Covid-19 UPDATE: During these admittedly strange and difficult times, we have tried to find ways to keep
making music together despite the circumstances! We have moved all our activities online for
the forseeable future - please contact us
for more information.
One silver lining (we have to find them where we can...!) is that we have realised that
our workshops and harp-related social activites are now much more accessible to those who are
too far away or otherwise unable to travel to our events, and even once the situation improves we are aiming
to provide a mixture of in-person and online activites and content for our members.
We hold regular, laid-back tutor-led sessions as well as longer, more 'formal' workshops with guest tutors.
Our 'Old Malton Saturdays' are held fortnightly (as were the Old Malton Group play-togethers), and are a space
to look at and play some tunes 'together', to learn some new ones, and to discuss fingering/technique
and arranging ideas. These sessions are led by Tamsin Dearnley.
All Clarsach Society members are welcome - numbers are limited so please contact Annie Jones if you would like to join.
You will then receive a zoom invitaion and the week's plan (including any necessary music!)
'Riddlesden Play-Togethers' are led by Lucy Nolan
and follow a similar format - please check each date for specific details.
To join a session please contact Lucy Nolan. All Clarsach Society members welcome!
In ordinary times, Lucy Nolan
offers us regular group teaching and technique sessions over the course of a day. The sessions are
divided into ability groups, with the option of booking a slot for a private lesson
(numbers limited for the obvious reason that there's only one of her and only so much time!).
We also offer 'special' sessions three or four times a year, as well as our annual
TPH Festival (usually held in early November). These events are open to all and are a perfect
opportunity to come together (virtually or in-person depending on the situation!) and learn about
not only all things harp, but also to hear a wider range of speakers and tutors and to try some
very different things - in the past we have had lectures on modes; workshops on silent film scores,
finger-bending technique masteclasses and many more!
Both Lucy and Tamsin are more than happy to give private lessons via video link -
please contact them for more information and bookings.
Upcoming Events
27th February 2021 10:30-11:30 GMT
'Old Malton Saturday' with Tamsin Dearnley.
This week we will be looking at Tamsin's lilting piece 'Mickle Fell Lullaby', the piece specially commissioned by Transpennine Harps as a Christmas Present for the group.
'Old Malton Saturday' with Tamsin Dearnley.
This week we will revisit Tamsin's lively 'French-style' piece in two parts and then
focus on a lovely simple German melody, kindly suggested by a member!
Online Zoom Room
£5 for CS members
30th January 2021 10:30-11:30 GMT
'Old Malton Saturday' with Tamsin Dearnley.
This week we will be looking again at Tamsin's arrangement for three
harps of the Normandy melody for 'Away in a Manger' - slightly unseasonal,
but it's such a lovely tune it needs revisiting!
Get your dancing shoes on and a glass of wine at the ready for this Breton-inspired lively dance tune!
As usual, the piece has multiple parts to choose from so it's suitable for all levels. Please just
let Tamsin know if you'd like to attend and she will send out the appropriate music!
It's Yorkshire Day, so we'll be looking at a lovely Yorkshire tune in three parts.
Make sure to have your Yorkshire Tea (and maybe even some biscuits) at the ready!
It happens to all of us at some point:
someone comes along and asks 'Ooooh! You play the harp - can you play X?!'
Or perhaps you just think 'I REALLY want
to be able to play this song I heard on the radio/youtube/wherever it is the cool
kids get their music from these days...' Or perhaps you want to surprise a
friend with a piece that means a lot to them, but you can't find the music anywhere...
In any case, we'll be looking at how to get from 'original song' to 'arrangement',
using all the methods at our disposal, from learning by ear to using lead sheets
and chord charts (because there IS no right or wrong way as long as you figure it out!).
The focus will be on contemporary (ish) popular music, but obviously the techniques
can be applied to any genre.
ll music will be arranged for the lever harp, but pedal harpists are
also welcome - we can use our new skills to look at how to transfer or
change the arrangements as necessary! The course will be taught by ear
and using written melody lines and/or chord/lyric charts.
Hands On Harps Day - a chance for absolute beginners to have a go on the harps
and chat to some of our members and tutors. Everyone WILL go home being able to play a piece on the harp!
Join us at Cliffe Castle Museum for the annual FREE music performance by
the Transpennine Harp Group.
There is no need to book, you can just turn up and enjoy. Seating is limited
and we do advise arriving early to ensure a seat if you require one.
You can also enjoy the music from the Balcony area of the Bracewell
Smith Hall, however that is standing space only.
Workshop on South American Music with Anita Aslin. This day will be a really
exciting chance to explore some of the wonderful melodies and rhythms of South America.
Tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own lunch.
and maybe just a little bit of
by