How To Harp
Retreat 2026
Are you ready because...
We Are Back!!
After the incredible success of our first ever How To Harp Retreat in January 2025, we’re so excited to bring you something even better for 2026.
We’ve taken everything we learned (and all your lovely feedback!) to make this year’s event even more magical, with new tutors, a new time of year (hello, golden October in Scotland 🍂), and some brand new add-on experiences too.
But don’t worry, we’ve kept all the special things from last year that everyone loved. We’ve simply built on them to make this retreat even more joyful, inspiring and unforgettable.
The retreat is all about connection, learning, laughter and harping together. The 2025 retreat was one of the best experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to do it all again!!
Scroll down for everything you need to know.
Heather x
People, Activities, Events & Details
A snapshot of what to expect at the Retreat.
Heather Downie
Warm Ups, Harp Effects Session with William, Ensemble Sessions & Tutor Performances. Creator of How To Harp & Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Get ready for top-tier teaching!
Tamsin Dearnley
Small Group Workshops & Tutor Performances. A true How To Harp favourite, known for her creative spark, unique teaching style & boundary-pushing music. Expect inspiration, encouragement & a sprinkle of the unexpected!
Amanda Whiting
Small Group Workshops & Tutor Performances. A jazz harp trailblazer with global acclaim and 8 albums to her name. Her cinematic, genre-blending style brings groove, elegance and serious harp inspiration!
Angela Boraston
Warm Ups, Ensemble Sessions & Leading the Evening Harp Sessions. The newest tutor on the How To Harp team, Angela brings energy, warmth and encouragement, helping harpists of all levels find joy and confidence in their playing.
Ensemble Piece
This year we are playing Heather's favourite ever ensemble piece! Parts for every level of player. Practice sessions. Final version recorded, filmed, mixed and edited professionally. Such a great memento of the event!
Stirling Court Hotel
A haven of Scottish hospitality situated in 330 acres of beautiful grounds within the University of Stirling. Beautiful peaceful location on the bonnie banks of Airthrey Loch, on the outskirts of the historical city of Stirling.
Food with a View
All food is included. All dietary requirements met. Scottish breakfasts. Buffet lunches. Amazing dinners. Snacks, tea & coffee. Scottish food and drink tasting. And, a view of the Wallace Monument from the conservatory!
Historic Stirling City
Stirling is known for historic attractions and spectacular scenery and will celebrate its 900th anniversary in 2024. Stirling Castle, built on a vast volcanic rock, dominates the city skyline and is a symbol of national pride.
Harp Sessions
An informal 'harp jam’ every night. A Scottish ‘session’ is where a group of musicians meet in a pub to play a selection of music together, with solo pieces such as slow airs, ballads and songs too. Tune book provided in advance!
Camac Exhibition
A huge selection of harps to see and play! A massive selection of harp accessories & mountains of sheet music too! Expert advice from Elen Vining, who has run Telynau Vining Harps in Cardiff for over 20 years!
Tutor Performances
Each evening harp session includes short performances from our incredible tutors. Enjoy an inspiring and varied mix of Scottish, jazz, and contemporary music, shared in a friendly, relaxed harp-circle atmosphere.
Member Performances
During each evening harp session, members can also perform in a supportive and encouraging setting. It’s a chance to share your progress and celebrate music together in a welcoming, uplifting space.
Effects Workshop
Heather and William lead a fun, hands-on session exploring effects pedals and looping with an electric harp. The full setup will be available all week for you to try out and experiment with! So much fun to try!
“I absolutely loved the retreat, meeting zoom friends, playing together, Scottish atmosphere, nice food, good hotel, friendly staff, good program, lovely tutors, lovely ensemble piece, wide diversity of subjects. Excellent value for money. The vibe was amazing! You have all done sooo much work so competently so you can be very proud. I’m missing everybody already."
