Traditional Scottish Strathspey.
How To Harp Membership
Your Harp, Your Journey. Expert Guidance, Endless Inspiration.
How To Harp Membership Will Help You:
- I know I can change your harping. I’ve helped thousands of harpists and have the qualifications and experience to help you. My methods and materials are tried and tested. They work!! And now it is your turn!! Let’s do this together!!
Expert Teacher
100s of hours of Video Content
Tune Bank - Large Varied Selection - Celtic, Classical, Film, Pop & Seasonal
Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced arrangements for EVERY SONG
Technique Bank - Massive Collection of Courses, Individual Exercises & Warm Ups
Live Events - Multiple Events Every Week AND access to the extensive Library of past Events
Private Community - Fun supportive community full of happy harpists.
Easy to navigate and accessible from anywhere across multiple devices

I’m Heather Downie, the founder of How To Harp and Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. I’ve recorded albums and performed all over the world…..but I discovered early in my career that teaching is my passion. It brings me so much joy and fulfilment. I LOVE it!!
I want to help you become a better harpist, not simply teach you tunes. I want you to learn in new, exciting and successful ways. I want you to develop better technique and sound production so everything you play sounds fantastic. I want you to be inspired. But most of all I want you to feel confident and happy in yourself and your harping.
First Class (Hons) Bachelor of Arts in Scottish Music
Postgraduate Diploma (with distinction) in Scottish Music Performance
Master of Education in Learning & Teaching in the Arts
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Exclusive Access!! The membership is the ONLY place you can book an Online Private Lesson with Heather!
What do members say?
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I’ve tried almost every other online harp teacher and school out there and How to Harp is the only one I shall continue to support and learn from.
Thank you Heather, you’re an absolute gem! Keep up the excellent and inspiring work!"
“The Technique Bank is the crown jewel of How to Harp and the resource that distinguishes it from other music learning platforms. All the technique courses are excellent.
I have learned more in these first 6 months of How to Harp than I've learned in the 2 prior years, and that's Heather's influence.”
“ Heather is an amazing teacher. Perfection personified. By simply being herself she takes us on a journey through a course completely naturally like a wonderfully patient friend, always willing us on with lots of encouragement and care.
I feel happy, cared for, secure and never alone in all things Harp.”
There are many courses and pathways to follow in your learning journey.
Or just dip into the content you want to focus on.
The membership is designed to fit around your schedule and learning needs.
You'll also have immediate access to all current and previous content - EVERYTHING!!

Learning Pathways
Members love the amount of choice in the membership material and find it easy to focus on what they want or need. But, some need a little more direction, for these people we offer the Learning Pathways.
Designed to give learners a clear, defined path to follow, providing the structure and motivation needed to take their harping to the next level. Some pathways focus on harp level, some focus on harp goals.
Pathways include: -
Starter - Beginner - Post Beginner - Creativity - Mind - Expression
Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Arrangements for EVERY SONG!!
Instant Access to ALL SONGS!!
Examples of arrangements available in the How To Harp membership
Access to all songs when you join
Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced arrangements for EVERY SONG!
'Brown Eyed Girl'
by Van Morrison
'Theme from Jurassic Park'
by John Williams
'Peer Gynt - Morning Mood'
by Edvard Grieg
What do members say?
"It is a full-service teaching program, with a wonderful balance of learning opportunities as well as exposure to other music professionals. I love the Pod system for learning and getting support.
I couldn't be happier being a member of How to Harp. I love learning with Heather! Her teaching style is very thorough, yet it all feels casual and not at all intimidating."
"It’s great to be part of a community & the knowledge you are not alone in the journey.
I am 77 & have some arthritis challenges with my hands, so I’m not looking for perfection, just the joy that comes from learning & playing.
I like the variety offered & that I can work at my own pace & work on what I want when I want."
"Harp music is no niche, sometimes I feel that I'm pursuing something that no one even knows about. It feels really good to meet so many different people who are pushing things forward.
Heather is very warm, accepting and welcoming. All in all, How to Harp is great and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in learning the harp."
A Concert EVERY MONTH from a top performer, followed by an intimate Q&A
All previous concerts available for replay, this is just a selection!!
Most performers also do a separate workshop so even better!!
A wide variety of Guests. Harpists, Harp Makers, Educators and Experts of all kinds!!
All previous guest content is available for replay, this is just a selection!!

So many Live Events!!
There are so many live events included as part of the membership. All are available for replay if you can’t make a session live.
Inspirational performances.
Amazing workshops from guest tutors.
Interesting presentations and interviews.
Q&As, practice together sessions, parties and hang outs.
We have it all covered at How To Harp!! A lively, supportive and fun community is at the core of the membership.
The Technique Bank!!
A huge library of teaching videos with resources that contain everything you need to make the most beautiful sound on your harp!!
Join the How To Harp Membership for Full Access to EVERYTHING!!
What do members say?
Hear all about the experiences of some of our current members.
What do they like? What does the How To Harp Membership mean to them?
Welcome to the Heartbeat of Our Harp Family!
At How To Harp, we're not just about teaching harp; we're about building a warm, supportive family of fellow harp enthusiasts. As a member, you're not just gaining access to live sessions, lessons and resources; you're stepping into a community that believes in the power of connection.
Picture this: a private community bustling with passionate harpists from around the globe, all eager to share their experiences, triumphs, and support each other if times get tough. There are lots of fun groups to join too, like the arrangement club and even a harp-themed book club!
Our 'Learning Pods' take it a step further.....
A smaller, close-knit group where bonds deepen, and connections flourish. Led by fellow learners, these pods meet regularly, providing a space for personalised support, shared victories, and the joy of learning together.
Being surrounded by like-minded individuals isn't just about becoming a better harpist; it's about becoming a happier, more confident one. Together, we celebrate each other's successes, navigate challenges, and create a space where the melody of encouragement and camaraderie is as important as the music we make.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do members say?
“Satisfaction, joy, accomplishment, always there whenever I need it. I love it!
I can get to know my harp and how to play it better.
Keep up the good work! I am so happy you have made this. Thank you!"
“Love the camaraderie and the feeling of community. The mix of technique and beginner lessons and goal setting is so valuable. This is an excellent resource compared to what else is available.
I also think we are getting a tremendous amount for our monthly $ compared to some other groups. Great bang for the $$.”"
“It makes me feel that learning the harp is actually possible and not as daunting as I had anticipated.
Heather’s style is great. I feel at ease when watching and trying things out.
Keep doing what you are doing."