Community and Groups

 "Introduction to the Folk Harp" mini-courses - Sorry! No longer offered
Alison teaches 4-week "harp-tasting" courses through Monterey Recreation Centre in Oak Bay, Victoria. Cost is approx $85 for 4 sessions, with discount for Monterey members. Small harps are provided for in-class use and there is the option to rent a small harp from Alison for home practice. Maximum 9 students in group.

Course description
"Four hands-on sessions with very friendly little lap harps in a supportive, fun group of co-learners. These classes are for the very beginner and note-reading is not required. You will learn basic technique, tuning and some simple tunes. 

"Learn a Tune" - in Victoria, B.C. - Saturday am  -  once a month - Sorry! No longer offered
These 1.5 hour sessions on Saturdays from 10 am - 11:30 am provide a follow-up for those who have completed the introductory course or already have some experience on the harp. You will learn a simple but enchanting melody on the harp with suggested accompaniment. Written music provided at end of session for follow-up practise at home. All levels of players welcome as participation can be very basic or more complex according to your level of experience.

Shawnigan Lake School Library - location of first Vancouver Celtfest where Alison presented harp workshops
Harp workshop - Shawnigan Lake
Monterey Recreation Centre in Oak Bay, Victoria
Monterey Community Centre - Victoria BC
Harp Workshops
Alison has presented workshops on the following topics:

Northern Lights Harp Festival - Ottawa 2013
     Building Blocks of Music for the Folk Harpist
     Play by Memory
     Technique Review on the Lever Harp
     Improving Skills for playing by memory & Ear 

Community Workshops 
     Building an Arrangement
     Building Rhythm  Exploring Rhythm I & II
     Confidence & Independence
     Flippin' Levers 
     Jewish Music & Dance Moody Modes
     Offbeat Harmonies 
     Techniques for Improvisation     What to Do with Waltzes? 

HarpCon 2003
     Offbeat Harmonies 
     Be a Balkan 
     Celtic with a Twist of Latin 
     Fun with Syncopation
     Learning Music by Ear 
Alison teaching harp workshops at Northern Lights Harp Festival in Ottawa
Northern Lights Harp Festival Ottawa - October 2013