Inge Kunnen
Netherlands
Colleen Jones
Ireland
Rosie Wilcox
England
Karen Jones
USA
Day One
Mon 12th October 2026
- Check-in & Registration
- Welcome Event with Tea/Coffee
- Welcome Dinner
- Evening Harp Session including Tutor & Member Performances
Day Two
Tues 13th October 2026
- Breakfast
- Warm Up Session
- Tutor Workshops
- Effects Workshop with Heather & William
- 2 Tea/Coffee (& Cake!) Breaks (Morning & Afternoon)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Evening Harp Session including Tutor & Member Performances
Day Three
Wed 14th October 2026
- Breakfast
- Warm Up Session
- Tutor Workshops
- Ensemble Rehearsal
- 2 Tea/Coffee (& Cake!) Breaks (Morning & Afternoon)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Evening Harp Session including Tutor & Member Performances
Day Four
Thur 15th October 2026
- Breakfast
- Warm Up Session
- Ensemble Recording
- Tutor Workshops
- 2 Tea/Coffee (& Cake!) Breaks (Morning & Afternoon)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Scottish Food & Drink Tasting Event with Heather & Alex (Heather's Dad!)
- Member-led informal Evening Harp Session
Day Five
Fri 16th October 2026
- Breakfast
- Check out
- Goodbyes.....unless you stay on for the NEW 'Farewell Friday' (details below!)
"Communication and organisation excellent. Outstanding teaching. Excellent food. Very good value for money. Holding the event in a hotel did put the price up, but this is so much better than school cooking and student rooms. Congratulations to the team for organising and delivering such a successful and magical event. Thank you!"
Karina Gourlay
England
Everyone loved the venue & food in 2025 so we are back!!
Stirling Court Hotel
Nestled in the beautiful and extensive University of Stirling grounds, the Stirling Court Hotel is a wonderful location for 2026’s How To Harp Retreat. With Airthrey Loch on the doorstep and impressive views of the Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills as a backdrop, this is an epic setting for the retreat.
Cosy en-suite bedrooms offer a comfortable, home-from-home experience with all of the facilities you’d expect from a quality hotel.
There is complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, hairdryer, telephone, trouser press and a well-lit desk area.
You’ll also have access to an Olympic swimming pool & a state-of-the-art gym including a fitness suite and strength & conditioning areas. There is also a lovely well-stocked bar if that is more your style!
There is lots of parking, and it is very close to Stirling train station and so getting there is easy.
Another highlight is the wonderful trails and paths around the grounds. Step out of the doors of the hotel to join the 2.5km path that surrounds the loch!!
Standard Room
Single, Double, Twin & Accessible Rooms Available.
Conservatory
An amazing space with spectacular views of the Wallace Monument. We will gather, eat and play in this space!!
Uni Grounds
A beautiful and quintessentially Scottish location.
Airthrey Loch
The loch is home to an abundance of wildlife including swans, ducks and frogs.
Stirling City
Although the venue has a real countryside feel, it is just 2 miles from the city centre!!
Harp Rental -
There will be a selection of harps to rent for the event.
27, 30 & 34 strings available.
1-2-1 Lessons -
1-2-1 lessons will the tutors will be available at various times. These slots will be bookable via an online booking system which will be opened nearer the time of the retreat.
A message from Heather on bringing a partner, family member or friend.....
Partner, Family & Friends Info
Your people are more than welcome at the Retreat!
It always bothered me how partners were often excluded at harp events I went to, so it was amazing to include them properly at the last retreat. So many partners came along, joined in, made friends, and had a brilliant time. They felt welcomed, got involved in loads of activities, some even played in the evening sessions, and really became part of the experience.
We’ll be doing the same again this year, including arranging another special ‘Partners, Family & Friends Trip’ on Wednesday 14th October 2026! The trip heads off after breakfast and everyone will be back in time for dinner.
Heather x
Click on the pics for everything on offer for partners, friends and family…..
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea/Coffee Breaks with all dietary requirements met.
Using only the best in quality Scottish ingredients, the team of chefs are creating a menu tailored to the retreat.
Packed lunches are available for those who want to go off exploring!!
Welcome Event
Welcome Dinner
Scottish Food & Drink Tasting Event - A great one for any whisky or beer lovers!
All Evening Sessions - more info on next pic!
If any of the partners, friends or family play an instrument, they can bring it along and get involved in the evening sessions.
Many played last year which was amazing and made the sessions feel much more authentic.
Join in or just enjoy the music!
This optional add-on takes place on Wed 14th October 2026.
This trip leaves after breakfast, and returns in plenty of time for dinner and the evening events.
All travel, food and admission prices are included.
There are two stops on the trip giving a real taste of the history and culture of Scotland.
An immersive award-winning experience where you witness a digitally re-created version of the battle. Find out how warriors, pages, knights and civilians became involved in the conflict.
