Angi Bemiss is well known for her lever harp arrangements. Through her company, Simply the Harp, she has published 7 books and almost 100 pieces of sheet music, including movie themes, popular songs, hymn & worship medleys, & classical themes. She was one of the first harp arrangers to pursue print licenses for copyrighted songs. She is a lifelong pianist and played the guitar as a kid, resulting in an understanding of chords, harmony & improvisation. She is a Certified Music Practitioner and has been playing the harp twice a week at Northside Hospital (in Atlanta) for 12 years.

www.simplytheharp.com

3-Day Class:
Those Fantastic Fake Books!
This 3-day workshop is sure to transform your repertoire, because fake books make thousands of songs available at your fingertips (pardon the pun). We will progress from the "basics" to the "art" of playing & arranging from fake books & lead sheets. In this hands-on workshop, you'll have the opportunity to select & arrange a favorite song with the guidance of one of the lever harp's most popular arrangers. It will be best to have or share a harp. And, if you have a song you would like to arrange, bring it along!

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Stella Benson, Director of the Int'l Healing Musician's Program, currently sits on the board of the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians and is known for her unprecedented book "The Healing Musician, a guide to playing healing music at the bedside." A pioneer, and as an international instructor in therapeutic music, since 1997, Stella trains musicians not just to play music at the bedside. More importantly, she trains musicians and vocalist to know what it is about their music that makes it healing, and the science supporting the sound/music/healing relationship. Stella feels "anyone can make a difference using his or her music with the right tools."

www.healingmusician.com

Workshops:
Are You a Healing Musician?
Stella works with the group to help you to begin to find your own healing musicianship. It starts with the music you already love to play/sing. Bring one of your favorite tunes and we will do some cool experiments, as we delve into how we can change that piece to cause different responses from listeners. The experiences in this workshop will open your awareness as you experiment with creating moods, finding out how many different effects you can have with a single piece of music. Attendees leave this session excited and empowered. All levels welcome, bring your instrument.

The Gift of Healing Moods
Stella Benson will take you off the ìpaperî and into the real magical world of music, the music that affects your most inner human depths. We will begin with the healing benefits of the single tone, feelings elicited by intervals and how these elements affect the mood of your tune. We will experiment using essential harmonies, such as the perfect fourth, perfect fifth and Natures Chord, and why these elements are so important to the character of each mood. These simple techniques will take you into a new and exciting level of confidence that can be used just about anywhere. All levels welcome, bring your instrument.

Healing Western and Cross-Cultural Scales for Healing
Participants will learn what makes western and cross-cultural scales healing. Learn the powerful emotional centers and characteristics of these cultural scales, the interesting technical reasons that create these attributes ñ the simple location of where the half steps and whole steps reside in the scale! Feel the unique emotional quality of each scale, its potential arousal elements, and when to play it at the bedside of the ailing. With this workshop, you can play healing music without written sheets, without memorization, and without preplanning, allowing you to be more spontaneous and responsive. All levels welcome, bring your instrument.

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Pamela Bruner has been playing the Celtic harp for 20 years, and has released 19 albums. Originally Pamela took up the harp as an accompaniment for her rich singing voice, and she is now known as a gentle and encouraging teacher and motivational speaker. Her workshop "Creating Music with Love, not Fear" has been called "Life Changing." In addition to playing the harp, Pamela is a Success Coach, Certified EFT Practitioner, and the author of the acclaimed book and DVD series "Play the Harp Beautifully - a Self-Teaching Series."

www.pamelabrunermusic.com

3-Day class:
Creating Music with Love, not Fear
Would you love to feel truly confident and comfortable playing the harp, no matter what your playing level? Do you feel frustrated, rather than enjoying the beautiful music of the harp? This program is for you! You'll find amazing new motivation, plus a comfort you never thought was possible, as well as new tools and techniques that will not only help you move confidently towards your harp goals, but enjoy your playing at a whole new level. Harps optional, all levels welcome.

