Irish Music Toolbox 1
Instructor: Marta Cook
Sun., February 5, 12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., $40 ($70 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Explore a revolutionary approach to both harp technique and foundational music skills drawn from the profound Irish aesthetic described in the twelfth century as 'art that conceals art.' The Toolbox sequence provides beginning to professional harpists with practical tools for hands, brains, and ears that can develop and improve harp technique, introduce and strengthen learning by ear, unlock creativity, and transform personal, physical, and mental experiences of any music. While repertoire is not the focus of the workshop, both a variety of exercises and one or more Irish tunes from the seventeenth through twenty-first centuries will be used to teach concepts and techniques.
Extensive multimedia support - sheet music, videos, readings - will be available both online and in hard copy before and after the class. Taught with a combination of ear learning and written sources. Recording devices and music stands suggested. Beginner to professional harpists - REALLY! No experience with Irish music necessary; in fact, most of the content applies to any style of music. Feel free to email Marta with questions at clarseach@hotmail.com.
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Irish Music Toolbox 2
Instructor: Marta Cook
Sun., February 5, 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., $40 ($70 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
What makes music magical? What is the "art that conceals art," and what does it value? How can these values change us, as harpists, musicians, and people? As we become more aware of what we hear and how it affects us, we'll continue exploring foundational techniques and exercises for speed, rhythm, and tone that allow us to play what we hear. We'll work with phrasing, rhythm, ornamentation (how, where, and why), and accompaniment/arranging. We’ll probe tradition, innovation, and personal experience through a range of recorded music from rare old recordings to modern releases. Extensive multimedia support - sheet music, videos, readings - will be available both online and in hard copy before and after the class. Taught with a combination of ear learning and written sources. Recording devices and music stands suggested. Beginner to professional harpists - REALLY! No experience with Irish music necessary; in fact, most of the content applies to any style of music. Feel free to email Marta with questions at clarseach@hotmail.com.
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Techniques for Accurate Playing
Instructor: Laurie Riley
Sat., February 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Playing with ease and accuracy are hallmarks of excellent harping. These skills can be developed through specific techniques which are guaranteed to improve your playing and bring you confidence that your music is both precise and beautiful. Bring your harp (or rent one at the school), a recording device if you have one, and a notebook. All skill levels welcome.
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Techniques for Expressive Playing
Instructor: Laurie Riley
Sat., February 18, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Playing expressively is a skill that can be learned through actual hands-on techniques. We will explore dynamics, conscious movement, imaging, and resonance to create truly expressive music. Bring your harp (or rent one at the school), a recording device if you have one, and a notebook. All skill levels welcome.
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Folk Harp Spring Training 1: Scaling the Heights
Instructor: Harper Tasche
Sat., March 10, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Building on last October's popular "Boot Camp" Flying Fingers workshop, Harper offers another two-hour session to further build and strengthen your finger independence and coordination. Using more scale and fingering patterns, we'll happily confuse our brains and chuckle our way to better playing. For advanced beginners and up. www.harpcrossing.com
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Folk Harp Spring Training 2: Leap On, Roll Off Chords
Instructor: Harper Tasche
Sat., March 10, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of this instructor’s workshops).
Following up on last October's popular "Boot Camp" Chord Calisthenics workshop, grab the chance to play with more complex chord and arpeggio patterns under Harper's expert guidance. Using visualization as well as kinesthetic training, learn the shapes of chord inversions and build confidence with hand-over-hand patterns to beautify your playing. For advanced beginners and up. www.harpcrossing.com
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