Discover more about the two opposing kings, whose tactics in 1314 changed the path of Scotland’s history, forever. Follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce in the memorial park and see the spot where he raised his royal standard.
Enjoy a traditional Scottish lunch at No. 2 Baker Street, a much-loved Stirling pub full of old-world charm.
Then we visit Stirling Distillery, where whisky production resumed in 2024 after a 170-year break. The last distilling in the city was in 1852. Producing under 20,000 litres annually, it is now Scotland’s smallest working distillery. Known for their award-winning small-batch gin, the visit includes a guided distillery tour and tasting.
Kathy Lowe
USA
Eleanor Vickers
England
Janet Ferguson
Australia
Main Retreat - Mon 12th to Fri 16th OCT 2026
Available Packages
Monthly Payment Plans Available
Single Occupancy
Double Hotel Room - All Food x 1 - All Events x 1
Double Occupancy
Double Hotel Room - All Food x 2 - All Events x 1 - All Events (excluding harp playing events) x 1
This is the package to book if you are bringing a non-harping partner, family member or friend.
Shared Room
Twin Hotel Room (shared with another How To Harp member) - All Food x 1 - All Events x 1
If you have another member you’d like to share with, let us know and we will put you together. If you don’t, we will match you with another How To Harp member who has picked this package. Please note, there are a limited number of twin rooms in the hotel so numbers for this package are limited.
Events Only Rate
All Food (excluding breakfast) x 1 - All Events x 1
Book this package if you are local harpist and want to attend everything, but do not need a room. Please note this package does not include accommodation or breakfast.
Extras
Partners, Family & Friends Trip
Travel - Admission to Battle of Bannockburn Experience - Lunch in No 2 Baker Street - Admission to Stirling Distillery with Tour & Tasting - Snacks
Harp Rental
Monday to Thursday
Add-On Weekend
Fri 9th - Mon 12th October
Taking place the weekend before the main event, these days focus on experiencing Scotland’s culture, history and beauty.
Join us for a magical long weekend in one of Scotland’s most stunning and iconic locations: Loch Lomond.
What to expect…..
Loch Lomond
One of Scotland’s most iconic and breathtaking landscapes, known worldwide for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Expect peaceful views, wild Highland charm, and plenty of unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever!
The Oak Tree Inn
A picturesque luxury hotel in the heart of Balmaha, with beautiful rooms, rich hospitality and panoramic views across the loch. Expect comfort, character and warm Scottish charm in one of the most scenic villages on the East side of Loch Lomond.
Student Performances
Heather’s harp students (and maybe even some ex-students!) from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will perform intimate concerts. From degree level to masters students, these are the the very best young harpists in Scotland!!
Boat Trip to Luss
Cruise across the loch to the picturesque village of Luss on the western shore. Explore charming streets, enjoy a walk by the water, and relax over lunch at The Coach House - a cosy café with delicious food and a gift shop full of beautiful finds.
Traditional Sunday Roast
One of last year’s surprise highlights was a traditional Sunday roast at The Meadowpark in Stirling. Enjoy slow-cooked Scottish beef, hearty, comforting food, and plenty of vegetarian options, with all dietary needs happily and expertly catered for.
Live Power Hour with Heather
Bring your harp questions and challenges to a live Power Hour with Heather – a chance to get personalised help, feedback and support in person. If you’ve brought a partner along, they’re welcome to join William in the bar… he reckons that’s where the real fun is!
Day One
Fri 9th October 2026
- Registration & Check In
- Welcome Meet & Greet with Tea/Coffee
- Welcome Dinner
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Student Concert
- Music Sharing - harps available if you'd like to play!
Day Two
Sat 10th October 2026
- Breakfast
- Boat Trip on Loch Lomond to Luss
- Walk Luss Heritage Trail, Walk on Beach or free time in Luss to explore
- Lunch at The Coach House in Luss
- Boat Trip on Loch Lomond back to Balmaha
- Dinner
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Student Concert
- Music Sharing - harps available if you'd like to play!
Day Three
Sun 11th October 2026
- Breakfast
- Bus to Stirling Court Hotel
- Sunday Roast at The Meadowpark in Stirling
- Check-in at Stirling Court Hotel
- Live Power Hour with Heather, or time in the bar with William!
