Class Description - Harp Classes

The following general descriptions apply primarily to melody instruments. 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.

Starter: Certain instruments (fiddle, harp) 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.

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.

Classes are offered based on instructor availability for the current quarter. Please see the current schedule for this quarter's classes, times and instructors.

Banjo/Mandolin Classes

Bodhran Classes

Button Accordion Class

Concertina Class

Fiddle Classes

Guitar Accompaniment Class

Guitar Classes

Harp Classes

Irish Flute Classes

Traditional Singing Classes

Uilleann Pipes Classes

Whistle Classes

Harp Classes

Class	Teacher	Time
Harp I-A (Adults) (Beginner)	Elizabeth Ko	10:00
Harp I-K (Kids) (Beginner)	Elizabeth Ko	11:00
Harp II (Intermediate)	Elizabeth Ko	1:00

For all class levels, the focus will be on learning Irish traditional music and the techniques for playing it. Harp classes are taught using a hybrid format. Classes are held in-person at Riley with instruction delivered through a combination of in-person coaching as well as instruction from teachers joining the Saturday class virtually via Zoom. The Riley School has a collection of portable Irish harps available for students to rent on a quarterly basis.

Beginner Harp
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.

Continuing Harp:
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.

Intermediate/Advanced Harp:
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.

In addition to class, there are different bands that harp students are invited to join (no additional fee) at 12:30pm. Going to band will allow you to practice tunes outside of class with people playing other instruments.