Tamsin Dearnley

I began to play the harp myself for no other reason than that as a child, I was fascinated by this elegant instrument with a beautiful sound and really wanted to try it for myself!

I was extremely fortunate in being able to do so, and, many years later, I have become no less intrigued by the harp's musical versatility.

I have played the harp professionally for over fifteen years, providing music at a wide range of events and places, and am always interested in exploring new types of music and styles of playing. I have been trained in both classical and traditional music and techniques, and have also studied South American harp, Renaissance music and have more recently begun to explore the world of Jazz harp.

I have been teaching the harp formally for over three years, and am very experienced teaching on both a one to one basis or conducting group workshops (please note that should you wish to arrange a group workshop, participants must bring their own harps).

I teach a wide variety of styles - from traditional Scottish folk music to South American and Jazz (often with a detour into medieval English dances!) - in order to familiarise the student with the many different types of harp music that exist.

I teach the harp both by ear and using printed music, depending on the needs and ability of the individual pupil.

Even when using printed music, I like to teach aurally on occasion in order to develop the ability of the student to appreciate harmony and tonality, as well as learning how to improvise. I believe that combining this more traditional method of learning with classical theory and printed music gives a fully rounded musical training, leaving students comfortable playing both with and without music.

I try (if desired by the student) to combine music reading and theory teaching into the practical lessons. I am also happy to teach these areas separately if required.