- Dinner
Day Four
Mon 12th October 2026
- Breakfast
- Gentle walk around Airthrey Loch, or free time if you'd prefer to relax
- Lunch
(The Main Retreat activities would then start at in the afternoon)
Add-on Days - Fri 9th to Mon 12th Oct 2026
Available Packages
Monthly Payment Plans Available
Single Occupancy
Double Hotel Room - All Food x 1 - All Events x 1
Double Occupancy
Double Hotel Room - All Food x 2 - All Events x 2
This is the add-on package to book if you are bringing a partner, family member or friend.
Shared Room
Twin Hotel Room (shared with another How To Harp member) - All Food x 1 - All Events x 1
If you have another member you’d like to share with, let us know and we will put you together. If you don’t, we will match you with another How To Harp member who has picked this package. Please note, there are is a limited number of twin rooms in the hotel so numbers for this add-on package are limited.
“Fantastic experience. Made wonderful new friendships at the Retreat. Enjoyed the experience of performing with other harpers. Loved learning the music for the retreat and the relaxed way Heather had to enable us to perform at the recording of the session. Food and accommodation was great. Liked that sessions were different abilities so we were all able to achieve without being overwhelmed. Appreciate the amount of organisation which must have gone into organising such a fabulous event.”
Lynda New
England
Farewell Friday!!
NEW For This Year!!
Fri 16th - Sat 17th October 2026
A special time to wind down, celebrate, and say goodbye in style!!
Stay with us a little longer
Extend your retreat experience by joining us for one extra day - perfect for those who want to soak up the final moments, share a few more laughs, and leave with full hearts (and full bellies!).
Lunch
The day begins with a relaxed group lunch, followed by free time in the afternoon. You can explore more of the beautiful hotel grounds, walk around the loch, or simply rest and recharge after a busy and inspiring week of harping.
Ghost Walk in Stirling
In the late afternoon, we’ll head into Stirling together (travel included) for a private guided ghost walk through the historic city. It’s a fun, atmospheric way to see another side of this ancient Scottish city.
Fine dining at An Darna
To finish the day, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at An Darna - Stirling’s top fine dining restaurant. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and five-course tasting menus that change every five weeks, An Darna is crafting a bespoke menu just for us. Expect something special: seasonal Scottish ingredients, delicious pairings, and a truly memorable final meal.
One last breakfast together
You’ll stay the extra night at the Stirling Court Hotel and enjoy breakfast together on Saturday morning before saying your final goodbyes.
First off, thank you so much for being a part of How To Harp. It’s been such a joy connecting with harpists from around the world, and it still blows my mind that this little dream of mine has become such a welcoming, inspiring community.
Last year’s retreat was honestly even better than I ever imagined. We learned so much from putting on our first big event, and we’ve used everything we learned to make this one even more special. We’ve moved it to a new time of year, mid-October, when Scotland is glowing with golden leaves and crisp autumn beauty. It’s my favourite time of year, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
I’m keeping the costs as low as I can, offering payment plans, and giving members a full year to pay it off. I really want to make this as accessible as possible so more harpists can be part of something unforgettable.
It would be wonderful to welcome back some familiar faces, and just as lovely to meet some new ones too. I’d love you to join us.
It’s going to be amazing!!
Heather x
Such a special memory...
Member Ensemble Live Performance
How To Harp Retreat 2025
“Airthrey Loch / Kris and the Swan”
Written by Heather Downie.
“I have never played with anyone else before so I was really nervous about this but I loved, loved, loved it! The section rehearsal was great, the full rehearsal was so much fun and I was amazed how quickly we got organised.” - Eleanor Vickers
“It was good we had the whole track to practise to at home then it didn’t seem “off-putting” in real life. It was very exciting being a part of the ensemble, it wasn’t nerve-wracking at all, it just felt fun and exciting.” - Niccie Hughes
“This was the highlight for me! Both learning it beforehand and especially playing it with everyone.” - Tanja Wilhelmsen
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you will have music in advance. Heather has worked on many ensemble pieces over her years of teaching, and she has decided that at the 2026 How To Harp Retreat, the ensemble music will be her favourite piece to date!! Music will be released at the end of November 2025. After your purchase, you will be added to the How To Harp Retreat 2026 course which will appear in your dashboard menu under ‘speciality courses’ and ‘retreats’. All the information needed for the retreat, including the ensemble music, will be in this course.
