The Retreat to the Harp Summer Course is a non-residential three day course taking place in South East London. It is aimed at grade 3+ lever and pedal harpists, ages 8-18. The course tutor is Keziah Thomas, an internationally recognised harpist who has vast experience of teaching and inspiring young musicians at every level.

The summer course is designed for both lever and pedals harpists to work on their playing skills in a fun yet challenging ensemble setting. All the harpists will work on technical skills with a daily warm up session and will rehearse and perform a selection of pieces for harp ensemble. Students will be guided in the creation of an arrangement of a current pop song, and they will also learn and then arrange a folk tune by ear.

The course runs alongside Chamber Players which is an established course for young string players and some harpists will have the opportunity to play alongside the string orchestra.

For any advanced (post grade 8) harpists applying for the course, there is the possibility of working on string chamber repertoire with players from the ‘Chamber Players’ course. Please apply early if this is something you are keen to do so we can allocate repertoire.

All harpists taking part will be sent music in advance of the course suitable for their level and type of harp.

Practicalities

Course fee: £180. A deposit of £80 will be required to secure a place and the balance of £100 should be paid by 1st July.

Bursaries: There are some bursary awards available to assist those who would like to attend, but whose families are unable to meet the full fees. These bursaries are awarded on a discretionary basis according to need. Please apply by email to Keziah Thomas if you would like to be considered for a bursary.

Venue: The course takes place at St Dunstan’s College, Stanstead Road, Catford, London,SE6 4TY.

Timings: 9.30am-3.30pm each day with a final course concert for families on Thursday 3rd August at 3.30-4.30pm.

What to Bring: Your harp, stool and music stand. Any music you have been sent in advance of the course. A packed lunch and water bottle each day (we will provide refreshments in the morning and afternoon break times).