WORKSHOPS


STELLA BENSON

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, shifting the rhythm, the timing, the major or minor chords, and just toying with how we can change that piece to cause different responses. You will uncover what it is about your music that gives it the potential to bring a temporary reprieve to an ailing listener. 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.

Healing Western and Cross-Cultural and Modal Scales Participants will learn what makes modal and cross-cultural scales healing. Learn the powerful emotional centers and characteristics of each modal and cross-cultural scale, the interesting technical reasons that create these attributes – the simple location of where the half steps and whole steps reside in the scale! Stella will show you how to accentuate the characteristic mood of each scale. Learn the unique emotional quality of each scale, its potential arousal elements, and when to play it at the bedside of the ailing. Stella will give you a formula based on Gregorian chant theory which makes it instantly easy to improvise within each mode. With this, you can play Bedside music without written sheets, without memorization, and without preplanning, allowing you to be more spontaneous and responsive. You can also use this concept to play music on the spot for your own self-therapy, or meditation. All levels welcome, bring your instrument.

The Power of Healing Moods We will begin with the healing benefits of the single note, feelings elicited by intervals and how these elements affect the mood of the melody or improvisation. You will learn modulation between modes without an obvious audible transition of mood. Learn the three families of modes (moods), major, minor and exotic. With these ancient modes we will experiment using essential harmonies, such as the perfect fourth, perfect fifth and Natures Chord. Plus, learn why these elements are so important to the character of each mood. The techniques learned will take you into a place of broader possibilities, where you can bring clearer colour and feeling available to you on your instrument. 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.

JERRY BROWN

An Alternative Concept in Harp Design Jerry will demonstrate and discuss what he calls "the Music Box" technique of instrument making, especially as it applies to harp design.  This material will be offered as a new chapter in his book, Folk Harp Design and Construction. In this seminar, you will learn the difference between using a soundboard as an integral part of the harp structure versus using it as a separate (detachable?) resonator. Jerry will demonstrate his method of construction in class, give a lecture on the engineering and acoustic theories of it, and then field questions from the audience.

NICOLAS CARTER

Learning “Pájaro Campana” The Bell Bird (Paraguay’s favorite harp melody) This workshop will help you demystify this beautiful song. We will explore the fascinating Paraguayan syncopated rhythm that combines ¾ and 6/8. We will work on the melody pattern in relation to the various Paraguayan harp playing techniques. No music scores will be used, we will learn in the traditional Paraguayan style, by observation, listening and hands on. It is recommended that you bring some form of recording device either video or audio as a reference for future practice. This workshop is recommended for advanced students.

Learn to Play “Guantanamera” as a Cuban “Cha Cha Include Guantanamera in your repertoire, with a real Latin flair, a song loved all over the world. We will learn the bass pattern for the Cha Cha and practice playing along a rhythmic groove. After getting a feel of the relationship between the melody and bass pattern we will explore ways to improvise and tag on decorative motifs. The workshop is recommended for beginners and intermediate students.

Latin American Rhythms This is introductory workshop to Latin American rhythms, the wonderful blend of European, African and Native American music. We will learn basic bass/rhythmic patterns and combine them with a simple melody. You will be exposed to: the Paraguayan Polca, Guarania, the Andean Huayno, The Venezuelan Joropo, The Mexican Jorocho , the Colombian Cumbia or the Caribbean Salsa. It is recommended that you bring some form of recording device either video or audio as a reference for future practice.

SARAH DEERE-JONES

Finger and Hand Technique Some help and advice on keeping hands, wrists and arms relaxed while playing, with some technical exercises for all standards (as they will all work together), so whether you are a beginner or an advanced player you can join in with these exercises to tone up and relax your fingers and hands!

Cornish Music on the Harp Cornwall has a long legacy of Celtic culture- learn some traditional cornish tunes for harp with the melody lines and simple chords provided. This workshop is for all standards as beginners can grapple with the tune whilst more advanced players can improvise on the given chords as we play the pieces together.

Arranging a Song Accompaniment for Harp Using a traditional Cornish song, the melody line will be provided, and students coached on how to create an accompaniment, bringing out the character of the song via the students own creativity and personal style. Some musical experience is necessary for this workshop.

SEUMAS GAGNE

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 Every Harper Should Know 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.

Rocking the Background Want to have something more interesting to do than playing the tonic chord of the key when accompanying traditional tune players? In this workshop we will use a variety of non-paper-based methods of learning rhythms and chord progressions to accompany a reel and a jig.

