How To Harp Harmony Courses
Create Harp Music that's Unmistakably YOURS
✅ Four levels of harmony.
✅ Our fifth year running the courses.
✅ Hundreds of happy students.
From the very basics, to creating arrangements shaped by your own taste, style & instinct.
Developed and taught by Heather Downie, founder of How To Harp and Principal Lever Harp Tutor at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
🗓️ Sign Up Open 23-30 AUG 🗓 Classes start 7th SEP ⚠️ FEEDBACK SPACES LIMITED
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Our Four Levels of Harmony
Level 1: Foundations
Major harmony: chords, arranging a major melody, and how harmony creates feeling.
Level 2: Colour & Mood
Minor keys and modes, cadences, modulation, and richer arrangements.
Level 3: Six Voices
Learn from six leading harpists and composers, and try their approaches.
Level 4: Your Own Voice
Creative prompts and projects to develop your own unique style.
Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate
Our Harmony Courses are built on three ideas that work together from the start.
Imitate
Try the approaches of players you admire & understand what you like and why.
Assimilate
Take in how harmony works, develop your skills, until it's a tool you can use.
Innovate
Use your deep knowledge to create arrangements that reflect you as a person.
"The best course I have ever done."
Karin Den Rooijen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kathy Barnard
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Judith Lipton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗓️ Sign Up Open 23-30 AUG 🗓 Classes start 7th SEP ⚠️ FEEDBACK SPACES LIMITED
Level 1: Foundations
This is for you if you're just starting out with harmony, it still feels like guesswork, and you'd love chords to finally make sense.
First module released on 7th Sep.
LIVE Q&A for all students - 25th Nov at 6PM (UK time)
Replay available if you can't attend live.
What you'll cover across the twelve weeks:
- Building chords & understanding chord types
- Arranging a major melody, and analysing chords
- Adding movement and colour
- Chord family & function
- A taste of jazz voicings
- Left-hand patterns for your harp
- Writing chords to a tune
- Two feedback points (LIMITED TO 10 SPACES)
- Plus the bonus Lead Sheet Power Hour (Live Q&A check-in session with Heather on 2nd Dec at 6PM)
"This course was finally like a light bulb going on for me. Thanks so much, Heather, you are such a good teacher. Beyond the final project, I see that this is just the beginning, and I’ve just scratched the surface."
Kathy Barnard
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jane Watson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Karin Den Rooijen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maris Whetstone
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colleen Jones
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
LEVEL 1 PRICING
How To Harp Members get 20% OFF!
If you are a member...please log in and refresh the page (or use the link on the student dashboard) to see your discounts!
Any problems - email us as [email protected]
Full Level 1 Course
One payment of
Starts 7th SEP
10 Lesson Weeks
2 Project Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Full Level 1 Course
4 monthly payments of
Starts 7th SEP
10 Lesson Weeks
2 Project Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Level 1 - Full Course with Feedback
£397
⚠️ LIMITED TO 10 SPACES! ⚠️
Everything in the course, plus Heather's personal feedback on your two submission points.
✅ Full Course
✅ Written Feedback for Project 1
✅ Personal Video Feedback for Project 2
This payment is taken via Stripe so we can limit the spaces. There may be options to pay in 30 days and/or pay in instalments depending on your location and currency. E.G. Klarna if paying in UK Pounds
🗓️ Sign Up Open 23-30 AUG 🗓 Classes start 7th SEP ⚠️ FEEDBACK SPACES LIMITED
Level 2: Colour & Mood
This is for you if you've got the basics and you're ready to bring real colour, mood and movement to your arrangements.
First module released on 7th Sep.
LIVE Q&A for all students - 25th Nov at 7.30PM (UK time)
Replay available if you can't attend live.
