Join Derwent Harp School Musical Director Helen-Elizabeth, our Derwent Harp School students on tour  and our harp maker Paul  from 11 till 1 on August 15th  for our first Discover The Harp course in Edinburgh at the wonderful St Cecilias Hall.

St Cecilia’s Hall is the oldest purpose-built concert hall in Scotland, and the second oldest (after Oxford’s Holywell Room) in the British Isles.

Helen-Elizabeth has 21 years of teaching experience holding a BA Hons, DipABRSM and CTABRSM qualifications. Former students have gone on to all the major conservatories and on to Oxford and Cambridge to study music. Derwent Harp School students have also had considerable success on the Welsh and International Eisteddfod circuit over the years. She herself studied with the world famous professor of harp David Watkins. 

course includes

1. Your own harp to take home and enjoy for ever - made here in Wales
2. 3 hours teaching
3. course workbook 
4. tuning key
5. ISoM step 1 accreditation

No prior musical experience needed. Please bring your own drinks and snacks for break time.

The course is suitable for ages 16 + - under 16s with musical experience also welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult for the whole session.

By the end of the morning  you will be surprised at how many tunes you will able to play. We will learn simple rounds, popular folk tunes and even some popular classics, including Ode to Joy, All Though The Night, Chaconne, Pwt Ar Y Bys and many more. You will have all the skills to take your International School of Musicians Step 1 Harp Exam should you choose to.  We will also learn some Christmas music on this course.

Numbers strictly limited.

Booking will close for this course on 1/7/2024 in order for us to build the harps  in time for the big day. Numbers are restricted so early booking is required.

HOW TO GET TO ST CECILIA’S HALL 

Bus: St Cecilia’s Hall is located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and is a short walk from a number of bus stops. You can plan your trip using https://lothianbuses.co.uk/timetables-and-maps/route-maps.

Train: Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is less than a 10 minute walk away. Exit via Market Street and follow the signs to the Royal Mile.

Coaches: You can find coach parking on Regent Road and Johnston Terrace. It costs £4 per hour and operates from 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Driving And Parking

Parking: Very limited on street parking is available on the Cowgate. The nearest car park is at the Radisson Blu hotel, entrance on Blackfriars Street and the car park for the Travelodge Edinburgh Central on St Mary’s Street. Alternative options include: NCP Car Park Edinburgh St John’s Hill and Waverley Station Car Park.

Students who took this course last summer have already gone on to achieve Distinction at grade 1 with International School of Musicians using their discovery 16 Harps.

You can use your Discovery 16 Harp for Step 1 and 2 plus grades 1,2,3,4 and 5 with the International School of Musicians exam board, exams to grade 8 and diploma to follow later this year.

One student started with a Discover The Harp Course in 2021 and went on to be part of the winning year 6 and under ensemble at 2022 Urdd Eisteddfod.