Location: The Gathering Space. Join us for an opening reception. Come and mingle with this year’s artists and tutors, meet friends old and new. Supported by the North East Scotland Branch of The Clarsach Society
Chris and Catriona are old friends of the festival and are absolutely delighted to be able to join this year’s celebrations! Awarded Best Duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for their album Bare Knuckle in 2018, Chris and Catriona have performed, explored and sculpted their musical identities together for almost thirty years. SUNITA …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10am TUTOR: Toni Russell LEVEL: Beginner (see brochure p23 for explanation) Learn to play the Clarsach in a fun and relaxed way. The course will teach basic technique at the same time as learning tunes you will recognise, working around the coloured strings. You will …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9am-10.30am TUTOR: Malachy Arnold LEVEL: Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Immerse yourself in the art of adapting regional Irish tunes not typically associated with the harp. This course invites you …
So sorry this course has had to be withdrawn. 4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10.30am TUTOR: Sixto Corbalan LEVEL: Elementary (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music This course is for players of all types of harps and will focus …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9am - 10.30am TUTOR: Diego Laverde Rojas LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music. In this course, we will learn rhythmic structures and harmonic progressions of rhythms from the Colombian-Venezuelan plains, like …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9am-10.30am TUTOR: Pedro Martinez LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music For less experienced guitar players. This musical laboratory aims to explore the rhythmic, melodic and harmonic language of three Brazilian genres: …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9am - 10.30am TUTOR: Elinor Evans LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Do you love a slow air? During this course, Elinor will be teaching her arrangements of beautiful airs from Scotland. However long …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10.30am TUTOR: Wendy Stewart LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Simple but effective arrangements of beautiful yet easy Scottish tunes. Wendy will build up the musical elements and layers so everyone can …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10.30am TUTOR: Ingrid Henderson LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Learn a variety of arrangements of Highland melodies from haunting Gaelic airs to waltzes and pipe marches. Figure out some tricks of …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10.30am TUTOR: Catriona McKay LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E: Teaching will be by ear. Join Catriona for a few days of exploring some music she finds endlessly fascinating! She will take you on a journey of how she unearths the …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10.30am TUTOR: Adriano Sangineto LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Do you yearn to play Dance Music on the harp? In this course, Adriano explores the rhythmic possibilities of the harp, developing …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10.30am TUTOR: Eleanor Hetherington LEVEL: Post beginners (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music For those who have taken a beginners harp course in the past or who have no teacher and now wish to …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9am - 10.30am TUTOR: Anne-Marie O'Farrell LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music An exciting journey of music through the ages from early baroque to recently written music, visiting lots of places in …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9.00am-10.30am TUTOR: Bill Taylor LEVEL: Post-beginner /Elementary (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD - M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music New players of the wire-strung Highland clarsach are very welcome to join this course. Using both historical and traditional pieces, …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 9am - 10.30am TUTOR: James Ruff LEVEL: Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music To play the Early Gaelic Harp means to become a sleuth in search of early repertoire – a …
Here is an opportunity for harp and fiddle players to join Catriona & Chris to learn a tune, explore it a little, have a chat, ask a question or two and have a great time playing together! **NOTE: The date of this event has changed from the printed brochure to Sat 6th April at 11:00
Come and experience the joy of singing and harmonising together in a safe and relaxed setting. No experience necessary, just bring your natural voice and an open heart!
Ever fancied joining in a traditional music session with your harp? Don’t know where to begin? Join Rachel and Neil for this relaxed, hands-on group workshop exploring session repertoire, accompaniment ideas and what to do when you don’t know the tune
Rhona is a skilled and innovative musician working with Drake Music Scotland.Inspired by performers such as Catriona McKay, she found her particular love was the sound of the harp. With Ali Gillies, her musical support, she will tell us about her journey as a musician with a disability.
