HARPISTS EAGER to explore music for the instrument from 18th-century Ireland and from Medieval European, as well as musicians from any genre looking to overcome performance anxiety, will benefit from new courses from The Historical Harp Society of Ireland.
The Historical Harp Society of Ireland’s autumn Acadamh na gCláirseach—Academy of Early Irish Harp will present three online courses, starting 14th October, suitable for players of any kind of harp from post-beginner to professional levels.
The courses are: A Garden of Earthly Delights: Medieval Music From Around Europe will open a door onto the mediaeval world of single-line dance melodies and multi-voiced compositions. The course will be taught by Leah Stuttard and Carolin Margraf.
Overcoming Performance Anxiety is open to all musicians, regardless of instrument or genre, who struggle with performance nerves. The course tutor is Dr Jennifer Mackerras, a fully qualified and registered Alexander Technique teacher, who has worked at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Fundamentals of Playing the Early Irish Harp will cover 17th- and 18th-century performers and composers like Donal Black and Turlough Carolan, and teach the foundational skills needed to explore the music and traditions of the early Irish harp at post-beginner level. The course tutor is Alessia Bianchi, a specialist in historical Gaelic harps.
Courses take place on Zoom on six Saturdays between 14th October and 2nd December. Musicians from anywhere in the world are welcome to take part.
Cost for each course is €130, but there is an EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT of €99 for those who enrol before 1st October 2023. For more information see https://irishharp.org/acadamh.