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Cynthia is an expert on the Clàrsach, the wire-strung harp of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and of Ireland. Performing and teaching internationally, she is a leader in the revival of the wire-strung harp. Based near Washington, DC, Cynthia is a recording artist, the author of several books for the wire-strung harp, a regular columnist for the Folk Harp Journal, and has made several educational videos, many of which are available online. She holds a number of prestigious awards, including two-time U.S. National Scottish Harp Master Champion, and three-time winner of the Clan Lamont Trophy (in Virginia, Texas and Ohio).

www.cynthiacathcart.net

Workshop:
Guidelines for Teaching Wire-Strung Harp...
(Even if You Are Not a Wire Harper) As a nylon or gut harp teacher, how can you support the wire-strung harp revival? What if one of your students wants to try wire? How can you help someone who asks, "Do you teach wire-strung harp?" This workshop will give you some guidance on what you can do to help, rather than risk setting someone adrift without a teacher. Real-world, practical advice is given in the workshop to help you in this mission. Recommended for non-wire harp teachers who want to help the wire-strung harp revival. No harps needed.

3-Day Class:
The Wire Way
What is the "Wire Way?" It is made of techniques that take full advantage of the wire-strung harp's character. We explore the hints and suggestions of historical harp technique, but beyond this we have the freedom to explore our own imagination and creativity, and engage in interpretation as well. Cynthia will teach techniques that she uses in her own playing, some authenticated, some historical, and some inspired by the fact that, quite frankly, we can't see our strings! Come and see if your eyes are opened to something you tried but discarded as "wrong"...it might be right. Bring your harp!

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Marta Cook is a multifaceted artist and one of the world's finest Irish harpers, touring extensively throughout Europe and North America. Her music was nurtured by the vibrant Irish community in Chicago and by famed Cork harper Màire NÌ Chathasaigh. In 2001 she won first prize at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. The extraordinary number of American prizewinners there in recent years is almost exclusively attributable to her teaching. In 2008 she recorded for Sony Classical with Yo-Yo Ma and Natalie Macmaster. She is currently at work on her debut album.

3-Day Class:
Traditional Irish Music on the Harp
Irish music has a unique aesthetic that can be daunting even to experienced players. This course will focus on the subtle nuances of phrasing and articulation that transform the bare notes of a tune into powerful music. It will include in-depth treatment of topics including rhythm, ornamentation, and left hand arranging; sources and settings for repertoire; sessions, accompaniment and the community; aural learning; and issues of authenticity and style, with plenty of time to follow up questions raised along the way. Intermediate and Advanced. Bring recording device. Handouts and CD to take home.

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Patrice Fisher has a degree in Music Composition from Tulane University. She has been Director of New Orleans Celtic Harp Ensemble since 2001 and leader of Latin Jazz group, Arpa, since 1980. She grew up in New Orleans, known for its great jazz musicians. She has been exposed to improvisation all her life. Improvisation is a natural extension of the music we know. It is a different way of adding our own personal interpretation and expression, just like dynamics, phrasing or articulation. Sometimes, when we let go of the analytical part of our brain, original musical ideas will spontaneously flow.

www.patricefisher.com and www.myspace.com/patricefisher

3-Day Class:
Improvisation: Harmonic, Rhythmic and Melodic steps to Creativity
This workshop is designed to help harpists improvise over a given chord progression, rhythm or melody. The workshop leader, Patrice Fisher, is from New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. This workshop is intended to de-mystify the skill of improvisation, which can be learned just like any other musical technique. You don't have to have a complicated understanding of harmony to improvise over simple songs and chord changes. We will focus on specific steps to improvise on the harmony, rhythm and melody of a few original pieces. This is a hands-on workshop. You will understand better if you bring your harp.

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Seumas Gagnè has been playing the music of the Highland and Irish Gaels on the Celtic harp for more than a quarter century. A fluent speaker of Scottish Gaelic, he competed in the Royal Scottish National MÚd in 1997 where he won the Elspeth Hyllestad Trophy for solo clàrsach. Seumas founded the band Wicked Celts, and recorded one CD with them. Seumas helped found Slighe nan Gaidheal, Washington's Gaelic language and cultural society in 1997 and serves on its Board. In 2001, he returned to the MÚd in Scotland with four friends and won the first-ever waulking song competition.

www.seumasgagne.com/index.php

Workshops:
Introduction to Scottish Gaelic for Singing Harpers
Scottish Gaelic song literature is one of the richest sources of material for both singers and harpers. The differences in the way Gaelic and English use letters to represent sounds, however, presents a barrier. In this workshop, Seumas will introduce you to pronouncing the Gaelic from the printed page. Participants will come away with a solid understanding of how Gaelic represents its sounds in writing, and will learn the refrain of a popular Gaelic song using their new knowledge.

