Workshops

March 30 – April 1, 2012: High Spirits Music (Naramata, B.C.)

Under the blossoms of the Okanagan orchards, Alys instructs the 12th Annual Harp Retreat & Workshop in Naramata, BC. This workshop will be taught at the level of intermediate harp students. We had such a fantastic time last year, we’re doing it again!  There will be Scottish, Irish, and Cape Breton repertoire, with information about ornamentation, variation, arranging, and some technical work to build speed and skill.  For more information or to register, please contact Caroline Mackay: theharplady@shaw.ca, phone: (250) 768-0930, or www.highspiritsmusic.com

 

 

August 14 – 18, 2012: IMA International School of Celtic Harp

Alys returns to Wells, BC to teach the Intermediate Class.  To learn more or to register, visit  http://www.imarts.com/artschool/130/harp

INTERMEDIATE HARP course description: Building on the fundamentals of melody and rhythm, the Intermediate class will learn tunes mainly from the Scottish and Irish traditions (along with some treasures from Cape Breton!)  In our repertoire, we will touch on stylistic interpretation, variation, ornamentation, and musical forms in a variety of keys, modes and rhythms.  We will increase our multi-tasking abilities at the harp: counting, fingering, brackets and placing – with phrasing and musicality of course!

While creating arrangements for our tunes, we will explore chord inversions and substitutions, choosing the “right” chords and enjoying the “wrong” ones, reinforcing accompaniment patterns and left hand skills, composing interesting bass lines, using syncopation, damping and muffling to augment rhythm and drive in dance tunes.

The Intermediate Class will explore the rationale behind some key technical exercises, increasing fluidity and relaxation, finger independence, speed and agility, volume and tone. 

We will also continue building ensemble skills to play collaboratively with others (accompanying singers, or other instruments), covering useful practice habits, performance preparation and comfort.  Alys will close the week with an “audio tour”, introducing some of the many and varied worlds of the harp today. Where will you take the harp from here? Find your own stylistic goals and vision!

It is suggested that the Intermediate level course is right for students familiar with the following: tuning their own harp; crossing over/under; placing in advance; and playing RH tunes with simple LH accompaniment.  Some knowledge of keys, chords, and time signatures is recommended (concepts of music literacy may be reviewed, as appropriate to the group).  All materials will be taught by rote, however the ability to read both bass and treble clef, and willingness to learn by ear is an asset.  Learners will be provided with written materials to aid memory.  Where possible, there will be less- and more- challenging options. Bring your harp, sense of humour, love of music – and leave with a treasure trove of new repertoire and ideas!

 

The following group classes with Alys Howe, are currently available

IMPORTANT:

• ALL participants in group classes will need to rent or purchase a harp with 26 or more strings (full levers are recommended), for practice at home, and to bring to class.  Harps may be available for rent or purchase from Eastcoast Harpshop at http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/sunnyday/, or review the info at the bottom of the Teaching page, which discusses different harp makers and harps that are available in North America.
• Students will also require: a harp tuning key and an electronic tuner, a music stand, music paper and pencil, and the current music books used in your class.  A recording device is highly recommended.

 

Beginner Harp with Alys Howe

If you always wanted to play the harp, now you can finally get your fingers on the strings of this magical instrument!  This group class is for ages seven to adult, who have limited or no prior experience playing the harp. The main focus of this class is to build the solid foundation of technical skill, that is necessary to play this challenging instrument!  Topics covered will include: how to tune your harp, optimal posture and basic hand positioning at the harp, playing with relaxation and good tone, simple and enjoyable tunes to play (as a group, or solo at home), and scales and arpeggios with correct and fluid technique.  Course content will be taught by rote, so that students can watch their hands and sense in to their physical relationship to the harp; the ability to read music or to play by ear will be an asset but is not required (concepts of music literacy will be discussed as needed).  Usually, beginners are grouped with other beginners who have comparable prior musical experience.  Classes are always small, so that all participants receive lots of individual attention and support.  There will be an optional group performance to celebrate “graduation”.

Harp Ensemble “Group A” with Alys Howe

This social, supportive, and motivating group class will encourage harp players to participate at their own comfort level, and to expand their musical horizons through the directed learning of our class environment!  This class is for adults with prior experience playing the harp (children will be accepted at the discretion of the instructor). Topics covered will include: healthy posture at the harp; technical exercises to increase relaxation and fluidity, sound, speed, agility, and finger independence; playing in harmony; improvisation; arranging; composition; performance preparation (all group or solo performances are optional); and playing with confidence. The ability to read both bass and treble clef or to learn music by rote or by ear is necessary (concepts of music literacy may be reviewed, as required).  Students should be familiar with the following: tuning their own harp; playing scales and crossing over/under; placing; playing RH tunes with simple LH accompaniment; and counting simple rhythms (if in doubt, students can try one class, with the option of switching to the beginner level).

