The Teacher: Bill Taylor

Bill is teacher-in-residence with Ardival Harps. He has an international reputation as a specialist in the ancient and traditional harp music of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. He performs with several groups in Scotland and the Continent, and he has made many recordings of historical and traditional music.

For many years he has taught at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival [www.harpfestival.co.uk], and he leads workshops in Britain, Europe and the United States. His teaching covers a wide range of subjects; arranging for small harps, using fingernail technique to play wire-strung harps, and exploring repertoire from medieval, renaissance and traditional sources. Bill’s relaxed and friendly teaching style is appreciated by beginners and players alike.

Harp Holidays Dates 2009 . . .

• 30th July-3rd August 2009

• 8th-13th October 2009

• 22nd-25th October 2009

Ardival Harps - Location

Our base is in Strathpeffer, an elegant Victorian spa village in the heart of the Highlands.As an excellent walking and touring centre, it offers plenty to interest an accompanying friend or spouse.

Outdoor activites such as golf, sailing, riding and fishing are all to be found in Ross & Cromarty.

Beginners' Courses in Strathpeffer:

Days typically begin with a technique class at 9.30 am. After coffee, students develop group arrangements as new repertoire is introduced. The lunch break is a time to relax over a delicious home-cooked meal and to take a short walk. During the afternoon session, we examine various topics in playing different kinds of harps, or music from different eras. We conclude at 3:00 pm, leaving late afternoons for walks in the wooded countryside or for practising on one's own.

Evenings are flexible, giving time for social gatherings, informal playing or attending locaI events. Beginners' courses are non-residential. There is a wide range of good quality accommodation close by in Strathpeffer. This includes hotels, B&B and self catering cottages.

Cost of B&B from £25 per night. Local hotels serve bar meals and dinner to non-residents. The course fee is £195, which includes tuition, refreshment and lunch each day. The courses will be confirmed when four students have paid a deposit.

Deposits of £50 per person should be made payable to Ardival Harps and sent to:
Ardival Harps, Orchard House, Castle Leod, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, Scotland. IV14 9AA.
Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1997 421260.

Beginner's Courses will be confirmed when four people have paid deposits. The maximum number for beginners' courses is nine.

Wire-strung Harp Course with Bill Taylor

Our annual wire-strung players' course runs for five days and welcomes all levels of players and all sizes of wire-strung harps.  We will explore ancient and traditional tunes from Scotland and Ireland, with an emphasis on using appropriate decoration and accompaniment.

This year we move the course to Moniack Mhor, a writers' retreat situated near Loch Ness, overlooking the mountains and glens of Strathfarrar.  The house and cottage are surrounded by fields of Highland cattle, sheep and llamas, and forest walks are less than a mile away.  Delicious home-cooked meals will once again be provided by Zan Dunn.  The course will begin with evening meal on Thursday the 8th of October and concludes at 3.00pm on Tuesday afternoon the 13th of October.  As before there will be plenty of time for practising, walking and socialising outside of classes.  Inclusive price for tuition, food and accommodation is £430.  A deposit of £100 is requested to reserve a place.

Please phone (01997 421260) or email (info@ardival.com) if you would like more information.

Deposits should be payable to Ardival Harps and sent to: Ardival Harps, Orchard House, Castle Leod, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, Scotland. IV14 9AA Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1997 421260. The wire-strung course will be confirmed when five people have paid deposits.

Gut-strung Players' Harp Course with Bill Taylor

We offer a short residential course this autumn for gut/nylon-strung harp players, for all levels and all sizes of harps.  New players are welcome.  Bill will teach a combination of ancient tunes, found in 17th-century Scottish lute books, and traditional melodies.

We will stay at Dunglass Farmhouse on the Brahan Estate.  This secluded estate near Dingwall, within the grounds of the ancient (but demolished) Brahan Castle, has beautiful woodlands and a network of riverside walks.  Delicious home-cooked meals will again be provided by Zan Dunn.  The course begins with evening meal on Thursday the 22nd of October and concludes at 3.00pm on Sunday afternoon the 25th of October.  Outside of classes there will be plenty of time for practising, walking and socialising.  Inclusive price for tuition, food and accommodation is £285 on the basis of two sharing.  (Single room supplement £60.)  A deposit of £60 is requested to reserve a place.

Please phone (01997 421260) or email (info@ardival.com) if you would like more information.

Deposits should be payable to Ardival Harps and sent to: Ardival Harps, Orchard House, Castle Leod, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, Scotland. IV14 9AA 

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