MARTHA GALLAGHER

The Joy and Mechanics of Songwriting This is a great workshop for any musician who wishes to expand into writing their own material. Martha has some delightful ways to start your creative songwriting juices flowing - no fear, only the fun of discovery and creativity! We will work primarily with songs, but will include instrumental writing as well. Getting started, finding the right words, structuring the music, and getting the song to a finished form will be covered. The workshop will include, but is not limited to: Song ideas, what are they and how do you find them -- Being creative with your thoughts and words -- The right melody for the right song -- and putting all those ideas together into a coherent song! We'll also use pieces of finished music and trace backwards their progress from start to finish. If you have snippets of songs that you'd like to share, please bring them, as there will be time to play some and explore the possibilities. Please bring harp/instrument. All levels

Creating with MIDI Harp The classic strengths and beauty of the harp meet cutting-edge technology with the MIDI harp. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology is currently being applied to the harp by only a few harpmakers in the world. Think Enya if you want to scratch the surface of the kinds of music and sounds available to the MIDI harp player! As beta-tester (pre-market tester) for US-made Kortier MIDI harps, Martha has designed this workshop to be an introduction to the exciting possibilities of performing, recording and scoring with the MIDI harp. The MIDI harp is played like a harp, but has no sound of its own. It must access a digital sampler (often called a synthesizer) to create and produce sounds, from harp-like to a full orchestra, from a brass choir to science fiction soundscapes! The MIDI harp also allows a direct route to notating music using software on the computer! Martha came from a place of being very tech-ignorant and phobic, but the incredible possibilities that MIDI offers were too tempting for her. She has demystified the process of working in a digital environment and now delights in teaching to others. A hands-on demonstration will include scoring music using Sibelius software. The workshop will also include hands-on exploration of using sampled sounds in performance and recording. It's a very creative experience - leave your tech fears behind and come have a blast! Digital, technical, geeky knowledge not a requirement. Introduce yourself to an incredible way to unleash your creativity! No harp needed. All levels

Finding and Enjoying Your Singing Voice If you've wanted to open your mouth and just sing, but can't seem to do it, this is the workshop for you - come celebrate the infinite joy of singing! We'll explore some simple, yet practical ways to get your voice out of your heart and into the air. 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 and work to banish those "I can't do it" ideas that can hold a voice captive. The harp is a wonderful companion for singing. Bring your harps and we'll use them to help us find confidence in singing out in the world! This workshop will include: Warming up the body/voice - Finding your voice - Fun ways to explore and create with vocals - Singing solo and with others -and - surprisingly simple strategies to overcome obstacles such as "I can't hit that note." This is not a vocal technique class, but is intended to be an introduction to help open your mind, mouth, heart, and soul to the joys of singing. Harp/instrument not necessary, but helpful. All levels

DEBORAH HENSON-CONANT

Learn to Play “Baroque Flamenco” [Hands-On Workshop] – Learn the rhythms and the form of Deborah’s groundbreaking harp composition. (auditors welcome)

Deborah Henson-Conant Tells You Everything She Knows [Interactive Presentation] - After many years of playing background music and weddings,  Deborah Henson-Conant decided she didn’t want to be “just another harpist.”  Since then, she’s toured around the world, become a Grammy Nominee, got her original show, “Invention and Alchemy,” on PBS, written and produced her own One-Woman Shows, released more than a dozen CDs, and won multiple grants and awards.   In this session, Deborah will give a crash course on how she got to where she is, what she wishes she hadn’t done and what she’s glad she did––and she’ll answer your questions about ANYTHING!  Bring your questions for this rare opportunity to talk intimately with one of the world’s most successful and unique harpists!

Chord Chart Basics [Hands-On Workshop] - Learn the basics of reading chord charts: what it means to “psych out” a piece before you ever play a note; how to look for harmonic families; and how to play the “big letters.” (auditors welcome)

JOY YU HOFFMAN

Double Strung Harp Technique – Class 1 This class will start on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and mixed intervals, different patterns and directions with “walking fingers” to emphasize melodies. We will explore the chords and arpeggios on the “Echo Style” technique, various patterns, ascending and descending directions on both hands. All those techniques demonstrate how to serve the music well. We will create our own arrangements to combine the knowledge we learned in the class. Beginner to Intermediate Level

Double Strung Harp Technique –Class 2 We will learn different scales and “doubling notes” combining all we have studied: intervals, chords and scales, developing coordination with both hands. We will try different rhythm patterns such as 3 against 2, 6 against 4, 3/4 against 6/8, triads against 7th. Wow!! So much fun! So much to do! So much to play! We will create our own songs! Intermediate to Advanced Level

Introduction to Chinese Musical Notation In this class, we will study Jian Poo, a popular music numbering score system used in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. It is a shorthand system for those who are interested in composing or collecting new songs, recording your melody easily and quickly anytime anywhere. This method is convenient for all types of music. We will apply this notation to learn Chinese music. Bring your harp and music stand.