What you'll cover across the twelve weeks:
- Minor keys, and how they change the mood
- Modes, and the colour each one brings
- Scales and cadences, and how they shape a piece
- Modulation, moving smoothly between keys
- How chords work and move within a key
- Shaping it all into arrangements of your own
- Two feedback points (LIMITED TO 10 SPACES)
- Plus the bonus Lead Sheet Power Hour (Live Q&A check-in session with Heather on 2th Dec at 6PM)
"I adore Heather Downie, and I had enormous fun in this class. I have played music (piano, harpsichord, then harp) since childhood, but I had never written a single note or improvised anything at all. I learned so much that by the end, I composed and wrote a song, using both hands and harmonization. The song is so good, I can't get it out of my head! Heather is aided by talented, brilliant volunteers who create a community unique in my experience. I learned to write music using the free app MuseScore, which produces a score you can send as a pdf or use on a device like an iPad. Yes - I worked very hard! I was engrossed! If you want to fall in love with understanding and even writing music, this class is for you!"
Judith Lipton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daleen Comer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monique Klabis
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s like learning from an expert who is a good friend who cares about you.
Heather never makes you feel under-valued or judges our goals as being insignificant. That nurturing (and fun) relationship is motivating and helps one to “show up” for her in every possible way.
Heather is not only an excellent teacher, but a breath of fresh air."
Joyce Newport
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The material is presented clearly, both in the teaching and in the handouts, and the quiz and homework really help to make all the new information sink in."
Harmony Harrison
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Someday I hope you'll consider teaching teachers. I'm not a harp teacher so I probably wouldn't be in those classes, but I would love for more teachers to learn how to teach in your style"
LEVEL 2 PRICING
How To Harp Members get 20% OFF!
If you are a member...please log in and refresh the page (or use the link on the student dashboard) to see your discounts!
Any problems - email us as [email protected]
Full Level 2 Course
One payment of
Starts 7th SEP
10 Lesson Weeks
2 Project Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Full Level 2 Course
4 monthly payments of
Starts 7th SEP
10 Lesson Weeks
2 Project Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Level 2 - Full Course with Feedback
£397
⚠️ LIMITED TO 10 SPACES! ⚠️
Everything in the course, plus Heather's personal feedback on your two submission points.
✅ Full Course
✅ Written Feedback for Project 1
✅ Personal Video Feedback for Project 2
This payment is taken via Stripe so we can limit the spaces. There may be options to pay in 30 days and/or pay in instalments depending on your location and currency. E.G. Klarna if paying in UK Pounds
🗓️ Sign Up Open 23-30 AUG 🗓 Classes start 7th SEP ⚠️ FEEDBACK SPACES LIMITED
Level 3: Six Voices
This is for you if you feel confident working with harmony and you're ready to stretch your style by learning from a whole range of leading voices.
First module released on 7th Sep.
LIVE Q&A for all students - 7th Dec at 7.30PM (UK time)
Replay available if you can't attend live.
What you'll cover across the twelve weeks:
- Imitating and experimenting: trying the styles of six leading harpists and composers for yourself
- Six personal projects, one for each new approach
- Themes spanning traditional and contemporary playing, sonic worlds, jazz, classical arranging and beyond
- Fresh ways to think about harmony, and noticing what you're drawn to and why
- Sharing weeks to get feedback and support from your peers
- Six live feedback sessions with the tutors (SPACES LIMITED TO 6)
Traditional & Contemporary
Heather Downie, founder of How To Harp and Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, brings a wealth of experience in both traditional Scottish music and contemporary styles.
With her extensive academic background and qualifications, Heather’s sessions will delve into the nuances of arranging and composing for harp, blending the rich heritage of Scottish traditional music with modern influences.
Students will explore key markers and techniques that distinguish these styles, while learning how to blur the lines between tradition and innovation in their own work.
Exploring Sonic Worlds
Tamsin Dearnley is a professional lever harpist, composer, and sound designer with a passion for exploring diverse sonic landscapes. Her work spans from solo harp pieces to interactive soundscapes for art installations.
In her sessions, Tamsin will guide students in applying their harmony knowledge to practical composition, examining how different composers use tonalities to evoke various effects.
Students will be encouraged to push the technical boundaries of their instrument and integrate these ideas into their own creative projects.
Jazz Perspectives
Ben Creighton Griffiths is an internationally touring jazz and classical harpist based in Wales, known for his work both as a soloist and with bands like the Transatlantic Hot Club. As a performer and composer, Ben has developed a unique approach to jazz harp.
