A week of music & learning
in the tranquil heart of Tasmania.
Christina Sonnemann's
Harp Immersion Courses
featured in Australian Country Style magazine
FAQs
What is a harp immersion course?
If you have always wanted to play the harp but have no experience of the instrument, or if you have had some playing experience and wish to combine a holiday with some intensive study of the harp, then a "Harp Immersion Course" may be for you.
Christina has been inspired by her work as a tutor at residential courses in the United Kingdom to offer this course, which is unique in Australia.
Designed around the individual, this flexible course of ideally 7 days includes accommodation, catering, and the private use of a harp exclusive to you for the week.
At the end of the course, an aspiring harpist can expect to have a repertoire of 2-4 pieces of music, a basis of healthy posture and movement in harp playing, an understanding of the instrument, and a knowledge of resources such as where to find teachers, sheet music, and how to find and recognise a good instrument.
There will also be an opportunity to play on several harps of varying types and sizes.
Will I enjoy it?
Unlike most instruments, the harp produces a pure, beautiful sound from the first moment you touch it. However, this course is designed for learning.
Christina's aim is that you will finish the course with a number of skills and tools for further harp experiences. For this reason, the course is located in a place of quiet in a tiny Tasmanian village, with few distractions to hinder concentration.
There will be times when it may seem like "information overload". This is in the nature of an immersion course. That's why the course is structured with plenty of time to relax and absorb the new things you are learning.
Christina is a patient and friendly teacher who will do everything in her power to make the course both an enjoyable and productive experience.
Where will I stay?
The course takes place in Nellie's Cottage in the Midlands town of Tunbridge. Nellie's is a relaxing synthesis of old and new - open fireplaces contrast with a luxurious spa-bath.
The timber Federation cottage was painstakingly renovated with the goal of creating a dwelling-place conducive to creativity and artistry. Nellie's will be a space for you to live, learn and relax in during the course.
Catering is included in the course. Assemble your own breakfast from ingredients such as wood-fired bread from the local bakery, home-made preserves and free-range eggs, then relax and enjoy lunches and dinners featuring delicious organic Tasmanian produce. Special dietary requirements are happily catered for.
Tell me more about Christina
Tasmanian harpist-singer Christina Sonnemann is one of Australia's most diverse professional performers.
Among Christina Sonnemann's achievements are three self-produced albums, solo recitals in London, Copenhagen, Jersey, Ireland, France, Norway and the United States, a national broadcast on ABC Classic FM and an award from the Australian Songwriters' Association.
Christina was one of a select group of musicians invited to represent Australia at the world's largest Celtic festival, the Festival Interceltique Lorient, in France in 2006.
Christina is a generous teacher who has conducted workshops and masterclasses for the American Harp Society, the Harp Society of Queensland, the Jersey Harp School, the Clarsach Society (London Branch) and the Australian Harp Festival.
Classically trained as both a harpist and singer, Christina's repertoire spans classical, contemporary, folk and jazz. Her own compositions reflect these varied influences as well as the beauty of the Tasmanian landscape.
What is the Course like?
A typical overview…
Day 1 - Introducing the Harp
An introductory session about the harp, its history and music.
A first lesson covering how the instrument works and some primary concepts of ergonomic playing - how the player is positioned at the instrument.
Homework/practise in evening (hand position, posture and/or music theory for harpist).
Day 2 - Your First Piece of Music
A simple piece of music is introduced, utilising the hand position you learned on the previous day.
Homework/practise in evening or afternoon (practise the first piece of music).
Day 3 - Continuing with Your First Piece
We will work on interpreting the piece, adding dynamics, phrasing and special techniques. An optional second piece may be added.
Discussion of repertoire, recordings, types of instruments and harp resources.
Homework/practise in evening or afternoon (go over everything you have learned).
Day - 4 Free day!
Enjoy the harp on your own, or take a break from it; explore and relax - Nellie's is centrally located in an island full of treasures.
Day 5 - Creative Day
How to be "creative" with the harp; improvising, composing and playing in modes.
Day 6 - How Does it Work?
A closer look at the harp: stringing, tuning, etc. Steps to being a self-sufficient and knowledgeable harpist. Continuing work on your repertoire.
Day 7 - Bringing it All Together
A look back at everything that's been done over the course and further information on continuing your "harp journey".
Christina and Sally enjoy an improvisation session
Pricing
$1490 - includes 7 nights accommodation and
all food and harp tuition.
Harp rental during the course is complimentary.
Pricing without catering and/or for shorter courses (less than 7 nights)
available on request.