KEVIN HOLSINGER

Harp and Handbells Harp and handbells sound beautiful together, but little music is written specifically for this combination. In this workshop you'll learn some handbell basics and we'll share sources for harp/bell music. You'll also learn some ways to adapt piano accompaniments or bell ensemble arrangements to the harp, and even how to create your own accompaniments from scratch.

Try Your Hand at Bells You, too, can make music with these beautiful instruments. No music reading experience is necessary to join in the fun! We'll be playing simple tunes on bells and/or handchimes. If you choose to bring a harp, you'll have the opportunity to accompany those who don't.

Recording: Perspectives from both sides of the Microphone There are many reasons to make a recording of yourself, ranging from having a gift for friends and family to checking progress between lessons to selling CDs at gigs. This workshop will discuss ways to do each of those, including a brief overview of the process of making a commercial CD. About half of the workshop will discuss how you can work with a professional recording engineer – how to get the sound you want, how to efficiently use your time in the studio. Through recorded samples and a live demonstrations you'll learn some of the magic a professional engineer can (and can't) do to help you sound your best.

Make a Demo Recording Want to get some recording experience in a low-stress environment? Need a demo CD of a couple of songs to give to brides or other clients? Big Sky doesn't have a recording studio, but you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good a recording made in a motel room can sound. Contact Kevin to schedule a time. (Like a private lesson, you'll pay him directly for this bonus "workshop")

JAN KINGSTON, GCFT

Feldenkrais®:  Fluid Arms and Back    As you become the musician that you want to be, you’ve probably worked at developing your technique and becoming more comfortable playing in front of others.  But, have you thought much about what you need to be able to do with your body to play your harp, and to keep playing your harp?   Playing great music also requires that you are able to sit for long periods, keeping your attention focused and moving your arms in a light, relaxed, and fluid way.   The Feldenkrais Method® provides simple and easy lessons for musicians to learn to sense and change patterns and habits of their self-use which may be painful or are likely to cause injury.  Lessons this time will focus on movements that will (1) help the arms to feel lighter and more free, and (2) will relax and soothe the back.  Workshop is great for advanced players to beginners, as well as their non-playing companions.   Mats are provided.   You may bring a light blanket for warmth and a small pillow to support your head.  Lessons will be on your back and lying on your side.

Jan will be available for a limited number of private lessons.  Please contact her in advance to make arrangements at   or at 425-870-4697.

DEBRA KNODEL

Session Tricks for Harpers You and your harp CAN survive a folk music session! Have you been hesitant to join in those rollicking, boisterous folk sessions happening all around you in local pubs, church basements, public parks, or on the beach?  Just because you play a low-decibel instrument doesn’t mean you can’t attend and enjoy sessions with the best of them! Regardless of your skill level with the harp, this workshop will give you some neat magic tricks for playing along (and even keeping up with) fiddlers, mandolin players, and other folk musicians. Learning how to survive sessions is fun, easy, and builds musical character!

BETH KOLLE

Scandinavian Music for Lever Harp We'll talk about what makes Scandinavian music different from other ethnic music, including modes, melodies and interesting lever settings. Learn two or three exquisite traditional songs from Scandinavia by walking through the dance steps, clapping the rhythms and then playing the tunes on our harps. All levels, bring harp

Playing from the Heart, not from the Nerves, Sessions I and II Why can I play so well at home but freeze up in public? In Session I we’ll explore that question and many others in this eye-opening workshop. Every player needs tips that really work to help the music come more easily in public. Learn how to prioritize your concerns and ease your anxieties in the future. All levels, bring harp to Session II

JOHN METRAS

Creating Tasty Harp Arrangements From A Lead Sheet This is a hands-on class with many musical examples providing techniques for turning a lead sheet into an interesting musical arrangement. It will include various rhythmic patterns that can be plugged into various songs. Bringing a harp and music stand is recommended. Level: Intermediate

Tips and Exercises for Improving Sight Reading Skills This class provides techniques for improving one’s ability to sight-read new music. Musical examples will be provided with the opportunity to practice these techniques during the class. Bringing a harp and music stand is recommended. Level: Beginning – Intermediate

Introduction and Exploration of the Cross-strung Harp This will be a hands-on exploration 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 demonstrating the instrument’s ability to play music of all styles with all the “juicy” chords that are often compromised 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.

