Online Harp Lessons

Professional Harp Teacher

Learning to play the harp is a truly rewarding experience. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced harpist looking to refine your skills, my harp lessons are designed for you. I’m passionate about teaching this wonderful instrument, and my goal is to make the process enjoyable, flexible, and tailored to your needs.

Learning from the Comfort of Your Own Home

All my harp lessons take place online, allowing you to progress from the comfort of your own home. Whether you play a pedal harp, celtic harp, folk harp, concert harp, or even a lap harp, you’ll find lessons suited to your instrument and experience level. No prior knowledge is required—beginners are always welcome! All you need is your harp, a stable internet connection, and a willingness to explore music.

A Flexible and Personalised Approach

I take a flexible approach to teaching so that you can learn and enjoy playing at your own pace. With both live sessions and harp video courses, I cater to harp students with different schedules and levels of commitment. Whether you want one-on-one guidance or access to free courses to supplement your learning, there are options for everyone. My teaching style is supportive and encouraging—I’ll always meet you at your current skill level and guide you gently out of your comfort zone.

Developing Technique and Repertoire

Through our lessons, you’ll build a great foundation in harp technique, from left-hand playing to mastering the strings and beyond. Exercises in music theory, improvisation, and ear training will help you gain confidence in reading notes, improvising melodies, and tuning your harp to create a beautiful sound. We can explore a range of genres that interest you, such as Irish music, classical, jazz, folk, and even pop. My aim is to make every lesson both productive and fun.

Progress with a Qualified and Passionate Teacher

Throughout my career, I’ve helped harp students of all ages build skills, repertoire, and joy in their playing. Whether you’re just starting out with C Major, interested in improving your improvisation skills, or eager to hear your improve in different types of music, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. I aim to support your aspirations, whether you want a first class honours degree or you want to become an award winning harpist.

Why Choose Harp Lessons with Me?

Simply put, I’m passionate about helping students learn to play the harp. My lessons are designed to inspire confidence, creativity, and a love for the harp as an instrument. Whether you’re six or sixty, a complete beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find a supportive environment where you can grow as a harpist. Together, we’ll explore your passion for music and help you uncover your potential. Let's make your harp-playing dreams a reality!

Improve Your Playing Technique

When it comes to mastering the harp, the variety of playing techniques is truly exciting. We'll work together to build your skills step by step at your own pace. My goal as your teacher is to make learning enjoyable and accessible, guiding you to develop a style that fits your dreams and aspirations as a harpist.

Finger Placement and Strings Awareness

Good technique begins with proper finger placement, which is essential for producing a clean and resonant sound on your harp. You'll become more familiar with how the strings respond to your touch, learning to control tension and movement to create smooth, musical lines. We’ll practice exercises that involve the left hand, helping you balance accompaniment with your melody playing, which is key to performing pieces in C major and beyond.

Creating Melody and Harmony

Playing melodies on the harp is pure magic. I’ll show you how to bring out the beauty in a piece of music, whether you’re learning to play music by ear, reading sheet music, or exploring techniques to emphasise both melody and harmony. Over time, as you refine your rhythm and note precision, you’ll find playing music becomes more natural and expressive, no matter your level of experience—from beginners to more advanced harpists.

Tuning and Ear Training

A properly tuned harp changes everything, so I’ll teach you how to tune your instrument confidently. We’ll also work on training your ear to recognise pitches, chord progressions, and even learn to identify techniques by simply listening—an essential skill for improvisation and developing as a musician.

The Difference between Celtic Harp, Lever Harp & Pedal Harp

Celtic Harp

The Celtic harp is often the first harp many players encounter, and for good reason. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to handle, making it an excellent choice for beginners. With fewer strings compared to other harps, it’s perfect for learning foundational techniques and exploring harp playing lessons. The strings often produce a warm, earthy tone that feels deeply connected to the folk traditions of the Celtic world. If you're looking to take your first steps into harp playing, this can be a fantastic starting point to begin your practice.

Lever Harp

The lever harp, closely related to the Celtic harp, offers flexibility for a wide range of musical styles. What sets it apart are the levers, which allow you to adjust the pitch of certain strings mid-performance. This feature opens up new possibilities for more complex pieces as you develop your skills, making it a favourite for harpists seeking to progress beyond the basics. I often recommend the lever harp for intermediate players in my harp lessons online because it strikes a balance between tradition and versatility. With regular practice, guided by passionate instructors like myself or even through free courses, the lever harp can become a powerful instrument in your hands.

Pedal Harp

The pedal harp is the grand orchestra harp, synonymous with classical music and professional performances. Packed with an impressive number of strings and a pedal mechanism, this harp allows for seamless key changes, making it ideal for advanced players or those pursuing a degree in music. Although larger and more intricate, it’s incredibly rewarding for those with a passion for music and an eagerness to refine their skills. For those dedicating themselves to a deeper level of mastery, both through one-on-one harp playing lessons or lessons inspired by harp educators like Shelley Fairplay, the pedal harp opens up a world of endless musical possibilities.

No matter which harp you choose, the key is to remain passionate and consistent in your practice. With the right guidance, whether through structured online harp lessons or self-paced free courses, you’ll find your voice as a harpist and discover the joy of making music.