Four Great Gaelic Songs for Every Harper
In this workshop, participants will learn the melodies, suggested chords, and the words of the refrain to four great Scottish Gaelic songs. Prior attendance at Introduction to Scottish Gaelic For Singing Harpers would be very helpful.

What Kind of Song Is That?
There are many different kinds of Scottish Gaelic songs. Participants in this workshop will sample one of each and learn to tell the difference. Help and advice on arranging the different forms will also be presented.

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Martha's recent explorations of the innovative MIDI harp have led to her presenting clinics at such prestigious places as Berklee College of Music, The Boston Conservatory, The Big Sky Harp Festival, The Somerset Harp Festival and the AHS National Conference. Several of her articles have been published in both the Folk Harp Journal and the American Harp Journal. Her love of traditional Celtic music has been highlighted in performance with six-time Grammy winners, The Chieftains. Martha and her original music, which includes gutsy blues, spunky jazz, world-inspired and unique song interpretations, have been featured on Public Radio, Public Television and the BBC.

www.adkharper.com

Workshops:
sing, Sing SING!!
Finding and Loving Your Singing Voice
Open your mouth and SING! You've wanted to, but ... No worries! This is the workshop for you - come celebrate the exquisite joy of singing! Most of us sang as comfortably as we spoke when we were kids, but somewhere along the way, our singing voices grew silent. We'll explore fun and creative ideas, techniques and ways to banish those "I can't do its" that can hold a voice captive. This is not a vocal technique class; it is an intro/expansion workshop created to open your mind, mouth, heart, and soul to the joys of singing. The harp is a fabulous companion for singing; harps optional. All levels. Companions welcome.

From Harp & Heart with Love!
The Joys and Mechanics of Songwriting
Every creative soul has something to say to, to share. For musicians this is often expressed in the form of original songs. We'll explore some fabulous ways to get your creative juices flowing - no fear, only the joyful fun of discovery and creativity! The workshop will include, but is not limited to: finding and expressing inspirations through both lyrics and music, weaving a song together, finishing a song, and much more. Bring questions, ideas and any original material you wish to share. Weíll need some harps; if you've got one, please bring it and be willing to share. All levels. Companions welcome.

Singing Strings
The Tapestry of Voice and Harp
Celebrate the joy of voice and harp together in song! Whether simple or complex, the arrangement of these two exquisite "voices" can bring expression, interest, and excitement to a song. We'll look at basic accompanying techniques and how they can be used and expanded upon. We'll play with a variety of music styles, including a touch of Jazz, a hint of Celtic, a bit of Blues, a flourish of Flamenco, and more to see how they can spice up a song. We'll dabble in arrangement techniques such as melody, counter lines, chord structure, percussive elements, the fabulously versatile glissando, and more. Bring a song you'd like to work on and we'll explore the possibilities! Bring harps. All levels. Companions welcome.

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Bio Coming Soon...

3 Day Class:
Renaissance Harp Music (Description to Come)
http://home.flash.net/~thoney/

Born in Wyoming, and having lived from Alaska to California, Deb is a woman of woods and mountains. She was drawn to the Celtic harp after seeing a willowy and ethereal woman playing at the Renaissance Faire. Hoping the harp would make her willowy and ethereal as well, Deb took to it with a vengeance. Willowy and ethereal never materialized ("They're just never there when I need them!" she quips), but a lifelong obsession with harp and music did. Deb is currently singing and playing with Claudia Slayman and Verlene Schermer in their trio To the Moon.

3-Day Class:
Why Wait for Paper? or learning to play that song by ear
You know those movies that make you want to go right home and play the theme song? Mel Gibson notwithstanding, the movie Braveheart affected me that way. By the time plaintive emails surfaced on the harp list asking for the sheet music, I was already playing my own arrangement from memory. And I can help you develop the skills you need to do the same thing with any song that strikes your fancy. Join this three-day exploration into techniques that allow you to play any song by ear. Bring a CD with a song you would like to play. You'll come away with a simple arrangement, and a "grab bag" of tools to learn any song by ear.

