Lessons & Workshops

Dedicated Teacher

Rebecca has over thirty years of experience teaching music. She brings her Classical training in performance, music theory and history, and combines it with Celtic improvisation to create a unique pedagogical style.

As part of her continuing exploration of the harp and its music, Rebecca has attended many Celtic harp workshops in North America and Ireland where she studied with such notable harpists as Kim Robertson, Gráinne Hambly, and Sharlene Wallace.

Her teaching method is encouraging and friendly, specializing in adults from beginner to advanced. Her lessons cover a variety of genres and include elements such as:

Reading music and playing by ear
Improvisation and ornamentation
Music theory and arranging
Musical interpretation
Effective practice methods
Accompanying techniques
Relaxed hand position
Assembling two-handed playing

Rebecca Blair Harpist for Hire

Private Harp Lessons – Lessons Online

Dedicated Harp Teacher

Rebecca offers lessons in Celtic harp and is currently accepting new students. Her private studio is located in Vancouver, but she teaches in Coquitlam on Mondays.

Have you always wanted to play the harp?

Try an introductory lesson with Rebecca. You won’t need a harp since she will provide one as well as a take-home harp handout. Contact Rebecca for more information.

Lessons Online:

During this time of social distancing, lessons online are a great alternative. If you would like to try a distance lesson, I use the Zoom App. It’s easy to use.

Instructions:

Download Zoom onto your computer. Once you have the program, I send you an invitation link and you click on it and are immediately taken to the lesson (no sign-in is necessary). There will be two screens, one with you and one with your teacher. I have included two Zoom orientation videos below I would suggest you watch first.

How to sign up and navigate Zoom meetings:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NIYudDeULlw

How to set up your harp for Zoom for a lesson:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vH0GwfVFJlc

Here’s the website where you can download the Zoom App:
https://zoom.us/download

I would recommend Rebecca to anyone looking for a superb harp teacher. She is able to work with me to find the way best suited for me to learn.
Penny
I am so fortunate to have found Rebecca Blair for a teacher. She is patient, knowledgeable and has made learning fun.
Ellen

Are you looking for a harp teacher in White Rock, South Surrey?

Contact Judy Henry www.judyhenrymusic.com

Harp Workshops

For the last fifteen years Rebecca has been teaching harp workshops and harp circles around the Lower Mainland. She has held workshops through Early Music Vancouver, Prussin Music and Place des Arts.

Her workshops cover a variety of genres from early music to Folk and popular.

Harp players from Intermediate Beginners to Advanced are welcome. See Upcoming Events or contact Rebecca for more details.

Rebecca’s workshops include an annual Christmas Harp Workshop and Spring Celtic Harp Workshop she holds in Kitsilano and at Place des Arts in Coquitlam.

Rebecca is a gem! She has a very positive style and her skill and love of music are inspiring.
Susan
Rebecca brings an abundance of knowledge from her multi-disciplined background to each one of her harp students. Thank you Rebecca for never running out of innovative ways to learn!
Leanne

Frequently Asked Questions About Lessons

Do I need a harp for the first lesson?

No, Rebecca’s introduction lesson will provide you a harp to play. If you decide to continue with lessons, she will help you find a harp to rent which is highly recommended for the first few months. See Choosing a Harp or Buying or Renting a Harp.

Do I need to be able to read music in order to play the harp?

The ability to read music is not a necessity, but aids greatly in increasing a student’s chances for success. Rebecca will take on adult students without any previous musical skills, but will require they start to learn music notation as part of their lessons.

Is there an age minimum for new students?

Rebecca teaches students from 8 and up. For younger students she requires they have a minimum of 2 years of piano and can read Bass and Treble Clef. Please contact her for details.

How much do I have to practice?

Harp, like any complex skill (like athletics), requires a commitment of time and repeated effort in order to improve. To see steady progress, it is recommended that a student practice a minimum of 20 minutes at least five times a week. The key to success is to set small goals and to see them through. Rebecca will give excellent tips on how to practice efficiently.

How often do I need to come for lessons?

For young people, it is recommended every week to keep concepts fresh. Some adult students find it best to come for an hour lesson every other week. Contact Rebecca for more details.

Are harps expensive to buy or rent?

There are many more harps available these days, so prices have come down considerably ($800 and up). Harps can also be rented for as low as $50.00/month depending on the size. See Buying or Renting a Harp or Choosing a Harp.

How do I schedule a lesson?

Contact Rebecca and check her availability. Once a lesson time is confirmed she requires 24 hours’ notice of cancellation or else the lesson will be charged. Payment is due on the day of the lesson or through a prepaid agreement. Contact Rebecca for more details.