I'm a beginner. How do I get a harp?

It is best to start by hiring a harp – firstly, get in touch to see if I have a hire harp available.  If not, you can also rent a harp through The Clarsach Society   After a few months of hiring you will begin to know what type of harp you would like.  There are three main types of harp - lap harps, lever harps (often called the 'Clarsach' or 'Celtic harp') and pedal harps (often called the 'Concert Harp').  The lap harp is the smallest and most portable type of harp you can rent and is most suited to beginner players.  The lever harp is a larger, more diverse instrument on which you can perform more complex music.  The pedal harp is an advanced instrument mainly used for classical and jazz music.  When considering buying a harp, do make sure you go along to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival - held every April - which is one of the best places to buy a harp.  

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Is the harp a difficult instrument to learn? Can I start as an adult? 

The harp is suitable for all ages and abilities.  A number of my students are beginner adult learners - it is never too late to start learning! Adults who have previously learnt another instrument in childhood are likely to progress even faster.  Teaching methods are adapted to each individual pupil’s learning style to ensure that lessons are at a suitable pace for every single learner.  The harp is also an extremely encouraging instrument to learn – you will produce beautiful sounds from day one!  Even the simplest pieces can sound impressive and soon after starting lessons, you will be able to begin to play well-known tunes.  As well as being a very rewarding instrument, it is also very relaxing learning to play the harp.   

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How does the 'Start the Harp Plus' and 'Start The Harp Pro' memberships work?

The benefit to these memberships is that you will get continuous feedback from a qualified harp teacher as you progress through the course.  This will advance your progress significantly.  With 'Start the Harp Plus' you should submit a video monthly and for 'Start The Harp Pro' you should submit a video weekly.  This is best done via email or WhatsApp.  For all 'Start the Harp' subscriptions you will have access to both 'A' Cluich Na Clàrsaich' and 'Start the Harp' courses.  You can see the prices of subscriptions here.

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What equipment do I need for live online lessons or video courses?

You’ll need a computer/tablet/iPad/smartphone with an internal microphone/webcam.  For live online lessons you will also require either FaceTime or Skype installed.  For all harp courses, your own harp is obviously essential too - however there are a number ways you can hire a harp if you don't already have one.  A good broadband connection is best for live online lessons, but if your connection is less secure I would recommend the video courses.

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What is the cost of live online lessons?

If you would like to have weekly live lessons the prices are as follows:

£75 per month for 30 min weekly tuition

£95 per month for 45 min weekly tuition

£125 per month for 60 min weekly tuition

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What length of live online lessons should I go for?

Weekly lesson recommendations are

30 mins - Beginners

45 mins - Players wishing to make more progress and students showing good potential

60min - Advanced students. 

Some students may be advised to have longer lessons if they are doing a grade exam or want additional theory/aural training.

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What will I learn in online lessons?

You'll be studying a range of different elements in your lessons to to make you a well-rounded musician.  You can play popular, classical, folk and jazz music on your instrument, the possibilities are endless! Technique, music theory, composition, ear training and reading musical notation can also be integrated into lessons as well as practical advice such as instrument care & maintenance, practise tips, memorisation and performance preparation.  You can gain a qualification by taking an exam (ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall, RCS, SQA), or simply learn for fun. I aim for students to be well-rounded players but I also want students to study the repertoire that interests them so I’m open to all their ideas too!

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At what age can children start learning?

This depends on each individual child, their co-ordination and attention span.  If a child is particularly diligent, online lessons can work - my youngest online harp student is 8 years old. Otherwise, it is best to begin with face-to-face lessons.  Often between 6-9 years old is a good time to start the harp however some children may be ready at 4 years old, and others not until much later.  Often it is a good idea to combine piano tuition and other musical activities with harp tuition and for younger children.  Teenagers, particularly if they have already previously learnt another instrument, tend to progress more rapidly with the harp.

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How often should I practice?

Young beginners are encouraged to practise for about 15 minutes most days and this should increase gradually as they get older.  It is difficult to put an exact time on how long a practise session should be as you should aim to complete a task rather than practise for a set length of time (quality over quantity).  If you are doing a video course, aim to complete 1-2 pieces per week.  If you are unable to practise one day, you can still broaden your musical knowledge in many ways – for example, listening to the theme music of a television program and asking yourself questions about the instruments used, mood of the piece etc – make every day musical!