In his sessions, Ben will focus on composition and arranging through a jazz lens, exploring how improvisation can serve as a foundation for composition.
Students will gain insight into jazz harmony and techniques, enhancing their ability to create dynamic and expressive music.
Advanced Composition Techniques
Ailie Robertson, a harpist and composer with a PhD in composition, is known for her innovative and versatile approach to music-making.
Ailie’s sessions will focus on advanced composition techniques, offering insights into writing for a variety of instruments as well as the harp. She will share her top tips for crafting compelling compositions, guiding students through the critical aspects they should consider when creating their own music.
Students will gain a deeper understanding of composition, enhancing their ability to craft complex and innovative pieces.
Classical Arrangements for Harp
Keziah Thomas is a renowned harpist with a deep classical background, celebrated for her innovative approach to arranging classical music for both pedal and lever harp.
In her sessions, Keziah will share her expertise in adapting classical works for the harp, addressing the challenges and opportunities this presents.
Students will learn practical techniques for successful arrangements, gaining the skills needed to bring classical music to life on the harp.
Beyond Harmony: New Dimensions
Tim Cooper, an accomplished composer, was shortlisted for both the Scottish Awards for New Music and an Ivor Novello Award. In 2023, he earned his PhD from the University of St Andrews and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
In his sessions, Tim will guide students through innovative approaches to composition, where harmony and melody are used to support other musical elements, rather than being the central focus.
Students will be encouraged to rethink traditional music structures and explore new creative possibilities in their compositions.
“I am so glad I took Heather’s How to Harp Harmony Level 3! What an awesome experience! Every week we learned from icons in the harp and music world and learned arranging or composing from them. Each musician had their own specialty. Going into it, I was afraid I would be intimidated by their greatness and by my fellow classmates, since I had very minimal experience with arranging and none with composing.
Boy, was I wrong! Everyone was so approachable, and the atmosphere was relaxed and encouraging. We had so many examples to learn from, and I especially liked that we were given certain constraints for our assignments, but there was flexibility in it.
When the musicians would then play or read our submission and give feedback, it was like sitting down with a close, yet very talented, friend! One never felt intimidated; we always felt understood and valued.
I was very surprised to see how much I also learned from my classmates’ submissions! Everyone had their own take on the assignment. We were certainly not at the same level of experience in playing or arranging/composing, so seeing their submissions and the musicians’ feedback was immensely valuable.
There was no pressure to submit for each lesson. The entire course was just so supportive and understanding of each other, yet you walked away with such knowledge!
When thinking about whether I wanted to sign up for the course, I wondered about the genres that I felt were not ‘my cup of tea.’ So it was very interesting for me to see that a genre I thought I would not like that much ended up being my favorite lesson!”
Mary Misiaszek
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Dimitra Fleissner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Even though I have been composing and arranging music for harp for many years now, I learned so much in this course and gained so many new ideas.
The community was very welcoming and encouraging.
I enjoyed this course very much, and some of the things I learned have already become part of my latest compositions.”
Karin Den Rooijen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the knowledge from Harmony 1 and 2 in my pocket, I was ready to put it into practice in Harmony 3! Heather and the other tutors were fantastic.
We learned to stretch our limits, to try out, to do a lot of hands-on learning: learning to shape your knowledge yourself into a creative arrangement in a positive and safe environment.
I also immensely enjoyed the encouragement in our group. It was a very stimulating experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop further practically after theoretical education! 🤩”
LEVEL 3 PRICING
How To Harp Members get 20% OFF!
If you are a member...please log in and refresh the page (or use the link on the student dashboard) to see your discounts!
Any problems - email us as [email protected]
Full Level 3 Course
One payment of
Starts 7th SEP
6 Lesson Weeks
6 Sharing Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Full Level 3 Course
4 monthly payments of
Starts 7th SEP
6 Lesson Weeks
6 Sharing Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Level 3 - Full Course with Feedback
£485
⚠️ LIMITED TO 6 SPACES! ⚠️
Everything in the course, plus 6 Live Feedback sessions with the tutors and a bonus Harmony Check-in Session with Heather.