Sharon Knowles, a feisty Celtic harper, excels at fast reels, exciting rhythmic accompaniment and eerie story telling demonstrated by her performances with HEN and the bands FYNESOUND and JUG OF PUNCH. She played her harps at festivals all over Scotland, Ireland and Western Australia before immigrating to the United States in 1997. She now teaches workshops and performs all over the country and is a sought after teacher between VA and PA. Sharon is famous for her patient and stress free method of teaching the Scottish and Irish idiom and the theroy of music.

www.fynesound.com and www.myspace.com/stonejugconcertseries

3-Day Class:
Take the High Road!
Explore the passionate music of a vibrant country, Scotland! The class will choose from an exciting array of Scottish music which will encompass the main tune styles and the appropriate ornamentation: air, march, strathspey, reel, jig, pipe tunes and more. A complete arrangement of the music will be handed to anyone in the class who is not comfortable learning by ear but students will be encouraged to create their own left hand accompaniment, with guidance. The class will cover Scottish song accompaniment if the students wish. Upper Beginner-Intermediate, harps required but auditors welcome. A basic knowledge of triads will useful.

Beth Kollè is one of the leading proponents of Nordic traditional music for the lever harp. Her acclaimed books and recordings and her two HARPA concert tours to Norway and Sweden have piqued interest in Nordic music in the harp community world-wide. As a well-known performer and presenter, Beth brings her infectious enthusiasm and first-hand knowledge of Scandinavian music, language and culture to the listener and invites them to explore a musical landscape that may be new to them.

www.bethkolle.com

3-Day Class:
Nordic Music for Lever Harp
Nordic music is the hottest topic in traditional music these days. Beth believes every harper should have at least one totally beautiful Nordic tune in their repertoire, and she'll give you more than that! We will explore the exquisite melodies and harmonies of traditional music from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, specially selected for playing on the lever harp. The interesting rhythms of the dance music can be absorbed the fun and easy way: first by clapping and moving, and then bringing the rhythm to the harp. Along the way, you'll learn about the culture of these northern countries, how traditional dress affects dance and vice versa, and how language informs the song. All levels of player, harps optional.

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RoJean Loucks is a lifelong musician whose midlife discovery of the folk harp launched a whole new career path for her. A Certified Music Practitioner through MHTP, RoJean plays for hospice patients, teaches beginners on the harp, composes and arranges music for harp, conducts retreat sessions, and performs for weddings, festivals, memorial services, and other community events. Singing in her church choir, facilitating a community grief support group, and spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren bring fulfillment to her life.

www.roharps.com and www.musicforharp.com

Workshops:
Search. Click. Print.
Online harp music publishing: A look at the steps involved, the resources needed, the advantages and disadvantages of online versus print publications, and the variety of options for online publishing. RoJean has published compositions and arrangements in print as well as online. Open to all levels; no harps needed.

Harp students? In MY community?
How does one find the folks who want to learn to play the harp? RoJean has tapped local resources and discovered nearly fifty students who began to play the harp over the past twelve years; some of them still participate in a community harp ensemble. In this workshop, she will help you to consider the resources in your community and share other harp teachers' experiences in recruiting harp students. Open to all levels; no harps needed.

Granted: arts project funding!
RoJean has been a grant recipient for funds to assist with several harp-related projects, including hosting a harp workshop; purchasing music notation software; gaining promotional assistance; and setting up a therapeutic music position. In this workshop, she covers the basics in seeking grant funds ñ where to look for grant potential, what the application process entails, and who your funding partners might be. Open to all levels; no harps needed.

Joanna Mell received her classical musical training in piano and voice. She was introduced to the Celtic harp after she saw Alain Stivell in concert in 1985; she studied the concert harp privately with Alison Simpson for seven years. Joanna's passion for Celtic music, combined with her deep love of the Lord, has inspired her unique style for 25 years. In 1989, Joanna brought her harp into a friend's hospital room and discovered the healing power of music. Since then, she has been playing therapeutic music for those suffering in mind, body and spirit.

www.joannamell.com

Workshops:
Left-hand Heaven
Everything you ever wanted to do with the left hand, but were afraid to try! From simple harmonies and chord patterns, to more advanced arpeggiated patterns and chords, your left hand will get a good workout and your playing will be kicked up a notch or two. Harps and music stands good to have; but not absolutely necessary.

Arranging Sacred Music for the Lever Harp
Starting with simple harmonies and chords, and progressing to complex harmonies, left hand patterns and variations, we will develop ideas to enhance a melody. What makes sacred music unique? How can we inspire worship and meditation with our music? Glisses, bisbigliandi, harmonics. Harps and music stands helpful; but not absolutely necessary.

