Come to the medieval town of St Andrews, home of Scotland's oldest university and the ruins of its greatest medieval cathedral, to discover the unique, rare and beautiful world of the early clàrsach.
The early clàrsach (also known as Gaelic harp, Irish harp) was the most important musical tradition in Gaelic Scotland in medieval times. It died out and declined over 200 years ago but is now being revived and rediscovered by only a handful of people worldwide.
Simon Chadwick is based in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. He plays medieval, Renaissance & baroque Scottish harp music on a beautifully crafted exact replica of the most famous extant old clarsach: the Queen Mary Harp.
Find out about the ancient music:
- As part of a day in St Andrews, visit Simon to see and hear the amazing carved replica 'Queen Mary' harp with gold and silver strings, and find out about the old music and traditions
- Access to Simon's library includes rare original first editions from the early 19th century as well as facsimiles of manuscripts and printed books from medieval times to the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Guided excursions: A day trip from St Andrews can easily encompass the most important Pictish stone carvings depicting harpers from over 1000 years ago, as well as the National Museum in Edinburgh (home to two surviving medieval Gaelic harps), or sites connected with the old harp tradition such as the Atholl area of Perthshire, or the Wighton Collection in Dundee library which holds original editions of virtually every 18th century Scottish music book.
- Concerts: Please enquire for dates of forthcoming events.
Learn to play the early clàrsach:
- Stay in or near St Andrews while studying the repertory and technique of the early clarsach. Regular lessons are suitable for all levels from complete beginner to advanced player.
- Rent or buy one of our HHSI student instruments, copied from the museum originals and strung with brass and sterling silver wire strings.
Take home a souvenir
- From a replica harp to a book or a CD, the Emporium has everything you need related to historical Scottish and Irish harps and harp music and more.
Who is this suitable for?
Anyone with a deep interest in Scotland's musical heritage will enjoy finding out more about the early clàrsach traditions.
Musicians who already play harp or other instruments will enjoy discovering the ancient Gaelic harp, and discovering the similarities and differences with more recent instrumental techniques and idioms.
Players of early Irish harp / early clàrsach / early Gaelic harp can take their studies further, working from manuscript facsimiles, discussing subtleties of idiom and style, and exploring different replica instruments.
Fees & Bookings
- All private sessions whether regular lessons or one-off visits are charged at £25 per hour. Excursions are £150 a day.
- We accept Euros cash as well as Pounds
- Please email for further information including bookings, or call +44 I334 474263
- If you wish to stay in or near St Andrews for regular lessons, we are happy to offer advice or suggestions on local amenities.
- For short stays we recommend a B&B via St Andrews B&B Association. You can choose to stay close by in the town, or a short bus ride away in one of the beautiful East Neuk fishing villages.
- St Andrews Merchant Association have a website with information for visitors to the town: Visit St Andrews
Simon Chadwick, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Return to Index page.
Last updated October 2009
