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.

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

wincj@aol.com

July 25 - 29, 2010

This year our workshop will run from Sunday afternoon to Thursday morning - the usual duration, but different days. This allows Maeve (and others) to pursue weekend gigs elsewhere (including Somerset, the weekend following).
Registration announcement will be made in January.

Class of 2009

Here, gathered in the great room at Angels' Rest, are 12 of the 14 harpers who attended the 2009 'Harp in the Hills' workshop with Maeve Gilchrist. We shared lots of great tunes and teaching from Maeve, an inspiring public performance by Maeve, wonderful hospitality, and a friendly, supportive atmosphere. (Watch this space for 2010 dates.)

News from the Hills

Our 4th retreat with Maeve is almost here. Fourteen harpers will be attending, including two making the trip from Ireland just for this event. On July 16, we will be attending a play, 'The Last High Queen of Ireland', in Deerfield, with music written and performed by one of our group, Rosie Caine. On July 17, Maeve will give a concert at Angels' Rest, open to the public. But all of this is secondary to learning from a wonderful teacher, Maeve, herself. We have a great group of people coming; it promises to be a rewarding and fun-filled week.

Classes are held in the spacious conference center.

Wednesday, July 15 - Sunday, July 19, 2009

Our 4th harp retreat at Angel's Rest:

I have sent in the deposit to hold our space at Angel's Rest, and I have confirmed that Maeve Gilchrist will be returning to be our instructor. In April, Maeve will be teaching at the Edinburgh Festival, and in June, at the Harfentreffe 30th Anniversary in Lauterbach, Germany. We are so fortunate that she is taking time from her busy, international schedule to be with us.

The format will be the same as last year - 6 group lessons (Wed PM, Thurs AM & PM, Fri AM & PM, Sat AM); and a review session Sat PM. Maeve will give a concert one evening, with general public invited. Sat evening is our traditional BBQ and 'harpenanny.'

Arrangements can be made for private instruction with Maeve at additional cost.

Angel's Rest provides 2 hearty meals and a light lunch daily. Accommodations include shared bedrooms and baths. A minimum number of 10 participants is required; maximum for instruction is 20.

Fee for the workshop is $595, including tuition, room and board. A deposit of $200 with registration is required by May 1, with balance due by July 1.

To reserve a place, contact Jane Winchester by email, wincj@aol.com.