Teaching the Harp - Encouraging Success!
The good harp teacher teaches the student to teach him/herself. Technique and warm-ups: why basics are so important; relaxation at the harp; teaching good learning skills; getting to know your student's learning style; that "difficult" student; what to do with a protege. Also, learning by ear and by written music.

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John is a multi-instrumentalist who was a public school music teacher for 31 years in Northern California and is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In 2004 he won 1st place in the prestigious Lyon & Healy International Jazz and Pop Harpfest in the nonpedal harp division, playing his set on the cross-strung harp. John has been a major promoter of the cross-strung harp and has performed and taught at numerous conferences and festivals including the 2007 and 2009 Big Sky Harp Festival, the 2006 and 2008 Somerset harp festivals and the 2006 AHS National Conference.

www.metrasoundmusic.com

Workshops:
Introduction to Cross-strung Harp
This class delves into the fascinating world of the chromatic cross-strung harp. Participants will learn about its history in its various forms and will hear musical examples showing how the instrument can play music of all styles with all the "juicy" chords that are often eliminated in lever harp playing. Participants will have the opportunity in class to try playing melodies, chords and scales on a cross-strung harp. Bring a stand and a cross-strung harp if you have one, but cross-strung harps will be provided if needed. All ability levels welcome.

Cross-strung Harp Technique
Playing the chromatic cross-strung harp requires adjustments to the standard technique used by pedal and lever harp players. This class will focus on sitting with the instrument, scale fingerings, hand shapes for producing chords, special effects and general technique. Numerous exercises will be provided to strengthen technique. Bring a stand and a cross-strung harp if you have one, but cross-strung harps will be provided if needed. All ability levels welcome.

Music For the Cross-strung Harp
This class will explore why many people are taking up the chromatic cross-strung harp. Music of the last century is largely chromatic and the cross-strung harp is the perfect instrument to play it. Songs and original ensemble pieces will be provided and participants are encouraged to bring their own music to play for a cross-strung jam. Bring a stand and a cross-strung harp if you have one, but cross-strung harps will be provided if needed. Some ability on the cross-strung harp will be necessary.

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Through her popular recordings for RCA Victor, Irish Harp Songs, A Celtic Christmas and Flying Dreams (with James Galway), www.ArkivMusic.com, Emily Mitchell has earned critical acclaim as "...a pure-voiced singer, accompanying herself on an Irish harp ...with unaffected charm and disarming simplicity." (The New York Times) Emily has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, Saint Patrick's Cathedral (NYC), and The White House. She has been profiled on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, NY Times' WQXR, "The Listening Room," and Robert Sherman's "Woody's Children."

Master Class:
Singing with the Harp Master Class
In this unique HarpCon opportunity, Emily will give individual coaching sessions, working with 4 students per class. Students who wish to participate must sign up ahead of time* and will each receive 15 minutes of one on one time. Participants will be asked to prepare a piece to sing and play from their repertoire. All levels of participants are welcome, (but if you sign up, you must be brave enough to play in front of the group), bring your harp & music stand (as needed). Observers are welcome, do not need to sign up nor pay the $10, nor bring your harps. Emily will address general questions from the entire group on musicality at the end of the sessions.

* To sign up to play for the master class: During registration you will have the option of including payment for Emily's master class. If there is still room, the additional $10 payment will be processed. If not, you'll be added to a wait-list. You will also be directed to choose which day (Thursday, Friday, or Saturday) and which slot (first, second, third, or fourth) you'd like to participate. You will be expected to arrive on time, be in tune and ready to play for your 15 minute session. Please plan to attend the full hour and 15 minute workshop on the day you select.

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Soloist of the Paraguayan harp, composer, author, educator and Gold Record winner recording artist, Cuban born Alfredo Rolando Ortiz considers his "most important concert" playing the harp in the delivery room during the birth of his second daughter. His compositions have been performed and recorded by classical and folk harpists in many countries and are required study at conservatories and by harp teachers around the world. A medical doctor with background in Music Therapy and Sensory-Motor Training, he has taught his unique method and techniques to hundreds of pedal and lever harp teachers, professionals and students of all levels.

www.alfredo-rolando-ortiz.com

3-Day Class:
The Easy Rhythmic Harp
For all harps (Celtic, pedal, all sizes, beginner to intermediate levels) Learn easy accompaniment patterns for many music genres: march, waltz, habanera, cha-cha-cha, tango, conge and more. Learn how to minimize effort while playing repetitive accompaniment patterns. Learn easy pieces in various styles. Learn easy unique special effects from the Latin American harp tradition. Learn how rhythmic music can easily be adapted to ensembles. Enjoy a fun ending with a "voluntary" ensemble performance.