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Heather Yule LEVEL: Elementary(see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Heather will choose some lovely tunes, mostly from Scotland, and help you get them under your fingers and draw out their …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Malachy Arnold LEVEL: Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Immerse yourself in the art of adapting regional Irish tunes not typically associated with the harp. This course …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Sixto Corbalan LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music This course is suitable both for players of Latin American harps and lever harp players who already have some experience …
2 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / 1pm-2.30pm & 4.30pm-6pm TUTOR: Heather Downie LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music This course is delivered over four sessions Saturday • 1.00pm & 4.30pm & Sunday • 1.00pm & 4.30pm Explore the depths of Scotland's …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Catriona McKay LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Join Catriona for a few days of exploring some music she finds endlessly fascinating! She will take you …
2 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun 1pm-2.30pm & 4.30pm -6pm TUTOR: Wendy Stewart LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Simple but effective arrangements of beautiful yet easy Scottish tunes. Wendy will build up the musical elements and layers so everyone can find …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Adriano Sangineto LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Do you want to further develop your skills in playing dance music? In this course, Adriano explores the rhythmic possibilities …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Rachel Hair LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD M+E: Written music provided from the start but teaching will be sympathetic to all level of reading/assimilating music. The session can be a scary prospect at times for harp players, …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm-2.30pm TUTOR: Pedro Martinez LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music For guitar players of all levels except beginners. Latin America has a vast culture of traditional music, and South America is …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Ingrid Henderson LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Develop skills in creating beautiful and fitting arrangements to accompany a range of traditional Scottish music. We will discover how …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1PM - 2.30PM TUTOR: Isobel Mieras LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD M+E: Written music will be provided from the start but teaching will be sympathetic to all levels of reading/assimilating music. Your chance to practise, rehearse and perform in the …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm-2.30pm TUTOR: Charlotte Petersen LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Famed for her beautiful, effective arrangements and sympathetic teaching, Charlotte will lead you through duet arrangements of varying styles of tunes, …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Eleanor Hetherington LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Become an even more versatile harp player. Explore some new and some, perhaps familiar, much loved classical tunes to add …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Sunita Staneslow LEVEL: Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Discover the passion and power of both Jewish and Arabic music. We will learn several Jewish melodies based on verses …
***EXTRA COURSE NOW ADDED DAILY 4.30pm*** 4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Fiona Rutherford LEVEL: Beginner (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music A chance to try this beautiful and versatile instrument for yourself. We will explore good …
So sorry this course has had to be withdrawn. 4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Diego Laverde Rojas LEVEL: Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music In this course, we embark on a rhythmic adventure …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 1pm - 2.30pm TUTOR: Anne-Marie O'Farrell LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Come and explore music from the Irish harping tradition, featuring music by O’Carolan and from the Bunting Collection. We’ll learn …
SUE ROTHSTEIN Inspired by her love of birds, Sue will perform several of her own bird-themed compositions accessible to students of varying experience as well as arrangements of some well-known favourite pieces and at least one harp classic. ALICE GUSE Alice will share a taste of her love for traditional and contemporary music with us …
Saturday 4.30pm-5.30pm TUTOR Mairi Macleod Learn basic vocabulary and simple phrases to use around EIHF and in different scenarios, switching vocabulary within sentences.
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm-6pm TUTOR: James Ruff LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will initially be by ear with written music given out during the session. The harp has long been tied to poetry and singing, though learning the song and then …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm - 6pm TUTOR: Sunita Staneslow LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E Teaching will be by ear The skills used to create therapeutic music also help us create beautiful phrases. Learn to play simple patterns and melodies that fit comfortably in …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm-6pm TUTOR: Sue Rothstein LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD M+E: Written music will be provided from the start but teaching will be sympathetic to all levels of reading/assimilating music. Four solo pieces and one duet covering different genres will be …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm - 6pm TUTOR: Heather Yule LEVEL: Mixed Abilities (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Discover the stories behind some new tunes after last year’s successful course. No need to have attended that course …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm - 6pm TUTOR: Rachel Hair LEVEL: Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Come and join us for a musical journey as we elebrate the vibrant music from our lesser-known Celtic cousins and …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm-6pm TUTOR: Elinor Evans LEVEL: Elementary (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Who doesn’t love a slow air? Whatever your ability, making the harp sing while playing gentle contemplative music is a real pleasure. …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm - 6pm TUTOR: Fiona Rutherford LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music In this fun and exploratory course we will look at various melodic and rhythmic patterns that flow well on the …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4,30pm -6pm TUTOR: Charlotte Petersen LEVEL: Elementary (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music Charlotte will share some of her beautiful, accessible and effective arrangements of Scottish and Gaelic tunes. She will show how to …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm - 6pm TUTOR: Ailie Robertson LEVEL: Elementary/Intermediate (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD M+E: Written music will be provided from the start but teaching will be sympathetic to all levels of reading/assimilating music. Have you been playing for a little while now but …
4 DAY COURSE: Sat / Sun / Mon / Tue 4.30pm - 6.00pm TUTOR: Toni Russell LEVEL: Beginner (see brochure p23 for explanation) TEACHING METHOD E+M: Teaching will be initially by ear with written music A chance to try this beautiful and versatile instrument for yourself. We will explore good technique habits through simple exercises …
DIEGO LAVERDE ROJAS & FRIENDS Voices from the Savannah, Joropo and Harp A captivating musical journey through the Colombian and Venezuelan plains with four musicians from Colombia. SIXTO CORBALÁN & PEDRO MARTÍNEZ Contemporary Paraguay Sixto Corbalán on Paraguayan harp and Pedro Martínez on guitar, two of the most innovative performers of contemporary Paraguayan music, share …
We are told to think outside the box. What is this box? And what’s inside? In this creativity workshop we redefine it as inspirational space.
