred, Celtic and Jewish music, Sunita has something to offer to every aspiring harper.

    Presenter Website: Sunita Staneslow

  • Art of Practicing | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/20/23 3-4:30pm

    Do you want to play more smoothly and get the most our of your practicing? Yes, it is an art and practice does not always make perfect but can get us playing in a stiff and clunky way. Most harp players just play through their pieces and never really practice. How do professionals practice? Sunita will tell you everything she knows and much of it she learned the hard way. Sunita admits that she didn't really practice well for at least a decade! Sunita will discuss strategy, fingering, memorization and understanding your goals. And of course understanding your pieces!

    Christmas in July | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 3-4:30pm

    It is time to dust off your carols. Most people really want to hear starlight, snow and feel loved. Learn special effects that sound like starlight and gentle falling snow. Add these to your Christmas Music and take away some of those difficult notes! Full disclosure: these ideas and effects can be used beyond Christmas!

    Creating Beauty and improvisational patterns for therapy | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/23/23 9:30-11am

    Learn to sit down and create instant beauty with shimmering glissandos and improvising over a simple descending bass line. Sunita worked for over a dozen years as a therapeutic harpist and these are my favorite patterns. Creating beauty without reading notes is a wonderful way for all harp players to stay inspired. All levels.

    Figuring Out Fingering with Sunita Staneslow | Type: Hands-on | Level: Any | Archive Add-on

    Sunita wants you to make the connection between tone and phrasing with fingering. You might be looking for tricks and the easiest way to play but lose out on musicality. Focus on fingering to remedy phrasing that is sometimes stiff or clunky. Very often, better fingering can change the ebb and flow of the music you create. This workshop builds on Sunita's previous Fingering video now in our archive.

    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!

    Shetland tunes to get your playing to flow | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/22/23 1-2:30PM

    Get your playing to flow! Sunita will teach you techniques to bring more flow and magic to your playing using several Shetland tunes that work well on the harp. She moved last summer to Shetland and learned this music from local musicians. The Unst Boat Song, Shetland Carol and Starry Nights of Shetland. You will learn the melodies, discuss style and Sunita will share her full arrangements.

Bill Taylor with his harp

  • Bill Taylor is a specialist in the performance of ancient harp music from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and is one of very few players investigating these repertoires on lyres, psalteries, medieval gut-strung harps, wire-strung clarsachs and Renaissance harps with buzzing bray pins. He is one of the foremost interpreters of music in the Robert ap Huw manuscript, containing the earliest harp music from Europe, and he has made several recordings of this repertoire using historical harps. Bill performs and teaches in the Scottish Highlands and works with Ardival Harps in Strathpeffer. He performs and records as a soloist and with several ensembles, including Graindelavoix, Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien, Quadrivium and Sinfonye. As a teacher he is much in demand, and is frequently invited to lead workshops in the UK, Europe and the USA, including regular appearances at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival.

    Presenter Website: Bill Taylor

  • Historical Damping Techniques for Harps and Psalteries | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/23/23 9:30-10:30am (HHS Conference)

    Detailed techniques from Welsh and Irish sources for playing gut- and wire-string harps using fingernails and damping can be used for interpreting a wide range of repertoires, from medieval to modern styles. They are also appropriate for reconstructing techniques for playing psaltery, the lesser-understood cousin of the harp.

  • Venezuela's Ancient Romantic Music | Type: Hands-On | Level: Any | When: Live 07/21/23 3-4:30pm

    Venezuelan Joropo | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/20/23 3-4:30pm

    Venezuelan Merengue | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/22/23 1-2:30pm

    Venezuelan Orquídea | Type: Hands-On | Level: Int. | When: Live 07/23/23 9:30-11am

  • Dr. Dennis Waring is passionate about all kinds of music and ethnic cultures, from all over the world. Armed with a PhD from Wesleyan University, he's an educator, ethnomusicologist, author, instrument maker, collector, performer, and arts consultant. His World Music Teacher Institutes often take him from coast to coast and he has taken two four-month journeys around the world as shipboard ethnomusicologist with the University of Virginia’s Semester At Sea program. His multi-instrumental proclivities gives him a musical range that includes classical, folk, jazz, and ethnic idioms. That wide-ranging musical passion led him to create Waring Music to provide access to a broad spectrum of musical and multicultural resources to the general public as well as educational institutions. We welcome Dennis back as a vendor as well as a presenter with his ever-popular Build-a-Harp workshop, in which he assists interested participants in building their own harps right at the festival.

    Presenter Website: Dennis Waring

  • Build a Harp | Type: Demo | Level: Any | When: Live 07/22/23 9:30am-1:30pm

    Dennis Waring of Waring Harps will guide you through the construction of their 19-string, corrugated cardboard and wood harp, (or the 38-strung double-strung harp) built from their unique kit. In the first part you'll build the harp and in the second part you'll string it and tune it. Purchase the kits before the festival for the discounted price of $150 for the 19-string or $260 for the double-strung. This workshop is on-site and will not be zoomed.

    Contact Dennis to purchase kits before the festival waringinstruments@waringmusic.com