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Mary began harp studies with Jeanne Henderson in the Milwaukee Public Schools. She taught public school music before moving to Houston where she free-lanced and subbed with the Houston Symphony and Ballet orchestras. Mary has served as regional director of the AHS, president of the Scottish Harp Society and the ISFHC, and interim editor-in-chief of the Folk Harp Journal. In the 90ís Mary and husband John Gill established Afghan Press and Melody's Traditional Music, both named for their beloved hound Melody (1987 - 1998). Active in Afghan Hound and Golden Retriever Rescue, Mary is a certified veterinary homeopath, and advanced Reiki practitioner.

www.maryradspinner.com

Workshops:
Music Publishing and Business Do's and Don'ts
Weíll cover self publishing vs. using a publisher, basic business know-how such as packing and shipping, distributorship, store discounts, and more. We will also discuss how you can speed up the process of getting your publications into a store, and answer general questions on how stores function and operate. Harps are not needed for this workshop. Feel free to bring your questions, and we'll spend the last 15 minutes discussing them.

Desktop Music Publishing
In this workshop weíll discuss the different music notation software options with their pros and cons, harp music notation tips, desktop publishing programs and how they work, and answer any questions from part one of this series. Harps are not needed for this workshop. Feel free to bring your questions, and we'll spend the last 15 minutes discussing them.

Training your Brain to Sight Read
If you can read music well, it doesn't necessarily mean that you can sight-read well. Sight reading is a skill, and this workshop will help you with basic exercises and games to help you develop that skill. You will need a harp and a music stand, and it will be helpful if you can read easy level music.

Sue Richards is a traditional musician and collector of tunes, mostly Celtic and Scandinavian. She has won the Scottish Harp Society of America championship four times and is a SHSA Distinguished Judge. She teaches and directs the harp program at the Ohio Scottish Arts School, teaches at the Fairbanks (AK) Summer Arts Festival and Summerkeys Music School in Maine. She has played for Presidents Clinton and Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and sat in with the Chieftains. Sue's main gig is touring with Ensemble Galilei, a group of five women performing Celtic, early, and original music. As a member of EG she has written music and performed in two multi-media shows.

www.suerichards.net

3-Day Class:
Oh, Oh, O'Carolan!
Oh, that elusive harpster, Turlough. Most people know the 5 most popular of his tunes, but how about the other two-hundred-plus tunes that he wrote? The beauty is that there are no chords given in most books of his tunes, and we have free rein to unleash our creativity. In this class we will learn some of the more beautiful melodies and discuss how to arrange them, compare other people's arrangements, and hopefully find what fits your needs and style. We will touch on ornamentation and variations in the process. You will need your harp, but listeners are welcome. We will work both with and without music.

Kim Robertson is a renowned performer and instructor who has stretched the boundaries of the harp for a new generation of performers. As a pioneer in the American folk harp movement, she combines an improvisational spirit with a passionate sense of tradition, bringing a contemporary touch to a centuries' old instrument. Born in Wisconsin, she is classically trained on piano and orchestral harp. In the mid-70's, Kim's discovery of the Celtic harp grew into a profound love for the instrument, setting her upon the path of exploration for which she is now widely known. Her work encompasses over 20 recordings and publications, and an international itinerary of concerts and workshops.

www.kimrobertson.net

Workshops (offered three days):
Musicality 101
As we become harpists, we must also become musicians. In this unique HarpCon opportunity, Kim will give individual coaching sessions, working with 4 students per class. Students who wish to participate must sign up ahead of time* and will each receive 15 minutes of one on one time. Participants will be asked to play a piece or sample excerpt, but the focus will be on improving overall musicianship, rather than perfecting a piece. All levels of participants are welcome (but if you sign up, you must be brave enough to play in front of the group), bring your harp & music stand (as needed). Observers are welcome, do not need to sign up nor pay the $10, nor bring your harps. Kim will address general questions from the entire group on musicality at the end of the sessions.

