A harp class at the Wighton Centre, Dundee

My tutor book, Progressive Lessons for Early Gaelic Harp, was published in August 2009. It details the historical curriculum, as collected from the last of the old Irish harpers in the late 18th century. It is well illustrated and includes an audio CD demonstrating the tunes and songs.

I teach a weekly clarsach class at the Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, Dundee, DD1 1DB. Every Saturday, 2.00-3.30pm. Just turn up! Classes restart on Sat. 5th Sept 2009.

Private lessons are available in Edinburgh, on the 1st Tuesday of every month. Also in St Andrews at any time. For other locations, video lessons are available worldwide, but are run on the same format, and at the same rates, as a weekly private lesson in St Andrews. All you need are a webcam, microphone, and broadband connected to your computer, and the Skype software set up. If you would like info or advice, please email or call for details. For indication of my curriculum please look at my Tutor Book pages.

Visitors from further afield are always welcome. For more information about visiting St Andrews, accomodation, and activities available, please view the visiting page.

I am in Ireland every August to help run the annual Scoil na gCláirseach in Kilkenny.

I have harps available for prospective students to borrow - all of them copies of historic instruments; also as Secretary of the Historical Harp Society of Ireland I can advise on the HHSI range of affordable student early Gaelic harps. I can also advise on commissioning a handmade carved replica instrument.

The ancient Gaelic harp traditions of Ireland and Scotland are extensive and complex. There is a lot of lore and tradition. I enjoy teaching all aspects of the tradition, not just playing techniques but also theoretical and aesthetic principles, or history and anecdotes. Whether you wish to play, or just to listen and find out more about the tradition, then as long as you are serious and dedicated I would be happy to hear from you.

Teaching links
Scoil na gCláirseach
Friends of Wighton
Lessons in Ireland with Siobhán Armstrong
Lessons in America with Ann Heymann
teachlist

About me   What is early clàrsach?
Repertory & performance   Lessons & classes
Books, CDs and accessories for sale

Simon Chadwick, St Andrews, Fife. Return to Index page.
Last updated Aug 09