The sessions will include a selection of music from the How To Harp tune bank, and some lead sheets which will be provided in advance in the How To Harp Retreat 2026 course. This will help you learn some tunes which you can join in with at the session. These sessions are informal play-togethers, so you don’t have to learn anything specific. You can join in with a simple left hand, play the melody, or just listen and take it all in. If you would like to share a piece not included in the resources provided by How To Harp, you can! Interspersed through the session playing will be performances from our tutors and from you, if you would like to share something with the group, creating a true Scottish-style ‘ceilidh’ as we enjoy a music-filled evening!
Most of our harps available for hire at the retreat are Camac models. Unfortunately, due to our limited supply we cannot guarantee a particular model for any booking. You can select the number of strings required at the point of booking.
Camac will have a full exhibition of harps at the retreat, which will be available to purchase. These transactions are between you and Telynau Vining. How To Harp is not involved in any selling/purchasing of harps at the retreat.
Camac will have an excellent selection of harp music, strings and harp accessories available to purchase through Telynau Vining at the retreat. These purchases are through Telynau Vining and How To Harp is not involved in any of these purchases. There will also be How To Harp merchandise and music available to purchase from our How To Harp welcome desk.
A true taste of Scotland! We are striving to bring you an exciting experience not just through harping, but through the events and catering. All dietary requirements can be catered for, simply give us details on your booking form. Lunch, dinner, teas/coffee and snacks are included in all bookings. (Breakfast is not included in the Events Only package but all other meals are included)
Because the retreat is very bespoke, each booking really is individual. This is why you will complete a booking form and then be sent an invoice clearly detailing your payment. You can choose to pay in one lump sum, or split your payment over the months leading up to the retreat. If you would like us to create a personalised payment plan over your specified number of months, we can do this for you - just email us at [email protected]. Please note, all payment plans must be complete, with the retreat paid in full by September 30th 2026.
How To Harp is not responsible for your transport to and from the retreat. We are happy to offer suggestions to help you reach the venues safely, but as outlined in our terms and conditions, transport to and from the event is not provided.
Service animals are allowed in all areas, workshops and events throughout the entire main retreat and add on days.
The hotel does allow pet dogs. However, pet dogs are not allowed in dining areas, the harp exhibition or at any workshops. We all know Heather is a dog lover - if she could have dogs everywhere she would! But please consider other participants if you are thinking about bringing a dog. Any damage or cleaning costs incurred due to any dog at the retreat will be the responsibility of the dog owner and How To Harp will not be liable.
We have a limited number of twin rooms available at the retreat. If you wish to share with a friend in How To Harp, you can let us know on your booking form and we will do everything we can to honour these requests. If for any reason we cannot match you with your friend, we will let you know as soon as possible. We can also match you with a member if you have no preference of who you share a room with.
*Please note, double occupancy bookings for the main retreat are for one harpist taking part in the retreat, and one partner, family member or friend NOT taking part in the harp actives during the retreat.
Mid-October in Central Scotland brings cool, changeable autumn weather. Daytime temperatures usually range between 8°C and 13°C (46–55°F), but mornings and evenings can feel much colder. Rain is common at this time of year, often in short, passing showers, and you can expect a mix of sunshine, cloud, and the occasional blustery breeze. We recommend bringing layers, such as t-shirts, long sleeves, a warm jumper or fleece, and a waterproof jacket, so you can adjust to changing conditions. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are a must, as paths can be damp, muddy and uneven. A hat, gloves, and cosy socks are also handy for outdoor activities or evening strolls. Despite the cooler temperatures, this is a beautiful season in Scotland, with colourful autumn leaves and crisp, fresh air, perfect for a peaceful harp retreat.
If booking accommodation, all food is included. If booking event only options, breakfast is not included in the booking.
Yes. If you opt for the event only package, accommodation and breakfast is not included and must be arranged by yourself.
This is an in-person event and no parts of the retreat will be available on zoom.
We cannot offer car rentals through How To Harp. However, there are a number of reputable car rental companies which can supply cars from the major cities (including Stirling) and we can supply you with contact details if you require them.
Yes, there are excellent train links in Scotland to the major cities. Glasgow and Edinburgh have direct trains to Stirling, as does London! The trains also travel North from Stirling if you are considering travelling before or after the retreat.
Glasgow and Edinburgh are international airports and are both just under an hour from Stirling by car. Both have excellent public transport links to Stirling.
London airports are also an excellent option, with trains to Stirling taking around 5 hours.
Yes, we can upgrade the booking right up until the August 31st 2026. Just email [email protected] and we will sort this out for you.