The Donegal Harp Summer School is a residential programme for harp players aged 18 and over, open to all abilities, including beginners to college level students. Led by celebrated harpist Janet Harbison, the course focuses on developing musicianship, creativity, and confidence through immersive tuition, workshops, and practical sessions. Teaching is oral, allowing participants to learn traditional repertoire, arranging, and social playing in a supportive environment.
Set in Dungloe, Co. Donegal, participants enjoy accommodation in fully equipped cottages and engage with the vibrant local music community. Evenings feature concerts, lectures, and sessions, and a mid-week outing offers the chance to explore the stunning Donegal landscape, creating a unique combination of musical learning, cultural immersion, and social connection.
Program Features
Expert tuition from celebrated harpist Janet Harbison
Oral teaching method for all abilities, including beginners
Small groups ensuring personalised attention
Evening concerts, workshops, and social sessions
Immersive cultural experience in scenic Dungloe, Co. Donegal
What's Included?
All tuition and course materials
Breakfast, Lunches and arrival night dinner
Evening concerts, lectures, and sessions
6 nights’ residential accommodation in ensuite cottages
Rental harps during classes and practice periods
Program Details
Date May 31 - 6
Duration 1 week
Ages 18+
Fees From €80 - €1390
Location Dungloe, Donegal
More Information
Intensive harp tuition for adults of all levels, focusing on oral teaching, traditional repertoire, arranging, musicianship, and ensemble playing, with workshops and guided practice sessions.
Evening concerts, lectures, and social sessions with local musicians; mid-week outings to explore Donegal’s scenic landscapes; and opportunities to join community music events.
Residential participants stay 6 nights in twin or double ensuite cottages with breakfast supplies, fully equipped kitchens, and all-day teas and coffees; non-residential participants arrange their own accommodation.
Course Options
The Adult-Only Donegal Harp Summer School is a residential course for players aged 18 and over, open to all abilities, including beginners. Led by Janet Harbison, the program offers immersive tuition in traditional Irish harp, focusing on oral teaching, musicianship, creativity, and arranging. Small groups ensure personal attention, with workshops, guided practice, evening concerts, and social sessions. Participants also enjoy a mid-week outing and the vibrant musical community of Dungloe, Co. Donegal.
Course Price: €900 (includes tuition, concerts, workshops, lunches, and arrival night dinner)
Accommodation: €490 for 6 nights in twin or double ensuite cottages
Harp Hire: €80 (optional)
The Dungloe Open Harp Week welcomes harp players of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced. Running alongside the Teacher’s Week, the program offers daily classes, workshops, guided practice sessions, and evening concerts and social sessions. Participants learn traditional Irish harp through oral teaching methods, develop musicianship and ensemble skills, and have opportunities to engage with local musicians and the wider community. Accommodation is self-arranged, and harps are provided in the class venues.
Course Fee:
Adults (18+): €450
Teens (13–18): €280
Children (10–13): €100
Under 10s: €80
Harp Hire: €80 (optional)
The Teacher’s Week at Donegal Harp Summer School is designed for aspiring and current harp teachers, offering intensive training in traditional Irish harp pedagogy. Participants receive 14 hours of teacher training and 10 hours of supervised teaching practice within the summer school classes, alongside workshops, lectures, evening concerts, and social sessions. The course emphasizes oral teaching methods, classroom management, and practical pedagogical skills, with options for residential or non-residential participation. Residential accommodation is provided in fully equipped cottages.
Course Price: €1,100 (tuition, workshops, lectures, evening activities included)
Accommodation: €490 for 6 nights in twin or double ensuite cottages
Harp Hire: €80 (optional)
Make Enquiry
Make an enquiry or start an application for this program.
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