Gut-strung players’ course August 2016 at Orchard House

with Bill Taylor

Dates

Friday 26th August 2016 at 9:30am till Monday 29th August 2016 at 3:pm

The focus is on early Scottish airs, playing tunes from 17th-18th century Scottish collections for lute, fiddle and keyboard.

It is for all sizes and styles of gut-strung or nylon-strung harps, and for players at all levels beyond beginner.

The four-day course is non-residential: in Strathpeffer, lunch included.

This course is for lovers of early and traditional Scottish music. Over the years many players have begun their harp studies as students on one of our beginners' courses. They will know Bill Taylor as a sympathetic and fun teacher generously willing to share knowledge and expertise. Bill will teach tunes he has discovered after years of exploring collections of ancient Scottish music. He is particularly fond of the older tunes, which aren't ordinarily heard nowadays. "With beautiful, subtle melodies, lively rhythm and sparkling decoration, it's difficult to understand why these pieces aren't better known."

This year our four day course runs in the summer time and will be at our base in Strathpeffer. Lessons will begin at Orchard House at 9:30 am each day and run till 3:00pm with breaks for refreshment and lunch; home cooked by Zan Dunn. In true 'Harp Holiday" style late afternoon and evening are free for students to explore the locale, socalise, or of course practise.

How to get there

Our base is in Strathpeffer, an elegant Victorian spa village in the heart of the Highlands. There are plenty of B&Bs and hotels in Strathpeffer within easy walking distance of Orchard House. For accommodation Visit Scotland and Google Maps give suggestions.
Inverness is the nearest city, with excellent road links to the North and South via the A9. There are regular trains and buses, and flights to Inverness airport via EasyJet and flyBe. Trains connect to Dingwall (5 miles from Strathpeffer) and there are buses from Inverness, via Dingwall, to Strathpeffer. Travelinescotland is also useful for local transport.

Please click the link to print a sign-up form. If you have questions please phone 01997 421260 or use the contact page for more information. We ask for a deposit of £50 when booking.

Inclusive price for tuition and lunch is £240 and a deposit of £50 reserves a place.

Click here to download application form.

Please return form to: Ardival Harps, Orchard House, Castle Leod, Strathpeffer IV14 9AA.

If you would like to chat about the course with Bill or Zan or would like more information please phone us on 01997 421260. You may also use our contact page or email info@ardival.com