Midwest Harp Festival

Workshop Descriptions

Daily, Monday - Friday 

Morning Warm Ups

8:30 AM

Announcements, 15 minute Rhythm Drills and stretching, led by the clinicians and our resident licensed massage therapist, Elizabeth Novak, will be a part of our Morning Warm Ups at 8:30 am

Except for the Hear It Played, each workshop is a 2-day progressive workshop from Tuesday through Thursday.  They include printed hand-outs, are hands on with your instrument or ar interactive in some way and will involve some homework outside of the workshop period.

Harp Check-up Workshop (not included in the registration fee)                                         Instructor:     Peter Wiley

1:00  - 4:00 PM                                                                                                                          Fees               $40/harp, Maximum 2 attendees     Full-time or Morning Activities Registrants         

$60/harp, maximum 2 attendees     For Others

$20 to observe

It’s almost impossible for a teacher to make it to your house on a regular basis to keep you apprised of your harp’s condition and how to perform light maintenance.  Bring your harp for a check-up and learn hands-on how to tune with a tuner, change a string (bass wires included) and how to maintain your harp to keep it in perfect condition.  If you want any maintenance work done by Peter alone, you must make a reservation before May 31 through the director, Lorelei Barton.

Hear It Played                                                                                    Instructor: Lorelei Barton

1:30 – 2:30 PM                                                                                                                       

This 1-hour seminar features excerpts of music sold in our on-site store.  “Hear It Played” will also be featured in ½ hour segments Tuesday through Friday during the day and at the Jam Session on Wednesday night.

Stage Presence and Etiquette                     Hands On        Instructor: Mackenzie Harp

2:45 – 4:00 PM                                                                                                                      

This is for everyone.  Solo Competitors will have a chance to play their solo.  EVERYONE will practice responding to applause as a group. 

(Choose One Workshop each from Block I and Block II)

BLOCK 1     1:10 – 2:30 PM                                                                                 

Conquering Harmonics (Wed)      Hands On       Instructor: Jan Jennings

Can you consistently find that "sweet spot" for harmonics, or do you end up with more "duds" than clearly ringing harmonics?  Learn some tips for increasing your success rate with harmonics (without marking your strings!)

Modulating (Thurs)                            Hands On       Instructor: Jan Jennings

Jan's classes are paired but not progressive.  You would be signing up for both topics should you decide to be in her workshop.

How do you get from one key to another easily?  Learn how to change keys withoug stopping so you can chain together several pieces to make a medley.  The class focuses on modulating up a full step, down a fifth, or simply from one key to another key.

Train Your Brain (Fun Tips for Memorizing )                

                                                                     Hands On        Instructor: Faye Seeman

How to successfully memorize music for a lifetime.  Learn to use 5 parts of your body-eyes, ears, brain, voice and fingers to explore the challenging task of memorizing music.  We will use playful techniques that transfer directly into memorizing music AND are invaluable life skills.  Wheter memorizing an entire harp solo or two measures from an orchestral excerpt, this two day power class will imnprove your mind.

BLOCK 2     2:40 – 4:00 PM                                                                                              

Expression in Music        Interactive and Hands On      Instructor: Mary Bircher

We all want to play with expression and musicality, but often do not know where to begin.  Join us as we learn that expressive playing is not so much about "getting the mood,"  but more about listening . studying, and observation.  We will discover that even the simplest piece can be played with expression, creativity, and imagination.

Ready, Set, Teach!                       Interactive                      Instructor: Elizabeth Richter

This 2-day workshop will provide information on teaching the harp for both current and future teachers.  Topics will include working with different age groups, repertoire suggestions, recommended sequencing of new skills, business aspects of teaching, and motivational tips to help both students and teachers excel.

Self-Guided Chamber Rehearsing/Private Practice

(in lieu of Workshops)

Monday                                   2:30 – 4:00 PM

Tuesday – Thursday         1:10 – 4:00 PM

This is an un-structured independent study among adult harpists who are interested in playing in chamber group with harp and are proficient in voice or other instruments.  You will be set up in small rooms for rehearsing and private practice.  You structure your own time.  Director, Lorelei Barton, and Director’s Assistant, Sarah Oliver, will be available for occasional assistance.  You will rehearse for performing on the Friday afternoon Project recital for the rest of the festival students and clinicians.