Classes
An overview of classes offered at the Atlanta Harp Center Festival
Valérie Milot – The Essential Elements of Expression
Hailed for the "passion of her performance," Valerie will share her wisdom on achieving a relaxed approach to playing the harp. By demonstrating tension-free techniques, she will guide you to an ease of playing that facilitates expressive freedom in your performances!
Lecture/Demo - harps optional
Valérie Milot – Masterclass
Juan Riveros – Practical Theory for the Harpist
If you've ever wondered how you can use your music theory knowledge at the harp, this class is for you! Join Juan for a class on incorporating elements of music theory into your playing, interpretation, and teaching alike. Using theory as a tool, this class will explore a handful of applications in practice and performance alike. Topics will include Learning New Pieces/Notes, Drama of the Cadence, and Basic Analysis for Performance.
Lecture/Demo - harps optional.
Juan Riveros – A Guide to Latin American Harp Music
Come explore the world of Latin American harp repertoire. In this session, Juan will introduce the styles, aesthetics and fundamentals of this exciting genre. Repertoire will include lever and pedal harp-friendly works.
Lecture/Demo - harps optional.
Juan Riveros – Masterclass
Kim Robertson - Capturing the Celtic Spirit
Discover the wonderful world of Celtic music, with an overview of the distinctive characteristics that embody the various genres. Kim will explain and demonstrate the basic forms and share some of the rhythmic styles and techniques to help express the Celtic style. Sample tunes include jigs, reels, slip jigs, hornpipes, and strathspeys.
Lecture/demo format; all levels welcome. Harps are optional but participants with harps are welcome to play along with the handout.
Kim Robertson - American Roots: Ballads and Airs
American folk music is a richly diverse source of repertoire for the harp. Learn some beautiful airs from the American tradition that adapt well to harp. Examples will include Appalachian, Southern, patriotic, and cowboy ballads, with ideas for simple accompaniment patterns. The tunes will be on lead sheets.
Hands-on format; all levels welcome.
Amanda Whiting - Introduction to Jazz for the Classical Harpist
To many classical harpists, “jazz” is a four letter word that brings on confusion and is often accompanied by a sense of dread, especially if asked to improvise. But fear not! This class will look at what we do know from our classical studies and slowly explore the basic concepts of jazz harmony, rhythm and improvisation, opening the door to finding a jazzy sound AND having fun in the process!
Hands-on format; Harps optional
Amanda Whiting - Fake It ‘til You Make It!
What’s that chord mean? How do I play it and make it sound good? How do I accompany a tune? What’s a groove? Lead sheet symbols may appear mysterious but are simply the shorthand of the music we play every day. Let’s be detectives to decode what it all means and learn how to bring the music to life! Basic theory knowledge recommended.
Hands-on format; Harps optional
Rhett Barnwell - Playing with Friends
Rhett will join with other artists from the Atlanta Harp Center in demonstrations of using the harp with other instruments. Most of the music to be played is designed for intermediate level pedal or level harpists and a variety of melody instruments.
Lecture/Demo - harps not needed.
Angi Bemiss - Therapeutic Music: The Double Blessing
The harp is a perfect instrument for medical and hospice settings. In this workshop, Angi will share (and answer questions) about her 25 years of experience as a therapeutic musician in hospitals, hospices, and homes. She will discuss strategic aspects such as music repertoire/genres, playing from memory and/or printed music, and why therapeutic music is a “double blessing” – for those who listen, and for the harpist/musician.
Lecture/Demo - harps not needed.
Ashley Crosland - Chords and Commerce
Get ready to discover the secrets of creating a harmonious blend of artistry and entrepreneurship, and unleash your potential as a successful harp studio owner. In this class, we'll dive deep into the business side of setting up a harp studio. Equipping you with the skills to acquire students, implement innovative teaching methods for increased revenue and less workload, and structure a harp studio with a dependable income stream. Get ready to explore the secrets behind turning your love for the harp into a thriving enterprise. Let your music not only resonate through the strings but also resonate in the world of business and take your harp studio to new heights. Lecture/Demo - harps not needed.
Paula Fagerberg - The Glory of the Baroque Triple Harp
Have fun learning about this period in the history of our instrument while enjoying the special sound and chromatic capabilities of the Baroque triple harp. Paula will perform on her artisanal copy of the famed Barberini harp from the early 1600s, interweaving airs and dances of the Baroque era with delightful historical anecdotes and intriguing harp facts.
Lecture/Demo - harps not needed.
Robbin Gordon-Cartier - Can I Get-a-Amen?
We shout Amen when we agree with what has been said or at the end of prayers meaning “so be it,” “truly” or “beyond a doubt.” Let’s take out some favorite hymns and work on arrangements that will fit your personal skill set, denomination or performance place. Let’s make sure that the next time you are playing a hymn, gospel or spiritual piece you will get an Amen!!!
Harps optional.
Jacqueline Pollauf - Recording Basics
Harpists everywhere find themselves needing to record for websites, social media and more! Jacqueline Pollauf presents the basics of recording the harp, including how to choose and set up equipment, practice preparation for recording, and tips and tricks for the process of recording. Jacqueline will draw on her experience from making over 300 videos for her highly-regarded YouTube channel www.youtube.com/JacquelinePollauf.
Lecture/Demo - harps not needed.