Scottish Harp - Intermediate
Explore Celtic harp traditions in this course, featuring a diverse repertoire to refine your technique and style.
Start playingAbout this course
Explore the rich musical traditions of the Schottis harp in this course. Tailored specifically for musicians who have surpassed the foundational skills, this course delves deeply into intermedia...read more
Explore the rich musical traditions of the Schottis harp in this course. Tailored specifically for musicians who have surpassed the foundational skills, this course delves deeply into intermediate repertoire, featuring thoughtfully selected pieces across various styles. Students will engage with diverse musical forms, including a poignant slow air traditionally attributed to Robert Burns, a historically significant jig rooted in centuries-old traditions, and a vibrant pipe march, each carefully structured to refine distinct harp techniques and enhance stylistic understanding.Â
In addition to repertoire expansion, the course provides focused instruction on the cultivation of musical tone and expressionâan area particularly relevant to intermediate players seeking refinement in sound quality and interpretive nuance. Henderson guides students through advanced harp techniques such as harmonics and imparts fundamental strategies for arranging melodies with complementary harmonies. This approach not only equips learners with practical skills for musical arrangement but also fosters deeper analytical insight into the craft of Celtic harp playing, encouraging ongoing musical development and artistry.Â
Explore the rich musical traditions of the Schottis harp in this course. Tailored specifically for musicians who have surpassed the foundational skills, this course delves deeply into intermediate repertoire, featuring thoughtfully selected pieces across various styles. Students will engage with diverse musical forms, including a poignant slow air traditionally attributed to Robert Burns, a historically significant jig rooted in centuries-old traditions, and a vibrant pipe march, each carefully structured to refine distinct harp techniques and enhance stylistic understanding.Â
In addition to repertoire expansion, the course provides focused instruction on the cultivation of musical tone and expressionâan area particularly relevant to intermediate players seeking refinement in sound quality and interpretive nuance. Henderson guides students through advanced harp techniques such as harmonics and imparts fundamental strategies for arranging melodies with complementary harmonies. This approach not only equips learners with practical skills for musical arrangement but also fosters deeper analytical insight into the craft of Celtic harp playing, encouraging ongoing musical development and artistry.Â
Teacher: Ingrid Henderson
Instrument: Celtic Harp
Countries: Scotland
Browse the 9 lessons
- Introduction
- Technique Check-in
- Warm-up Exercises
- Tone
- Harmonics
- Arranging - General tips
- The Battle of Waterloo
- The Northern Lass
- Airidh Nam Badam
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About Ingrid Henderson
Lochaber-based harper, pianist, and presenter Ingrid Henderson is a virtuoso musician with over thirty years of experience. She's performed with Cliar, Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, and in duos with singer Margaret Stewart and her fiddler husband, Iain MacFarlane. Ingrid teaches UHIâs BA Gaelic and Music course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and is the principal harp tutor at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music. She also co-directs Old Laundry Productions, a studio/music production company in Glenfinnan.
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About the Celtic Harp
The clĂ rsach/cruit/ Scottish/ Irish Harp is an iconic symbol of Gaelic music and heritage, stretching back over a thousand years. Traditionally wire-strung, it was played by professional harpers in courts and castles across Ireland and Scotland, often accompanying poets and singers, and holding a revered place in the musical landscape. The distinct resonant sound and the intricate craftsmanship of the clĂĄrsach made it a central piece of Gaelic culture, embodying the spirit and storytelling traditions of the Celtic people.
Despite its historical significance, the clĂĄrsach faced a decline in popularity by the 19th century, overshadowed by newer, more versatile musical instruments. However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a revival of interest in this ancient instrument, fueled by passionate musicians and scholars dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Gaelic musical traditions. This resurgence has been supported by educational initiatives, workshops, and new instrument makers embracing new technologies and creating wire, gut, nylon, and even carbon fiber strung instruments to ensure that harping in all forms is passed down to new generations. Today, the clĂĄrsach stands as a bridge between the past and present, offering a profound connection to the rich musical heritage of the Gaelic world, and continuing to enchant listeners with its ethereal sound.
Despite its historical significance, the clĂĄrsach faced a decline in popularity by the 19th century, overshadowed by newer, more versatile musical instruments. However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a revival of interest in this ancient instrument, fueled by passionate musicians and scholars dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Gaelic musical traditions. This resurgence has been supported by educational initiatives, workshops, and new instrument makers embracing new technologies and creating wire, gut, nylon, and even carbon fiber strung instruments to ensure that harping in all forms is passed down to new generations. Today, the clĂĄrsach stands as a bridge between the past and present, offering a profound connection to the rich musical heritage of the Gaelic world, and continuing to enchant listeners with its ethereal sound.
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