KIM ROBERTSON

Playing Back-up Learn how to accompany other instruments or voice, using 2-hand patterns, power-chords, musical sandwiches, etc. Focus will be on one and two-hand patterns that are easy to play but create more rhythmic interest, including tips for sitting in at a Celtic session. All levels, hands-on, basic knowledge of chord-structure helpful

Tricks of the Trade In this workshop, learn to be prepared for any type of performance, and leave stage fright behind. Using practical 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. All levels, hands-on, ability to read music not necessary, some basic music theory will be covered.

Introduction to Improvisation A gentle look at (non-jazz) improvising as a means to spontaneous self-expression on your harp. With simple chord vamps, right hand patterns, "hot licks" and tricks, learn techniques that will help personalize your playing and lead to more creative arrangements. All levels, hands-on, beginner-friendly, ability to read music not necessary

VERLENE SCHERMER

Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms Parts 1&2 Modern musical styles use chords that include notes beyond the triad, and rhythms that sometimes swing, sometimes syncopate. This will be a two part workshop covering rhythm patterns and many of the chord extensions and altered chords used in jazz, pop and blues. There will be plenty of hand-outs, plus lots of hands-on application. If you already have the book "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" bring it along! If not, the book will be available at the conference for those who would like to would like to buy one.

Part 1 During part one, we’ll be looking at chord extensions, how they’re voiced and how they function within a major key. Understanding how chords function will give you the tools you need to figure out chords to tunes by ear, and also to make interesting chord substitutions to traditional tunes. We'll also cover some standard jazz and pop rhythm patterns, and we’ll play through several examples.

Part 2 During part two, we’ll be applying it all by arranging two traditional tunes using chord extensions, chord substitutions, and changing the ‘feel’ by playing a different groove. We’ll also do some improvisation exercises that will incorporate the cool chords and groovy rhythms learned in part one. Songs will be provided, but if you have a song you’d like help on, feel free to bring that in.

The Sing-Along Harper In this class we’ll learn how to “jam” along with a song circle on popular sing-along songs – just like people who play guitar! We’ll use folk and pop tunes that have words and chords only – no written music. You’ll learn how to play chords in a variety of rhythm patterns and you’ll learn “fingerpicking” styles to play along with singers and guitarists and other musicians in a group setting. You can of course also use these patterns to accompany your own singing or another singer or instrumentalist! In addition to the song handouts, there are handouts that will help you determine how to set your levers, what notes to omit when the chords travel outside the key, and how to determine the time signature, and establish the “groove” of a song. If you have the book "The Sing-Along Harper" bring it along! If not, the book will be available at the conference if you decide you would like to buy one.

SUNITA STANESLOW

Interludes and Endings Ever wonder how some harpists can just sit down and play something beautiful without any notes? Ever wish you had just 10 more seconds to add to a piece just as the bride arrives at the alter? Would you like more ideas besides arpeggios for an introduction to a melody? Add length, flexibility and pizzazz to your music with added introductions and interludes. Sunita will share ideas using several varied melodies to create unique improvisations that can be put to practical use right away! All levels welcome. Bring your harps, music stands and pencils.

The Art of the Arpeggio By using the colors of the strings and the entire range of the harp you can sound impressive after only a few months on the harp. We will learn to see patterns for chords so it doesn¹t matter which hand you play them with and we will mix up the order of the notes so that it is easier to play musically. Be prepared to look at the harp in a new way. No need to read notes or know theory. (Well, for this workshop.) (Beginners or anyone who feels they are stuck in a rut with playing the same style of arpeggios.) Harps needed, this is hands on!

Christmas in July This is really a workshop about arranging for the harp. We will work on ideas of bringing starlight, snow and magic into your own arrangements without them being too difficult so that they can be played in freezing places in candlelight. We will also work on reading carols from hymnals and transposing them so that you are prepared to work with singers and other last minute surprises! (For anyone who needs to arrange carols for the Christmas season.) Harps needed.

Special Effects on the Harp Add pizzazz and color to your arrangements by adding special effects. Learn or perfect your harmonics, double harmonics, bizbigliandos, variations on
glissandos and percussive effects.  Many become difficult unless you keep your hand completely relaxed. We will use these special effects as a tool to learning how to keep your hands and arms relaxed while you play. We will also work on warm-ups for your whole body and discuss how raising the hands can keep your from becoming tired or tight.  All levels. Bring your harps---this is hands- on!

PARK STICKNEY

Beginner Jazz Class is for Intermediate level players (classical or traditional) who would like an introduction to jazz harp. We’ll take some jazz standards and use them as a basis to explore a little (painless) jazz theory (scales, chords, etc.), improvisation, rhythmic ideas, as well as harp-specific techniques like lever/pedal slides and pyrotechnics. No jazz experience necessary.

