2025 Workshops OH

Stephanie Claussen

The Ins and Outs of Scottish Style
In this workshop, we’ll cover everything that goes into playing a piece on the harp in a Scottish style: the difference between marches and reels, what beats to emphasize, ideas for ornamentation, how to combine tunes into sets, what to do in the accompaniment, and some more contemporary arranging ideas. At the end of our time together, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to bring a Scottish tune to life, and you’ll have lots of tools you can use to make your own Scottish-style arrangements. Intermediate.

Ornaments, Grace notes and Trills! 
Would you like to be able to play Celtic ornaments with ease, or know how to add your own? In this workshop we will study all things related to ornamentation: Celtic ornaments (written and improvised), classical ornaments (both recognizing how grace notes are notated on the page and playing them) and also trills (one handed and two-handed). You’ll come away with a Celtic tune or two to experiment on, as well as some exercises to get your fingers fit for elegant embellishments. Beginner to Intermediate.

Keeping it Interesting
You discover a delightful melody, find the music, and learn the notes. What comes next? This workshop explores how to add variety to any melody. Topics will include Celtic ornaments (what they are, where to add them in the music and how to master them), modifications to the texture of a piece, passing tones, and easy chord substitutions. Some knowledge of chords is helpful, but not necessary. Experienced beginner to intermediate.

Karen Peterson

Make Rock 'n' Roll Beautiful on the Harp
Karen is known for playing rock, pop, R&B, disco, and everything in between. What songs work best on the harp? How do you deal with inaccuracies and oversimplification in sheet music? What do you do if there is no harp arrangement? Can rock sound soothing without completely castrating the original? Example tunes and chords will be provided. The ability to play from a lead sheet is helpful.

Instant Modal Repertoire!
Learn the two chords that characterize each mode, and practice applying them to melodies you already play. Transform your Ionian repertoire into something that sounds Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, or Phrygian. Spice up songs you play all the time (or Christmas carols). Extend your tunes with modal interludes. Use this as a jumping off point for learning more about the modes. Example tunes and chords in the keys of C and G will be provided. The ability to play from a lead sheet is helpful.

Improvising Is Hard...and YOU CAN DO IT
Let's not sugar coat it: if improvisation doesn't come naturally to you, then "just play and see what happens" might not sound like fun. Karen provides different approaches so you can see what works for you: altering your existing repertoire, using pattern tricks, filling in the blank, and (gasp) using music theory. We will explore the type of improvisation that sounds like "spa music" or wind chimes as well as improvisation that sounds like a "real song." No previous improvisation experience or music theory is necessary, but you should be able to play comfortably with both hands together.

Kim Robertson

Playing Backup
Begin to think like a rhythm instrument with simple damping techniques, flat-handed bass lines, power chords, syncopated patterns and tone variations. Learn to effectively back up other instruments, singing or even spoken word. Also included are some tips for sitting in (and faking it!) at Celtic sessions. Hands-on, all levels welcome.

Size Doesn’t Matter
Discover the full potential of your lap harp with strategic arranging ideas. Sample tunes will include rhythmic patterns, inversions and 2-hand crossovers that utilize the full range and dynamics of your small harp. Hands-on, all levels welcome.

Tunes for the Birds
Birds have been a beloved symbol throughout history, in folklore, literature and music. Learn some lovely bird-themed international folk tunes, along with some or the inspiring symbolism surrounding our feathered friends. Hands-on, all levels welcome.

Beth Stockdell

Celtic Knot Ceili (First time)
Do you love Celtic Knots? Have you always wondered how they are created? This class will teach you about the process used in designing knots and adding “barriers” to enhance and create diversity in your work. Drawing skills are not required for this fun and satisfying practice. In this class, each participant will leave with a handmade bookmark and a border piece which you can use to frame your favorite quote or photo from the Harp Gathering. All paper and tools will be supplied. Class limit of 15 participants.

Celtic Knot Ceili (Second Time)
Do you love Celtic Knots? Have you always wondered how they are created? This class will teach you about the process used in designing knots and adding “barriers” to enhance and create diversity in your work. Drawing skills are not required for this fun and satisfying practice. In this class, each participant will leave with a handmade bookmark and a border piece which you can use to frame your favorite quote or photo from the Harp Gathering. All paper and tools will be supplied. Class limit of 15 participants.

