Thursday, October 7, 2010

2011 workshop, June 19 - June 23

Harp in the Hills workshop for 2011 will be held from Sunday afternoon, June 19, to Thursday noon, June 23.

Additional details and signup information will be posted after the first of the year.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Class of 2010

Herewith some photos from 2010 Harp in the Hills:
Maeve is shown going for a tune-up, then, with the class of 2010, and, finally, teaching.
What could be better than beautiful music in a beautiful setting, with great companionship, and wonderful hospitality.
One evening Maeve gave a public concert, showcasing her phenomenal skills and musical insights.
Another evening we held a harp session, outside on the deck, with the full moon rising over the hills. Magical!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Space still available

A few spaces are still available for Maeve's workshop.
If you want to learn some great music in a lovely setting:
contact wincj@aol.com.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Workshop Details: July 25 -29, 2010

This year, harpers arrive on Sunday between 2 and 4PM. Meet, greet and tune for our first class at 4PM. On Monday and Tuesday, classes will be at 1030 AM and 200PM. On Wednesday class is at 1030, with a review session offered at 200PM.

Angels' Rest provides a beautiful country setting, along with 2 hearty meals daily and a light midday snack. Accommodations include shared rooms and baths. Please look at their website (see link in right column) for description and directions.

Our schedule allows ample time for hiking, swimming, relaxing, and socializing, in addition to practicing. On Wednesday evening we are planning a concert by Maeve, open to the public.

There is a minimum of 10, maximum 20 attendees. Workshop fee is $550. Private instruction with Maeve can be arranged for an additional fee.

Deposit of $200 is due by May 15, with balance due July 15.
For inquiries, and to reserve a place, contact Jane Winchester by email, wincj@aol.com

Maeve's description of her teaching follows this post.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Workshop Description

I asked Maeve to let harpists know what to expect from this workshop:

I base my teachings within the Scottish tradition and develop musical ideas incorporating rhythmic accompaniment and improvisation.

The morning session begins with an extended warmup. Using different exercises I focus on hand and thumb position, placement, and sound quality. Further exercises develop rhythmic stability, syncopation, and sense of time.

New tunes are introduced at the beginning of each session. I teach by the traditional aural method, offering sheet music at the end of the session. After introducing the basic melody, I explore ornamentation and stylistic techniques. Arrangement ideas follow. We will talk about harmony and how to arrange traditional material in a tasteful way that will breathe new life into each piece. We will also explore some improvisational ideas for intros, outros, accompaniment and variation.

I try to suit the the desires of the participants and am open to suggestions for material or techniques to include. In the past we have worked on harmony singing, harp ensemble arrangements, and song accompaniment.

My goal is to help harpists develop playing that is more fluid, light, and stylistically accurate.

And, Maeve says,
Harp in the Hills is a unique and inspiring musical experience in a beautiful and relaxed setting.
The open and warm atmosphere is hard to beat. Harpists of all levels witll take something away from this gem of a week.

PS - A limited number of private lessons with Maeve can be arranged during the workshop, at additional cost.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Register for 2010


Get ready for our 5th workshop with
Maeve Gilchrist at Angel's Rest in Leyden MA.
The cost for 4 days room and board at a lovely b&b in the hills of Western Massachusetts, plus 6 group lessons with Maeve, is $550.
Deposit $200 due May 1, 2010 ; balance, July 1, 2010
Contact: Jane Winchester by email