March
What's New?
This is a poignant month, with memories surfacing from 5 years ago. In March 2020 my working life changed, with a 12 month hiatus in performing live due to the Covid pandemic. My harp was silent for a while, but I slowly returned to the harp in an unexpected way. I started composing again. Songs of Hope consists of three short pieces written during those unsettling times and describe what I couldn’t put into words.
Never Far Away was a reminder that, despite world events, friends and family were always there.
Every Single Breath is a depiction of the rise and fall of our breath, which we took for granted until images from hospitals stopped us in our tracks.
Another Day was written as a tribute to medical and key workers who faced each day to keep the world moving.
Since the set was published, they have been played across the world and in unusual settings: from online concerts to vaccination centres. That time is a distant memory but the pieces live on.
I am including them in my recitals this year, as an expression of hope for a kinder and more peaceful world.
​
Listen to Every Single Breath​​
February
Exploring and developing repertoire for the Clarsach (lever harp) is a passion for me. The instrument is associated with traditional music, but I believe that it has an important place in classical, contemporary programmes.
I’ve enjoyed introducing new works by Sally Beamish, Anna Appleby, John Reeman, Eddie McGuire, Stephen Henriksen, Fiona Clifton-Welker and Bill Connor.
My '… from within' CD is one of few albums with both instruments side by side. It is heartening to see that since then many other harpists are now including both harps in their concerts.
​
This month I will give the world premiere of Martin Ellerby's Epitaph XVIII: Crio! (Aberfan). The tragedy of Aberfan on October 21st 1966 was a national disaster.
This beautiful piece stands in tribute to the 116 children and 28 adults who lost their lives that day.
Crio is the Welsh word for crying.
​​
​
What's New?
Exploring and developing repertoire for the Clarsach (lever harp) is a passion for me. The instrument is associated with traditional music, but I believe that it has an important place in classical, contemporary programmes.
I’ve enjoyed performing hidden gems by Sally Beamish, Anna Appleby, John Reeman, Eddie McGuire, Mary Ann Kennedy, Fiona Clifton-Welker and Bill Connor. My ‘… from within’ CD is one of few albums with both instruments side by side. It is heartening to see that since then many other harpists are now including both harps in their concerts.
January
What's New?
This year, I have many pupils requesting Zoom lessons, and I’ve opened up more times for this. They are extremely popular as they can fit in with everyone’s busy schedules, cutting down on the cost of travel, and of course enabling harpists from all over the world to access my unique brand of teaching. Not sure? Then book a short, trial lesson to find out how it works!
Each month, I offer a limited number of Power Hour sessions for those who want specific topics to be covered. They can range from technical revision, teaching tips, exam preparation to a general reboot.
“You have inspired me in my harp playing, and now I have more confidence to perform in public” Jane
​
“My pupils are already reaping the rewards of my teaching session with you. I feel more confident in my method, and I am loving the repertoire suggestions” Alex
I now have a harp studio in Lincolnshire,
with a range of harps to try, and to hire.
​
Beginner to advanced pupils are welcome
to sign up for in-person sessions.
