Tamsin Dearnley

Now a freelance harpist and harp teacher, I began to study the harp at the age of nine, and began my career performing both at concerts and at weddings and functions two years later. Since then I have been lucky enough to have entertained guests at some of the most prestigious venues in the North of England, including Ripley Castle, Harewood House, Carlton Towers and many more.

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is ‘why did you learn the harp?’. The best answer that I can give it that it has fascinated me for as long as I can remember, and I was extremely fortunate to be given the chance to learn.

I play the harp for the sheer pleasure of it, and because I never cease to be fascinated with the way that being able to play an instrument allows one to enjoy playing with and manipulating sounds and rhythms, both as a soloist and as part of a group. The harp is an extremely versatile instrument on which one can play an endless range of styles, and, as do all instruments, it produces a unique (and very beautiful) sound.

Many people are surprised to learn that there are different types of harp, varying greatly in size and tone. The two most commonly played today are the Clarsach (Gaelic small harp, or 'level harp', shown left) and the Classical (pedal) harp (right). As do many students, I began to learn on the former before studying the latter, but each is a full-sized instrument in its own right, and I now regularly play both.

As well as the harp, I have been trained in singing (with a particular emphasis on choral music), languages (holding a degree in Japanese and having an endless fascination with the interaction between language and music) and circus and performance arts. I am currently studying part time for a Masters degree in composition at the University of Edinburgh, and divide my time between Edinburgh and Yorkshire, where I still regularly perform and teach.

I teach privately to pupils of all ages, as well as running group workshops. Please visit the teaching and workshops pages for more information.