* To sign up to play for the master class: During registration you will have the option of including payment for Kim's master class. If there is still room, the additional $10 payment will be processed. If not, you'll be added to a wait-list. You will also be directed to choose which day (Thursday, Friday, or Saturday) and which slot (first, second, third, or fourth) you'd like to participate. You will be expected to arrive on time, be in tune and ready to play for your 15 minute session. Please plan to attend the full hour and 15 minute workshop on the day you select.

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Christina, author of the respected and comprehensive book, Harp Therapy Manual - a Cradle of Sound, is a second generation harpist, who began playing harp at the age of four. She received Music and Education degrees from the University of Vermont and also studied harp at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and McGill University in Montreal, and music therapy at Arizona State University. As a recording artist with 15 recordings distributed internationally, she has performed extensively. She is founder and director of the International Harp Therapy Program, founded in 1994 which has now expanded to the U.K. Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.

www.emeraldharp.com

3-Day Class:
Eicse - Divine Inspiration at the Brink of the Waters
Eicse, a place where wisdom, poetry and knowledge were revealed in ancient lore. This workshop space of knowledge and wisdom will help you derive the inspiration for your heartsong with Christina. Her trip to the Isle of Iona in Scotland in June is the inspiration for this workshop. Learn a beautiful traditional tune (Enya style!) and then add your own flair while Christina shares the tools of memorization, arranging, composition and secrets of music Eicse. For all levels, bring harps (but not necessary).

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Combining a love for music and entertaining, Louise Trotter is a versatile performer and teacher. Her programs contain a mix of classical, Broadway, swing, rag, Latin and country western. Having studied music since the age of 6, she gave a piano and harp concert at seventeen, later played with symphonies and choral groups in addition to solo concerts. She was awarded the 2003 ISFHC Lifetime Achievement Award for promotion of the lever harp. She has been a featured harpist at Edinburgh Harp Festival, Lyon & Healy Pop and Jazz Festival, ISFHC, Somerset and Big Sky Folk Harp Festivals.

www.louisetrotter.com

3-Day Class:
Becoming a More Creative Harper
Please your audience with a repertoire of different styles! Learn to jam! You'll learn simple bass patterns for classical, Broadway, swing, ragtime, Latin, and Country Western. We'll review chord symbols and simple bass patterns of various styles with a melody chart (lead sheet). We'll also explore making an arrangement by ear and learning to embellish pop, Latin, country, etc. styles with intros, vamps, glisses, and ornaments. Bring music staff paper if you like.

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Sharlene Wallace is one of Canada's most prolific and influential lever harpists and winner of two international lever harp competitions. She has created five CDs which include many of her original compositions. Sharlene has also been involved in commissions for the lever harp by numerous Canadian composers. She tours internationally giving concerts, workshops, masterclasses and adjudicating while being on the faculties of York and Guelph Universities teaching lever and pedal harp. Her own performance degree is from the University of Toronto where she studied with harpist Judy Loman. Sharlene is principal harpist with the Oakville and Kingston Symphonies.

www.sharlenewallace.com

3-Day Class:
HARP 101: Beginning steps
For beginners, this workshop is an introduction to playing the harp, whether you are just beginning or have had a few lessons. Essentials to get you going will include form, basic technique, what to do with the right hand, left hand and maybe even hands together!, simple chords, pattern recognition and more. A tune will be taught by ear with sheet music to take away at the end of the workshop. Having a harp to play on during the workshop would be most useful. Fingers-to-strings and away we go!

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Laura Zaerr teaches harp and Celtic Ensemble at the University of Oregon. She holds a master's degree in harp performance from the Eastman School of Music. Over the past 20 years Laura has produced several solo CDs featuring original compositions and arrangements of Celtic tunes as well as recording collaboratively with various musical groups. She has gained national recognition for her Celtic Concerto, a suite for Celtic harp with orchestra featuring seven traditional Irish tunes. Her original and innovative harp arrangements meld together a rich heritage of classical technique with the buoyancy and charm of Celtic styling.

www.laurazaerr.com

3-Day Class:
Do it Yourself Harp Ensemble
Do you love playing in harp ensembles but don't know how to create your own arrangements? In three intense days we will transform a folk tune from the lead sheet form into a polished three harp ensemble arrangement in a step by step process using some standard, and not so standard techniques. This workshop is geared for harp players of all levels, so don't be afraid to try out some new ideas. Even if you can't read music you will still be able to join in with chords and textures. You will need to bring a harp, music stand, sharpened pencil with a big eraser, and some blank manuscript paper.