✅ Full Course
✅ 6 Live Feedback Sessions (21st Sep, 5th & 19th Oct, 2nd, 16th & 30th Nov - all 7.30PM UK time)
✅ Replays available if you can't attend live
✅ BONUS Harmony Check-in Session in FEB 2027
This payment is taken via Stripe so we can limit the spaces. There may be options to pay in 30 days and/or pay in instalments depending on your location and currency. E.G. Klarna if paying in UK Pounds
🗓️ Sign Up Open 23-30 AUG 🗓 Classes start 7th SEP ⚠️ FEEDBACK SPACES LIMITED
Level 4: Your Own Voice
This is for you if you're ready to stop following and start creating harp music that's unmistakably yours.
First module released on 7th Sep.
LIVE Q&A for all students - 9th Dec at 7.30PM (UK time)
Replay available if you can't attend live.
What you'll cover across the twelve weeks:
- A series of creative prompts and projects to develop your own style
- Exploring who you are as a harpist, and why you make the choices you do
- Drawing on everything from the earlier levels and making it your own
- Guided the whole way, so it never feels daunting
- Sharing weeks to get feedback and support from your peers
- Five live feedback sessions with Heather (SPACES LIMITED TO 6)
Introduction
Kick off your journey by setting a clear creative path forward!
In this introductory session, you’ll meet your tutor and fellow students, explore what’s ahead in the course, and set your personal goals.
You’ll be introduced to the core creative concepts we’ll explore over the coming weeks, and choose your melody - the musical foundation you’ll arrange in your own unique way throughout the course.
This is your chance to get inspired, get clear, and get ready to unlock the next level of your creative voice.
Creative Constraints
Unlock your creativity by embracing limitations!
In this session, you’ll explore how musical constraints - like restricted note choices, structural rules, or rhythmic patterns - can actually spark more original ideas.
Through guided challenges and examples, you’ll learn how to use creative restrictions as a tool for fresh inspiration and musical problem-solving.
This class is all about thinking differently, approaching your harping from new angles, and discovering that boundaries can often be the birthplace of your best ideas.
Classical Forms & Concepts
Unleash your creative voice by learning to shape it with classical music foundations!
From rondos to theme and variation, this session dives into timeless compositional forms and explores how they can serve as frameworks for your own arranging.
You’ll investigate how structure supports creativity, and how adapting classical shapes to your harp arrangements can bring clarity, cohesion, and flair to your music.
By connecting classical concepts with your personal style, you’ll gain tools to craft more intentional and satisfying musical journeys.
Etude Exploration
Discover the magic of turning technical practice into beautiful, expressive music!
This session dives into the world of études - short, technique-focused pieces - and shows how they can become the seeds of compelling harp arrangements.
You’ll explore how focusing on one harp skill, like patterns, articulation, or finger independence, can lead to rich, creative outcomes.
By blending form and function, you’ll create music that’s both purposeful and deeply personal.
Interpreting Masterful Voices
Step into the minds of musical greats and see how their ideas can spark your own!
In this session, you’ll explore the distinct arranging and compositional styles of renowned composers, uncovering what makes their voices so powerful and memorable.
By analysing their techniques, approaches, and creative signatures, you’ll experiment with applying those ideas to your own work.
This is a chance to learn from the masters - while finding new clarity in your own musical identity.
Architecture and Negative Space
Discover how space, silence, and structure can shape the soul of your music.
In this session, you’ll explore the links between physical spaces and musical design, drawing inspiration from architecture, acoustics, and minimalism.
Through this lens, you’ll experiment with using contrast, restraint, and spaciousness to bring new depth and atmosphere to your arrangements.
This is your invitation to think beyond the notes and explore what happens in the space between them.
Q&A Session
Wrap up with clarity, confidence, and a creative boost!
In this final live session, you’ll have the chance to ask questions, reflect on your progress, and get tailored guidance on anything from the course.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, inspired, or somewhere in between, this is your space to dig deeper and tie everything together.
Celebrate how far you’ve come - and leave with fresh motivation for whatever you create next!