Non-Beginner Jazz Class will be similar in format to the Beginner Jazz Class, but is designed for intermediate/adv players who already have jazz experience. (We won’t spend much time talking about basic chords). Ideally, this would also be the class for any lurking pedal harpists.

Blues Workshop will be, at least briefly, the largest all-harp jazz/blues ensemble in Big Sky. Anyone is welcome to sit in, learn the basic blues form (and some variations so we don’t go mad), a theme or two, and some “cheap but effective” improvisational tools.

HARPER TASCHE

Becoming A Harp Teacher Many of the most important things about teaching one-on-one aren't ever addressed in music school. What are the best and worst things you learned from your own teachers? What are your personal biases, conscious or not? What is your teaching philosophy and your teaching policies? What about special teaching situations? This is an opportunity to think about these and other not-necessarily-harp-specific issues which can have a huge impact on your students and your teaching studio as a business. Harp not needed.

Beautiful Tunes for Beginners Learn three easy but gorgeous melodies (and simple accompaniment as time allows) through a multi-modal approach that includes ear training, kinesthetic feedback, visual cueing, notation reading, and basic music analysis. For beginning harp players of all ages, but also useful for harp teachers. Bring harp and music stand.

Making the Most of Your Small Harp In a culture that always assumes that "bigger is better," how can we thrive with small harps? This session covers an enormous amount of ground, from ergonomics, good seating, and keeping the harp steady, to playing techniques, tuning, arranging, projection, and amplification - all designed to help you learn to hear what your small harp's strengths are and use them to their best advantage. Bring harp; music stand not needed.

LOUISE TROTTER

Adapting Piano Music to the Harp Enlarge your repertoire by using piano arrangements from Easy Piano books, hymnbooks, and fakebooks and reviewing chord symbols often found in these arrangements.

How to Play in Many Styles With simple changes of bass patterns and ornaments play waltz, swing, rag, Celtic, country, Latin, Jazz

Improvising to Enrich Your Own Repertoire Learn arpeggios, glisses, special effects, lever slides, muffling to create incidental, meditative music

Ready? get set... PLAY!: For beginners, this is an introduction to playing the harp. The how and now... how to put your fingers to strings and and learn your first harp tune... now! This is an excellent workshop for those just beginning or considering beginning the harp, as well as an excellent "check-up" for those beginners who are self-taught. Bring a harp. (beginners)

Fit as a Fiddle and Ready to Play a Beauty Fiddle Tune on Harp!: Learn a tune by Canadian fiddle player Oliver Schroer... and explore arranging ideas for this piece and others in 4/4 time. (intermediate and advanced level)

My Tunes and Your Tunes: 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! (all levels)

LAURA ZAERR

The Basics of Beauty and Fire Phase one of this beginning workshop deals with the basics of playing with beautiful ringing tone. Rediscover the hidden resonance with-in your instrument by approaching each note with a relaxed and supple arm, wrist, hand, and finger. We will work on specific exercises and techniques to develop an ear that longs for beauty in every note. Phase two deals with developing facility and fluency on the harp. We will address issues such as cross-overs, rapid arpeggios, repeated octaves, dynamic control, and generally how to gain that speed and even tone quality that is the envy of every player.

Arranging for the Lever Harp This advanced workshop is a practical guide to a few successful arrangement techniques. Some music theory is helpful. We will take an existing tune, and watch with an analytical eye and ear how the melody is transformed through various treatments. We will cover open harmonies, left hand melody techniques, right hand arpeggiated melody techniques, use of harmonics, substitute chords, non-chord tones including suspensions, the effects of register changes, modal treatment and more. Special attention will be given to the intended impact of each treatment in order to create a meaningful and thoughtful presentation.

Improved Learning and Performance and Prevention of Injury (For teachers, professionals and students at all levels)  This lecture-demonstration will improve your awareness of various aspects of your playing, facilitate the performance of difficult passages and techniques and help prevent tendonitis. Learn good habits easier by focusing on the right aspects of your techniques. Prevent or correct bad habits.

First Encounter With the Harp Facilitating a successful first experience for teachers and students. Concepts of harp placement, strings angle, best harp for the body of the student. How many fingers the first day?  Ear versus music theory teaching.  Students with special needs and more. 

Alfredo’s Special Effects  Learn unique special effects step by step. Great ideas for your compositions, jazz, pop and many music styles.  Many Latin American effects are done in different ways by many harpists. Alfredo has created his own too. Learn Alfredo's way while minimizing the effort to do them.  FUN!  Exciting!  Some are for all levels and a few for intermediate to advance players but all will enjoy learning the concepts.