Class Description - Harp Classes
The following general descriptions apply primarily to melody instruments. Certain instruments offer starter sections for those who are new to the instrument. These classes cover starting technique and care of the instrument and serve as an introduction to Irish music. Depending on skills recognized or obtained, students may move up to Beginner classes sometime during the quarter. Traditional singing and accompanying instruments like bodhran, guitar, harp, and piano will have somewhat different descriptions. Please see the individual descriptions for each class for more details.
Beginner: These classes are for those who are new to the instrument or have limited skills. Note that some instruments will have "Starter" classes due to the nature of the instrument. Students will become familiar with their instruments and will learn to play simpler Irish tunes by ear at slower speeds; tunes that are taught may not be on the tune list for the quarter but may be in the Riley 'Common Core'. Students will learn about the different types of traditional Irish tunes.
Intermediate: Students should have previously been in a Beginner class (or the equivalent in outside private lessons) or have played the instrument for some time in Irish or related styles. Students will continue to learn tunes by ear, with a focus on the current quarter's tune list. Students will learn to play at faster tempos and begin to learn Irish ornamentation and style.
Advanced: These classes are for those who are quite familiar with their instrument and Irish music. Tunes will be taught with the goal of attaining playing them at 'Riley Speed', which can be heard by listening to the tunes on the website. There will be continued emphasis on ornamentation and style, using the current quarter's tune list.
Harp Classes
| Class | Teacher | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harp I-A (Adults) (only students with some prior harp experience) Please contact for additional information before you register for this class. For logistical reasons we are not accepting new beginning harp students for Winter and Spring 2026 quarters. Please try a different instrument while you wait and plan to register in Fall 2026. |
Marta Cook | TBA | |
|
Harp I-K (Kids) (only students with some prior harp experience) Please contact for additional information before you register for this class. For logistical reasons we are not accepting new beginning harp students for Winter and Spring 2026 quarters. Please try a different instrument while you wait and plan to register in Fall 2026. |
Marta Cook | TBA | |
|
Harp II (Continuing) Please contact for additional information before you register for this class. For logistical reasons we are not accepting new beginning harp students for Winter and Spring 2026 quarters. Please try a different instrument while you wait and plan to register in Fall 2026. |
Marta Cook | TBA |
This class is for students who are brand new to the harp or have little prior experience. The focus of this class will be getting familiar with the harp, learning good playing technique, and learning simple Irish tunes to create a good foundation.
This class is for students who have taken Beginner Harp and are fairly comfortable with the basics. We will work on school tunes, harp tune repertoire, and ornamentation and variation while continuing to work on good technique.
This class is for students who are comfortable with technique and tune playing and are ready for more challenging tunes. We will also work on accompaniment and tune arranging.