Shelley will open the session by sharing the good, the bad, the ugly, and amazing opportunities online learning can create for harp students and teachers. We explore how it differs from working face to face, including technical, physical and emotional considerations and look at some tried and tested strategies for successful online lessons both from …
James Ruff explores the rich Highland repertoire for voice and harp from the 16th to 18th centuries, composed or collected by women, who, though excluded from official positions, proved important bearers of tradition in Scotland as musicians, singers, song collectors and poets. For Royal National Mòd Prizewinner Maria Monk, currently a student at Glasgow Gaelic …
Sunday 4.30pm -6pm TUTOR: Bill Taylor An opportunity to try out the beautifully resonant wirestrung Highland clarsach. While these were properly played with fingernails at least 2 mm long, that’s not necessary for this taster class. The technique we use is often called playing “in the stopped style”, where the finger pads damp certain strings …
ADRIANO SANGINETO Arpa Creativa A welcome return for Adriano, the popular Italianclarsach player. He will perform his Arpa Creativa show with the clarsach becoming an extension of his exuberant personality. TARRAN Tarran are an exhilarating contemporary folk group from Glasgow with roots in both Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland.
With three or four selected students, Sue will offer her thoughts on how they might improve certain aspects of performing a particular piece.
This workshop highlights the similarities and rhythmic variations of the Llanera and Paraguayan harps, each representing its country. We'll discuss key differences in harp building and playing techniques, exploring rhythms with maestros Sixto Corbalán from Paraguay and Diego Laverde Rojas from Colombia.
Following the latest research into historic evidence of harp bass and historic fingering for the early Gaelic Harp, we will explore arranging early Gaelic pieces for wire-strung harp and all kinds of harps.
Monday 1pm-2pm TUTOR: Mairi Macleod Learn basic vocabulary and simple phrases to use around EIHF and in different scenarios, switching vocabulary within sentences.
Monday 1pm-2.30pm TUTOR: Bill Taylor An opportunity to try out the beautifully resonant wirestrung Highland clarsach. While these were properly played with fingernails at least 2 mm long, that’s not necessary for this taster class. The technique we use is often called playing “in the stopped style”, where the finger pads damp certain strings to stop …
ELEANOR DUNSDON & GREGOR BLACK Eleanor and Gregor are a Glasgow-based harp and percussion duo, who met during their postgraduate studies in Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2022. ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC HARP ENSEMBLE The RNCM Harp Ensemble is a highly experienced and versatile group of international students who draw …
***EXTRA CLASS NOW ADDED TUE 9am*** Monday 4.30pm-6pm TUTOR: Gregor Black A brilliant opportunity to learn the basics of bodhrán playing for anyone enthusiastic about rhythm and groove. A limited number of bodhráns may be available by contacting the office or bring your own.
A long established EIHF favourite, string-driven dance band Bella McNab’s features a front-line of three of Scotland’s top fiddlers – Sarah Hoy, Jenny Gardner and Sarah McFadyen
Tuesday 9am -10am TUTOR: Mairi Macleod Learn basic vocabulary and simple phrases to use around EIHF and in different scenarios, switching vocabulary within sentences.
Tuesday 9.00am-10.10am TUTOR: Gregor Black A SECOND opportunity to learn the basics of bodhrán playing for anyone enthusiastic about rhythm and groove. A limited number of bodhráns may be available by contacting the office or bring your own. BOOKING OPENING SOON
This workshop deals with the role of harp as a leading instrument of harmony in early music, the so-called “continuo.” A bass line can change the mood, lead the rhythm and give different nuances to a tune. In other words
Learn to create instant beauty with shimmering glissandi and improvisation over a simple descending bass line.
Margaret will offer insights into her own repertoire and teach a few Gaelic songs and/or choruses which can easily be picked up in a limited time.
ELINOR EVANS Ellie will trace how the clarsach has developed over the years, playing pieces dating back to the early days of the instrument, through its resurgence in the twentieth century and on to the present day. RHONA SMITH & STEPHANIE HUMPHREYS WITH THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA Festival students join with Edinburgh based ensemble Na Clàrsairean …
With Ingrid on clarsach, Iain on fiddle and Margaret singing Gaelic song, these musical stalwarts create a stunning sound infused with love and understanding of the culture-rich West Highlands. ANNE-MARIE O’FARRELL Hailing from Dublin, Anne-Marie is renowned for her innovations on lever harp. She takes us on a fascinating journey in which the harp imitates …