Sheet Music Reality Check
All aspiring arrangers and composers this class is for you. If you’ve written a piece of music that you are ready to share with the world, do you know if it is properly prepared? You have the tune entered into your music software and want to export it so everyone can have a copy. Before you hit print or export, let’s review some basic rules and ideas you need to consider to have the best possible product. We will review layout, markings/fingers, graphics, musical points, and other important factors. This is NOT a software, distribution platform, or composing class. Bring a notepad and your creativity.

Christina Tourin

Five Elements And Harp Music
This workshop outlines the characteristics of the Chinese Five Elements and provides the listener with a better understanding how they can balance their own energy by providing the type of music matching the element that they may have either a deficiency of or excess amount.

Creative Harping
This workshop will give you the basic structure of how to start playing music from ear and "jam" with friends. It is a systematic approach to understanding how we can improvise using one chord, then two, three, etc. One attendee said, "Although I have played harp for many years and studied at University - I have never been able to play without music. This is the first time that it has all clicked for me! I now can go to jobs with only my harp and no music. Christina has so clearly given the tools and understanding that has freed my playing! Each day I sit at the harp is so exciting - I never know what new wondrous music will emerge - and it really sounds great!" - Melissa C.
 
Celtic Tunes for Therapeutic Applications
Christina has developed a series of Celtic songs that are appropriate for Hospice, Rehabilitation Centers, Hospitals, NICU Units, Veterans Hospitals and even Prisons along with beautiful lullabies. Each tune has a story as well as a poignant presentation of how these songs have inspired a composition for our modern age. Join her in this workshop and take home some incredibly beautiful tunes. But it is not just the tunes, it is the unique arrangements that you will love.

Denise Grupp-Verbon (Tapestry)

Thursday Special Workshop: Music Theory: The Harpist's Friend
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The Mystery Of Copyright
When is your creative work considered copywritten? Are you thinking about recording a CD? Have you created a solo or ensemble arrangement or composition, which you would like to publish? Would you like to register your work with the US Government copyright office? Wondering what ‘Fair use’ means? Facts and myths when it comes to copyright will be discovered. No harp required, open to companions.

Sight-reading Tools
Are you a beginning or non-music reader? You will gather practical sight-reading tools and become more proficient at your reading. Perhaps you’d like to be better at reading the grand staff. All levels welcome, bringing your harp will be helpful.

Deette Bunn

I can't play by ear!
This is a class for those of us who are "handicapped" by being paper trained. Introducing simple tricks to learn to play by ear by working on it for 5-10 minutes a day for 30 days. Adv Beginner and up. 


Tunes and Lead Sheets
How to play beautiful arrangements using lead sheets and a "set" of 5 LH patterns. For those who can play basic chords and arpeggios. 

Carol Kappus

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Jo Lynn Rhodes

Practice, Performance, and Praise
This workshop is designed to explore tips and tricks to choosing music to practice with performing in mind. We will discuss different types of performance settings, as well as learn how to read a lead sheet, and easily adapt hymns to the harp. Beginner to intermediate levels, bring your harp and join the fun!

Joy Slavens

Ready, Set, Go!
This class prepares a musician to know how to be ready for the world of gigging. We will look at fees, insurance, preparation, repertoire, equipment needed, wardrobe, and the big obstacle.... dealing with the dreaded nerves. Organization and preparedness is the answer to calming our fears. For all levels, no harps needed.

Improv made easy
In this class we will be learning to play from a lead sheet. Discovering a variety of LH patterns, adding RH harmonies, changing chords, adding arpeggios, glissandos. It is fun to add an introduction and create an interesting ending to make the song a masterpiece. Harps needed, and an understanding of chords is helpful. Intermediate level, harps needed.

Pat Tait

Are you new to the harp?
Do you feel you want a new approach to using your left hand on the harp? Come and join us! Find a simple approach to adding the left hand to a traditional melody line. Learn to build and execute a chord progression on your harp with your left hand. Join this hands-on workshop. Be sure to bring your harp!

TBA

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