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Basic Double-Strung Harp
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All Levels |
Optional |
(only if there are 2 or 3 double-strung harps available) - We'll learn the basic techniques used on the double-strung harp: doubled melody, echoing, overlapping chords and alternating notes. Beth will share useful tips and exercises aimed at helping you play with more ease. Great class for beginners and for harpers exploring the possibility of playing the double-strung harp. |
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Basic Notation Review for Reading Lever Harp Music
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All Levels |
Optional |
For those who need a review, we'll go over basic staff notation from key signatures to time signatures, first and second ending repeats, lever changes, codas and chord notation. Bring all those questions that have been nagging you while reading music. |
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Beyond Triads
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All Levels |
Yes |
Tired of the same old arpeggiated accompaniments in the bass? Learn to make the most of your lefthand accompaniment by exploring chord variations, inversions, arpeggio variations and passing tones. We'll work on several traditional tunes to help us practice our skills, and open up a whole new world! |
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Celtic Music for Lever Harp
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All Levels |
Yes |
Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton claim credit for producing wonderful Celtic music. We’ll discuss the importance of tradition, learn several beautiful tunes, and explore techniques for ornamenting and accompanying those melodies. We’ll also discuss the difference between playing for dancers and playing for listeners. |
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Harp Ensemble for Everyone
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All Levels |
Yes |
Play one part or switch around in this fun harp ensemble. We'll learn the parts for two or three songs, and when we put the parts all together - magic happens! In all these arrangements, the Harp One part may be played as a stand-alone solo for intermediate to advanced players. |
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Intermediate Double-Strung Harp
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Intermediate |
Yes |
Once the basic techniques have been mastered, it’s time to explore new music and practice those techniques. Bring your double-strung harp and let’s have some fun! We’ll work on several traditional tunes and an original one, plus work on improvisation techniques that the double makes possible. |
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Master Class for Arrangement and Performance
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Intermediate |
Yes |
Volunteers of any level may play a piece for the group. Beth will gently draw out and encourage the player, and will make suggestions for enhancing the arrangement and performance. Audience participation is encouraged in this safe and accepting environment. You’ll be amazed at the improvement each musician makes! |
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Playing for Weddings
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Intermediate |
Optional |
Would you like to play for weddings? How do you find that kind of business? What do you do once a bridal couple wants you to play for their wedding? What if something goes wrong? Beth Kollé walks you through the details: marketing yourself, writing contracts, giving wedding previews, preparing repertoire and the nuts and bolts of playing for weddings. We'll stage a mock wedding and practice playing a bridal processional! |
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Playing from Lead Sheets
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Beginner |
Yes |
A lead sheet contains notated melody plus chord abbreviations designed to encourage you to make up your own accompaniment. This class will help you to understand lead sheet notation and some basic chord progressions while learning three or four tunes. We’ll discuss how ‘fake books’ can be used by harpists once the basic principles are understood. |
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Playing from the Heart, not from the Nerves
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All Levels |
Yes |
Why can I play so well at home but freeze up in public? We’ll answer that question and more in this workshop. Every player needs tips that really work to help the music come easily in public. Learn how to prioritize your concerns and ease your anxieties in the future. |
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Playing in Public
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Intermediate |
Optional |
Would you like to play gigs? Have you been asked to play background music for an event and aren't sure how to go about it? How do you find that kind of business? Beth Kollé walks you through the details: marketing yourself, writing contracts, preparing repertoire, equipment and gig etiquette. You'll come away with a clear plan of action. |
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Scandinavian Folkdance
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All Levels |
No |
Bring two feet and at least one ear and get ready to have fun on the dance floor. We'll learn a simple traditional Norwegian song-dance, danced in a ring with any number of people. Then we'll learn a traditional reinlendar (you might have heard it referred to as schottische), an easy dance that will introduce you to the wonderful world of Scandinavian couple dancing. These are dances just about everyone can learn. |
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Scandinavian Music for Lever Harp
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All Levels |
Yes |
We'll talk about what makes Scandinavian music different from other ethnic music, including modes, melodies and interesting lever settings. Learn two or three exquisite traditional songs from Scandinavia by walking through the dance steps, clapping the rhythms and then playing the tunes on our harps. |
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Traveling with Your Harp
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All Levels |
No |
Every musician wants to keep their instruments safe while traveling. We’ll discuss your options for air travel with your harp, including finding the proper case, packing guidelines, working with the airlines, airport procedure, and negotiating immigration and customs for international travel. |
My philosophy of teaching is simple. The process must be both fun and effective. As an adult-onset harper myself, I know how challenging the learning process can be and I'm committed to helping my students overcome their individual challenges while having a great time.