“Heather's Harmony Course Level 4 was so good! Her presentations were excellent and provided useful guidance when doing our assignments. I have learnt such a lot from her and others on the Course and was so impressed with everyone's pieces. Thank you to Heather and everyone on the Course,”
Karen Berry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
LEVEL 4 PRICING
How To Harp Members get 20% OFF!
If you are a member...please log in and refresh the page (or use the link on the student dashboard) to see your discounts!
Any problems - email us as [email protected]
Full Level 4 Course
One payment of
Starts 7th SEP
7 Lesson Weeks
5 Sharing Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Full Level 4 Course
4 monthly payments of
Starts 7th SEP
7 Lesson Weeks
5 Sharing Weeks
Private Community Space
Lifetime Access
Level 4 - Full Course with Feedback
£485
⚠️ LIMITED TO 6 SPACES! ⚠️
Everything in the course, plus 5 Live Feedback sessions with Heather and a bonus Harmony Check-in Session, also with Heather.
✅ Full Course
✅ 5 Live Feedback Sessions (7th & 19th Oct, 4th & 18th Nov, 2nd Dec - all 7.30PM UK time)
✅ Replays available if you can't attend live
✅ BONUS Harmony Check-in Session in FEB 2027
This payment is taken via Stripe so we can limit the spaces. There may be options to pay in 30 days and/or pay in instalments depending on your location and currency. E.G. Klarna if paying in UK Pounds
🗓️ Sign Up Open 23-30 AUG 🗓 Classes start 7th SEP ⚠️ FEEDBACK SPACES LIMITED
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you need, feel free to ask - [email protected]
All four levels begin on 7 September. Teaching is video content, released weekly in your course area, and you work through it whenever suits you.
Levels 1 and 2 run twelve weeks straight. Levels 3 and 4 have twelve modules with gaps built in, giving you time to work on your projects.
Every level ends with a live Q&A, open to everyone on the course. You post your question in the community beforehand and Heather answers it live.
Every level has a live element, but there's always a replay if you can't make it. For the Q&As you submit your question beforehand, so it gets answered whether you're there or not.
The weekly teaching is yours to watch whenever suits you.
Level 1 needs none. It starts right at the foundations of harmony. You'll get the most from it if you can read music and play simple pieces on the harp.
Levels 2 to 4 assume you're comfortable with the concepts from the level below.
Unsure? Pick the lower level. Recapping something is far easier than catching up.
Level 1: any harp, any size. No levers or pedals needed.
Level 2 and above: any harp, any size, but it needs levers or pedals.
You have lifetime access, so you can go back over anything as often as you like.
Standard places: pay in full, or spread the cost over four payments. The first is taken at checkout, then on the same date for the next three months.
Feedback places: pay in full, or there may be options at the checkout to pay in 30 days and/or pay in instalments - this depends on your location and currency. How To Harp members: enter your members' code at checkout for your 20% discount on feedback places.
Each level is a full course, so start where you fit.
Level 1: new to harmony.
Level 2: you understand the very basics.
Level 3: comfortable with chords and keys.
Level 4: you know harmony well, yours and other people's, and want to develop your own style.
We'd always suggest starting lower and working up. If you're unsure, email [email protected] and we'll help you land in the right place.
The course gives you all the teaching and the tasks to work through yourself. The course with feedback adds personal feedback on your own work.
Levels 1 and 2: two feedback points. Written feedback on the first, then a personal video from Heather on the second.
Level 3: six live Zoom feedback sessions, one after each teaching module, with the tutor who taught it (Heather plus five guest tutors).
Level 4: five live Zoom feedback sessions with Heather, each focused on a particular concept.
Without a feedback place, those weeks are community sharing weeks. You post what you've been working on in your private course community, hear how everyone else is getting on, celebrate the wins, and work through the tricky bits together. Learning alongside other people is one of the best parts of the whole thing.
Feedback places are limited.
You can still take the course and work through all the tasks in your own time. Most of our students take a standard place, and plenty of them simply prefer it that way. Everyone learns differently.
You'll still have the private course community and the community sharing weeks, where you can post your work and get support and encouragement from your fellow learners.
You can do as many as you like, in any order. Each one stands on its own, but they build on each other, so we strongly suggest working from Level 1 up.