Workshops by The Masters of the Celtic Harp
Gráinne is one of the premier traditional harp teachers in Ireland and the United States. She teaches at all the major summer schools in Ireland, including the annual Scoil Eigse sponsored by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann the week prior to the Fleadh Cheoil. She has done innumerable workshops throughout the United States on her annual tours, including all the major harp conferences and Irish festivals. She can teach groups of various sizes and experience levels. All workshops are taught in the traditional style, “by ear”, although written music can be provided at the end of the workshops. Participants are encouraged to bring recording devices.
"An interesting note is that the workshop included professional harpists -- harp teachers, regular performers, the
principal harpist for the Madison Symphony. I think it's a tribute to Grainne and Billy and their traditional style that musicians of this
caliber come out to workshops to learn from them."
Mary Ellen Bell, MadHarpers, Madison, Wisconsin
Length: 1½ -2 hours
Irish Traditional Dance Music: An Introduction to Ornamentation
and Arranging: Learn about the different types of ornamentation used in Irish music, how to play them, and how to apply them to a basic melody. Some approaches to creating interesting and stylistically appropriate arrangements will also be
covered. The difference between how dance tunes are notated and how they should be played will also be discussed.
Accompanying Traditional Irish Music: Some approaches to accompanying traditional Irish dance music (when playing with
other instruments). The modal nature of Irish music will be discussed. Some widely used chord progressions will be explored, as well
as some rhythmic patterns useful for accompanying jigs and reels. Some of the basics of 'session etiquette' will also be discussed.
Aural Learning Made Easy: Do you find the idea of learning by ear daunting? Do you avoid classes that
do not use written music? Come and explore different techniques and tips for aural learning, presented in the context of a simple Irish tune. And
discover that it's easier than you think!
Irish Slow Airs:: A simple song air will be taught by ear, with discussion and demonstration of appropriate ornamentation and ideas for arranging slow airs. No written
music is provided for this workshop, so a recording device is highly recommended.
The Collections of Edward Bunting: This workshop will include some background information on the Belfast Harpers
Assembly of 1792, the collections of Edward Bunting, and their significance in preserving the 17th and 18th century harp repertoire. Some tunes from the
collections will be taught, and ideas on how to adapt the published piano arrangements for harp will be discussed.
The Music of O'Carolan: Learn a piece by Ireland's best known harper-composer. The harp repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries will be discussed, along with some ideas for
arranging these pieces.
The History of the Harp in Ireland: A lecture / recital on the history of the harp in Ireland, from
its earliest depictions and descriptions up to the present day. Illustrated with musical examples.
Concertina Workshops: For participants playing Anglo C/G concertinas. This workshop can be tailored to suit any level, from beginners upwards. It can
be presented as an introduction to the instrument, for complete beginners. Or at an intermediate level, the basics of technique and style
can be covered (e.g. bellows control, phrasing, alternative fingerings), as well as ornamentation in the context of Irish traditional dance tunes.
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