Harp Scotland is a brilliant course, with something for everyone. I am a beginner, but Heather includes material with different versions for beginner/interme...
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Harp Scotland is a brilliant course, with something for everyone. I am a beginner, but Heather includes material with different versions for beginner/intermediate/advanced. This also means that pieces can be revisited at higher levels when you have improved. The course is organised into different sections, with new material added each week. There are different areas you can focus on - whether it's warm up material, technique, working on the tune, learning about the context - so you can plan your practice around this. There is also a Harp Community where you can post up questions or participate in discussion. Heather is excellent at breaking things down into manageable chunks and making learning less daunting. She gets right down to the nitty gritty of technique and teaches by ear (though sheet music is also provided). This is quite challenging for me, with a 'glued to the notes' background, but with Heather's excellent teaching, I am definitely improving. One aspect of the course I really enjoy is learning more about the context of the tunes - whether it's Puirt a Beul, Scottish scenery, learning about modes, tales of a local rascal, Scottish music collections or Heather's Mum's recipe for tablet - there is always something which adds to the interest of the piece. Heather is a wonderful teacher and works hard to make the course useful and enjoyable to all. She seeks feedback and will change a way of doing things if her students prefer. She also hosts regular Zoom sessions with participants to discuss any questions that arise. Heather has a very personal approach, her dogs also occasionally join in the fun. and you feel you have a friend to support you through your harp learning. It is a fantastic course, and I would highly recommend it to anyone (even if you don't play the harp - try it and you will want to)!
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