 

Harp Ensemble “Group B” with Alys Howe

This group class is for adults and young adults with extensive experience playing the harp, who are interested in performing publicly.  Topics covered will include: maximizing your technique to achieve controlled, dynamic and beautiful tone; playing with fluidity and relaxation; arranging and composing (for solo and ensemble); improvisation; practise methods; performance preparation (solo or ensemble); booking and advertising; and playing with confidence for events such as: concerts, auditions, master classes, church services, weddings, funerals, corporate functions, and other public engagements.  Students will be expected to participate in ensemble performances as they arise throughout the term.  Solo opportunities may be available.

Eligible candidates for this class have a strong background in music, have taken harp lessons for several years, know all “the basics” (including scales, arpeggios, fingering and placing rules, tuning, familiarity with all keys common to the lever harp, are comfortable with all time signatures, read bass and treble clef fluently, can quickly learn music by rote or by ear, are comfortable with memorization, etc), and are committed to practising a minimum of 1 hour at least five days a week.

 

 

 

WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

“Intermediate harp workshop” Naramta BC, 2011:

This has been a wonderful musical experience Alys – we were so lucky to have this time with you – utterly inspiring and SO much fun. – Pam

Really enjoyed your thorough and compassionate approach, encompassing all learning styles.  Thank you so much. – Michelle

You are a marvelous teacher and amazing musician.  Thank you – Kate

Thoroughly enjoyed your method of teaching and ideas for us to learn. – Donna

Thank you SO much for the amazing workshop!  You’ve inspired me!  I hope to see you again soon.  Thanks again! – Siobhan

A very inspiring weekend!  Thank you so much for all the great ideas and the chance to hear such beautiful music! - Brenda

You “ornamented” our harp weekend and inspired us all.  Thanks so much. - Jane

You are inspiring Alys, and a great instructor.  Thanks so much. - Mary Ann

Thanks Alys!  Enjoyed the weekend and learned a lot.  You’re amazing! – Sharon

Love the way you teach.  Thanks! – Tina

You have given us all a new lease on our Celtic music.  Thanks for everything! – Caroline

Thanks for an enthusiastic presentation of new ways to harp.  - Colleen

You are a musical inspiration.  My muse. – Susan

Thank you! I so enjoyed listening to you and learning from you.  You’ve given me new inspiration. – Debbie

You’re the BEST! – Jane M

What a wonderful workshop.  Thanks so much. – Allanah

 

“Beginner harp workshop”, Wells BC, 2010:

Thank you so much for your patience, warmth, encouragement and of course…your wonderful talents.  It is an honour to have had you as my teacher.  Please come back again. – Sue

What a pleasure to be in your class, you are also an amazing performer.  - Lynne

Through your kindness, your patience, and your talent, you have truly inspired me.  Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. – Leah Kabotoff

Please come again!  Thank you, thank you. – Shirley

What a joy to be able to play with you!  I will always remember your positive ways!  Thanks so much.  - Libby

What a trip!  You were wonderful for us all.  Thanks.  - Cathy

Thank you Alys for teaching us with such patience!  I love your encouragement!  - Sascha

 

 

 

PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS WITH ALYS HOWE

 

May 7, 2011: Kiwanis Festival in Langley, BC

Alys adjudicated the harp and guitar categories. For more information, visit http://www.kfv.ca/

 

April 1 – 3, 2011: High Spirits Music (Naramata, B.C.)

Under the blossoms of the Okanagan orchards, Alys instructed the 11th Annual Harp Retreat & Workshop in Naramata, BC. This workshop was taught at the level of intermediate harp students. It was so much fun, we’re doing it again in 2012! For more information or to register, please contact Caroline Mackay: theharplady@shaw.ca, phone: (250) 768-0930, or www.highspiritsmusic.com

 

 

August 15 – 19, 2010: IMA International School of Celtic Harp

Beginner Harp – This supportive and inspiring class is for those with limited or no prior experience on the harp. The primary goals for the week are to learn a lot about the harp, and have fun!

 

Feis Shiatail (Slighe nan Gaidheal), Fort Worden USA (June 2009)

Intermediate harp workshop. Technical exercises to build comfort with strathspey rhythms, a Scottish jig, and exercises to develop 2:3 rhythms for a fun variation in the jig!

 

Edmonton Kiwanis Festival (2009)

Adjudication and intermediate – advanced harp workshop.  This workshop was a mini-sampler of some of the greatest “harp goodies” Alys has gathered while exploring three strands of Celtic musical tradition: we learned an Irish jig and reel, a strathspey from Cape Breton, and a Scottish air.  We discussed stylistic idioms, ornamentation, variation, and context.  We developed awareness of the traditions in which the music was created, while remaining open to its living state  - and where we can take it from here!

 

Gaelic College of Celtic Arts (harp), Cape Breton (2003; 2004; 2005)

Beginner harp, intermediate harp, advanced harp workshops. Technical exercises to build skill and speed, and repertoire from Scotland, Ireland, and Cape Breton.