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Rebecca Blair, Harpist

Rebecca BlairRebecca Blair’s career as a harpist and teacher has been both rich and varied. She has over 25 years of experience performing on the Celtic harp around the West Coast, her audiences including the President of Ireland, the Consul General of Ireland and the International Bar Association.

As a studio musician, she has contributed to recordings such as “Orrachan” by Teresa Doyle, and “Nigawe Aski” by Sandy Skofield. Rebecca is active in the Vancouver music scene, performing both solo and with groups such as Triskellion.

Rebecca’s musical studies began in the classical realm. After graduating with a Masters degree in clarinet performance and musicology from the University of Victoria, she has focused her interest on Celtic music and improvisation on the harp. She has attended many harp workshops all over North America and Ireland to study with such notables as Kim Robertson and Sharlene Wallace.

For the last dozen years, Rebecca has given harp workshops in Vancouver and at Place des Arts in Coquitlam. Rebecca keeps a busy schedule of teaching and performing, as well as studying Irish dance.

Performances

  • Vancouver Club, Music for the Irish Consular General (2019)
  • Place des Arts, Coquitlam, B.C. Faculty Concerts (2001-2018)
  • Silk Purse Arts Centre, West Vancouver, B.C. “Blow away the Morning Dew” (2014) “Triskellion” (2015-2018)
  • University Women’s Club Concert Series at Hycroft Manor, Vancouver, B.C. “Sally in our Alley” (2014)
  • Burnaby Village Heritage Christmas Event (2009-2019)
  • In the House Festival, Vancouver, B.C. “Triskellion” (2009, 2013)
  • Gaelic Society of Vancouver, B.C. Concert (2013)
  • Robson Square Olympic Festival, Vancouver, B.C. (2010)
  • Roedde House Museum Parlour Concert Series, Vancouver, B.C. “Glasgerryon Gardens” (2006, 2008)
  • Music for Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, Vancouver, B.C. (2005)
  • Early Music Vancouver House Concert, Vancouver, B.C. “The Maenads” (2004)
  • Rogue Folk Club, St. James Hall, Vancouver, B.C. “Maenads” (2004, 2007)

Recordings

  • “Solo #4,” Monarch Studios, Vancouver, Annabelle Louie, producer Tony Arevalo Jr., B.C. (2016)
  • “Reality,” Blue Light Studios, Vancouver, B.C. (2014)
  • “I’ll lend you an Angel,” Vancouver, B.C. (2012)
  • “The Maenads,” self-produced Celtic Trio CD – Harp (2007)
  • “Nigawe Aski” (Mother Earth) Sandy Skofield. Arbor Records EMI – Harp (2006)
  • “Willow Bridge”– Zeelia (Ukranian Band) – studio musician – Vancouver – Clarinet (2004)
  • “Dusty Windowsill” with the Coquitlam Celtic Ensemble – Harp, (2004)
  • “Orra Chan” Teresa Doyle, producer, Oliver Schroer, Vancouver – Harp (2003)

Private Teacher

Instructor – Celtic Harp & music arranging

  • Private studio, Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. (1994-present)
  • Place des Arts, Coquitlam, B.C. (2001-present)
  • Prussin Music/Tapestry Music, Vancouver (2008-present)

Clarinet Instructor

  • Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. (1982-2007)

Workshops Presented

  • Harp Workshop – Silver Hills Spring Harp Retreat, B.C.  (2015-2017)
  • Harp Workshop – Place des Arts, Coquitlam, B.C. (2001-present)
  • Harp Workshop – Scoil Rince De Danaan Feis, Vancouver, B.C. (2006-2008)
  • Introduction to the Harp – Vancouver Public Library Staff Conference (2003)
  • Harp Workshop – Early Music Vancouver Society, Vancouver, B.C. (2002-2004)

Classroom Teaching

  • Instructor – Drawing and Fine Arts, Place des Arts, Coquitlam, B.C. (2008 – present)
  • Instructor – Music Appreciation, Drawing and Fine Arts Interdisciplinary, Whatcom Community College, Washington, USA (1999-2010)
  • Instructor – WCCCSA Study Overseas College Program, Washinton, U.S., Florence, Italy (2006)
  • Instructor – Music Theory and Music Appreciation, University of Victoria, B.C. (1993-1996)

Education

  • Artist Diploma in Clarinet – Vancouver Academy of Music Vancouver, B.C. (1999)
  • Masters of Arts – Musicology with Performance in Clarinet (with Thesis) University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C. (1996)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts – Art Studio (with Honours) University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB. (1990)
  • Bachelor of Music, Clarinet Performance (Honours with Distinction) University of Montana, Missoula, Montana (1988)

Music Publications

  • Christmas Celtic Harp Fake Book – self-published (2006) Second edition (2015)

Conferences and Seminars Attended

  • World Harp Congress, Vancouver, B.C. (2011)
  • Early Music Vancouver Historical Dance Workshop, Ana Yepes, Instructor (2007)
  • International Clarinet Association Annual Conference, Vancouver, B.C. (2007)
  • Dusty Strings Harp Workshop, Wa. (2003-2006)
  • Cairde Na Cruite – Harp Workshop, Termon Feckin, Ireland (2001)
  • Island Mountain Arts Folk Harp Camp, Wells, B.C. (1997-1998)

Rebecca’s Harp

36" Lever Harp built by Newsom Harps

Rebecca Blair plays a 36-stringed lever harp built by Jamie Newsom. The harp has a walnut body and an Engelmann Spruce soundboard. It stands 57 inches tall and has a full rich tone. It has a pickup so can be amplified when needed.

Jamie Newsom is a notable harp maker based in Bragg Creek. Rebecca is the West Coast representative for Newsom Harps, so feel free to contact her for more information about his harps.