In this workshop, learn to be
prepared for any type of performance, and leave stage fright behind. Using
various tricks & techniques, including musical safety-nets, exit points and
other strategies, you can increase your focus and comfort level on stage and
become a fearless, confident performer.
Level: Beginner. Hands-on, for performers or aspiring performers, all levels, ability
to read music not necessary, some basic music theory will be covered.
Learn to be a "rhythm
instrument," playing "power chords", syncopated rhythms, bass
lines, dampening techniques and other hip patterns that are easy to play and
will add excitement to your arrangements. Focus will be on one and two-hand
patterns for both solo playing and for playing back-up with a band or sitting
in at a session.
Level: Intermediate. Ability to read music not necessary, basic knowledge of
chord structure helpful.
A look at 2-hand chord
"sandwiches", including voicings and rhythmic progressions that will
bring a new dimension to your playing. They can be used for expanding
arrangements as well as improvisation and self-expression. Hands on, all
levels. Ideal for "Right-brain" intuitive people.
Level: All. No musical knowledge required, but basic 2-hand coordination
helpful.
Tell a story with your
arrangements, learning simple formulas for introductions, interludes and
endings. A look at dynamics, suspended chords, "musical sandwiches",
patterns and progressions that will expand the possibilities of any repertoire.
Level: Intermediate level, ability to read music not necessary, basic knowledge
of chord structure helpful.
Learn a beautiful tune by Canadian
fiddle player Oliver Schroer and explore arranging ideas for this piece and
others in 4/4 time. (intermediate and advanced level).
Level: Intermediate and Advanced
. . . or trying to be!
Conversations about playing for an audience of one or a thousand, and ideas to
help that experience be a good, giving and beautiful thing. In other words...
taming your nerves!.
Level: All
Creating your own music. This
workshop will be twofold: 1. Sharlene will talk about her own experiences and
approaches to creating music through examples of some of her compositions. 2.
You are invited to bring one of your own compositions that is completed or in
process, for ideas and feedback from Sharlene. (As many compositions as possible
will be heard, time permitting) This workshop welcomes those already writing
their own music as well as anyone dreaming of it or simply curious!
Level: All
Lucile Brais Hildesheim
Learn to maximize use of strings in
order to produce a rich sound. Focus will be on single notes, phrasing, and
chords of all kinds; widening dynamic range; and how the whole body gets
involved. Also, a brief overview of tuning.
Level: All. Ability to read music not necessary but a basic knowledge of notes
and chords helpful.
Creating melodies from chord
progressions; creating melodies with chords only; expanding on existing melodies;
creating introductions, codas, interludes… it’s all a game and loads of fun.
Level: Intermediate. A good understanding of chord structure, basic musical
knowledge & ability to read music necessary.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION (Available to all conference participants - no need for registration)
Vibro-Acoustic Harp Therapy (VAHT)
was developed by American harpist/psychologist Sarajane Williams in 1990 but
its origins date back to biblical times. In 2007, the Hawkesbury & District
General Hospital (Hawkesbury, Ontario) became the first hospital in North
America to offer VAHT to its patients. A new therapy, with harp at its centre,
is ready to take off. In this
presentation, the past, present and future of VAHT will be examined.
Past: developments leading to the creation of VAHT. Present: current work at
Hawkesbury General; research into the effects ofVAHT on fibromyalgia and
chronic pain. Future: techniques to be explored and where it may lead. A demonstration of VAHT will be given along
with a description of the equipment used.
Open to all conference participants; no registration or harps required.
Tanah Haney
Learn how to be an active part of any Celtic session. Quick and easy chord accompaniment; getting to know the standard tune types (jigs, reels, slip jigs, polkas, etc.); developing a “Celtic ear”; how to keep up with the flutes and fiddles in a fast session; the unique and ever-changing role of the harp player in modern Irish music.
Level: All levels, hands-on. Some knowledge of chords and basic 2-hand coordination helpful, ability to read music not necessary.
Exploring all the Classic Greek modes, their place in early and modern music, and how to have fun with them on the harp. This workshop will primarily focus on learning using the oral tradition (all tunes will be taught by ear), however sheet music will also be provided for each tune.
Level: All levels, hands-on, suitable for beginners. Ability to read music helpful but not necessary.
This workshop introduces students
to the fascinating world of historical harping, with an in-depth look at the
17th-century Italian Baroque triple harp. As the name suggests, this exquisite
instrument is furnished with 3 parallel rows of strings, making the instrument
fully chromatic throughout its range—without the use of hooks, levers or
pedals. The history of the Baroque triple harp, its repertoire and specialized
playing techniques, will be discussed and demonstrated. Students will also have
the opportunity to examine and try this rare instrument for themselves.
Levels: All levels, harps not required.
Mary will do a multi-media presentation of a history of the harp among the Celts with a particular emphasis on the evolution and tradition of the harp in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The presentation will hi-light the depiction of harp and harp-like instruments on early Christian stone crosses and the depiction of historical harps surviving from the Medieval through Classical era. Areas of focus will include the essential part of the harp in the performance of poetry, the life and music of Turlough O'Carolan and the Belfast Harpers' Festival of 1792. There will be demonstrations through harp performance, which will include Cantorion Cerdd Dant Ottawa, a Welsh vocal ensemble dedicated to the performance of penillion,an art form flourishing in modern Wales, which combines sung poetry and harp accompaniment.
Level: All levels, no harps required.
By the fall of 2009, Joanne will have
graduated from Stella Benson’s International Healing Musician’s Program. This
workshop will provide a general overview of the course, how one becomes a
healing musician, what is required as a student, and current opportunities for
professional work in this field. From Joanne’s very recent experience you will
learn about working as a harpist at the bedside, the importance of
improvisation, the protocol involved in working in curative and palliative
environments, and how music attends to the whole person - physically,
emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Levels: All. Harps not required.
Friendship in music: Double the
sound, double the intricacy of your pieces and double the fun! Susan and Janine
discuss strategies and simple approaches to playing as a duo, from choosing
material and key signatures, to cooperative arranging.
Level: All. Harp not necessary.
Note: Skill levels have been assigned to each workshop. We ask that you respect those assignments, if you do not meet that level you are more than welcome to attend as an auditor. Workshops will be on time, no food/beverages in workshop areas (other than water).