What time do the classes start? What's the timetable?
For the week-long courses (5 days) Monday class starts at 12 noon with lunch at 1pm. The afternoon session is from 2pm - 5pm and the evening ceilidh starts at 7pm. Remember there is a buffet at the ceilidh. Lessons for the rest of the week (Tuesday through Friday) start at 10am. Lunch is from approximately 12.30-1.30 and the afternoon classes run from 1.30 to around 3.30 or 4pm. There are also refreshment breaks within all the timings above.
For Wendy's 3-day weekend (Fri 8 - Sun 10 Sept 2006), the timetable is a bit different. We will again have a late start so you can fly in on the Friday morning. We will kick-off at 12 noon and run through till tea-time. On the other days tuition will be from 10am till about 4pm, with a break for lunch. On the Friday and Saturday nights we will have a buffet dinner followed by a ceilidh.
Where do I stay? What accommodation is available?
We do not provide any accommodation. However this web site lists possible choices of accommodation in B&Bs, homestays, hotels, hostels and campgrounds, and self-catering cottages. It is very important to book your accommodation early as there is limited availability near to the course venue.
I am bringing my family with me. What is there to do whilst I'm playing the harp?
There is a huge amount to do during the day for non-harp playing family members. During the evening it is still daylight till very late and there is plenty of time to explore the island. See the page"About the Island" for more information.
Can my child take part in the workshops?
Unfortunately, because of our public liability insurance, we cannot take any person under the age of 16 years.
How much does the course cost?
The 5-day courses cost £350 for adults, £300 if you are returning for a second or subsequent year, £250 for students or members of the local harp society. This fee includes all lunches and refreshments, plus the evening meal on the first day. It also covers the cost of the practise CD which will be mailed to you after the end of the course.
The 3-day weekend course costs £225 for adults, £200 if you've been on one of our workshops before, and £180 for students or local harpers. This fee includes all lunches and refreshments, plus two evening meals (Friday & Saturday). For this 3-day course we are NOT producing a CD. You may wish to bring your own recording equipment instead.
When is the harp camp? What dates?
The courses run 19-23 June 2006 with Alison Kinnaird, and 8-10 September with Wendy Stewart. In 2007 (our final year) the dates will be 23-27 July with Alison, immediately followed by 30 July - 3 August with Wendy.
How do I get to you?
For more information, see the page "How to get here".
I'm a complete beginner, will I manage in the classes?
The harp camps have attracted people of all abilities - absolute beginner to seasoned professional - all of whom have had a rich and wonderful experience. Whatever your playing ability you will be able to fit in and contribute to the overall ensemble sound. There is time for individual practice and room for breakaway groups. We also have an assistant tutor on each course. This allows extra time for anyone who wants additional concentrated practice.
I have special dietary requirements. How will I cope with the catering?
The bulk of our catering is vegetarian, locally grown and home-made. This allows us to cater for the majority of people. In addition we are happy to provide extra dishes if you have special dietary needs, such as gluten-free or diary-free. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like us to provide for a special diet.
How can I travel from my accommodation to the harp tuition venue?
Unless you are staying in the village itself you will probably have to drive to the venue. Many people hire cars so they can explore the island in the evenings as well. See the Travel page for more details.
I want to see the tourist sites / take part in outdoor activities whilst I'm in Lewis. How can I arrange this?
This web site has some information on tourist activities. You can book this before you arrive, though it is also fairly easy to arrange once you are on the island. See the "About the Island" page for more information on making bookings.
Can I rent a harp? What kind of harps are they?
Yes, you can rent a harp but we only have a limited number available. They are good quality student instruments with 32 or 34 strings. The cost to rent a harp is £30 for the week. Follow this link for more info.
What practice must I do in advance. Are there any particular tunes I should learn to play before I come?
We do not give out any music in advance as this is very dependent upon who comes to the harp camps. The best advance practice you can do is learning to play by ear, rather than from a sheet of music. (There are still a few copies of the practise CDs of previous years if you'd like to buy one of these in advance.) As traditional Scottish harp music is an aural tradition, all teaching is by ear. (However music will be given out as an aide memoire.) The practise CD is recorded at the end of each camp and includes those tunes you have learned during the week. It is designed for practising afterwards, again reinforcing the playing by ear method.
When do I receive the practise CD?
The CD will take a couple of weeks before it is ready. It is then mailed directly to your home address. The cost of this is included in your fee for the 5-day courses. Please note, we will not producing a CD for the 3-day weekend, so you may wish to bring your own recording equipment.