How To Harp Podcast

This episode is all about encouragement for harp learners. Vy, a learner harpist and the person who sparked our monthly series of member stories, joins Heather to share the ups and downs of her harp journey and remind us that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Expect honest reflections, relatable stories, and words of motivation that will keep you inspired on your harp journey.

In this episode:

- Vy’s first steps on her harp journey

- Balancing practice with work & family

- Facing frustration and finding ways to keep going

- Why community matters and how to find it- Encouragement and practical tips for adult learners

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Vy Tran - learner harpist and member of the How To Harp membership

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

Heather and Angela are back for their second Harpy Tutor Chat - a monthly feature where the two How To Harp tutors catch up, share stories from behind the scenes, and chat about the joys and challenges of teaching and playing the harp.

They reflect on how collaboration works when you live hundreds of miles apart, the importance of embracing your own learning pace, and how honest conversations with fellow harpists can boost your confidence. Expect thoughtful insights, practical encouragement, and a few laughs along the way (including a cameo from an ice cream truck!).

In this episode:

- Working together from a distance as harp tutors

- Why it’s powerful to know what you don’t know

- Encouragement for learners who feel like they’re behind

- Tips for going at your own pace without losing momentum

- Behind the scenes of this year’s Christmas collaboration

Host: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Angela Boraston – Harpist, Harp Tutor at How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

Heather sits down with Anna Dunwoodie in New Zealand for an inspiring conversation about her harp journey, from falling in love with the instrument as a child to building a vibrant harp community today. Anna shares stories of resilience, friendship, and the power of music to connect people, as well as practical encouragement for learners at every stage.

In this episode:

- Anna’s early beginnings with the harp in New Zealand

- The challenges of learning when teachers and resources were scarce

- Building community through harp festivals and events- Insights from performing and teaching across different settings

- Anna’s advice to harp learners everywhere: why practice is always worth it

Guest: Anna Dunwoody – harpist, teacher, and organiser at the heart of New Zealand’s harp community

Host: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

Heather shares this month’s harp tip with a reassuring reminder that you’re never too old to begin your harp journey. Drawing on her own experience of starting ‘late’ as a teenager, she reflects on the challenges, the self-doubt, and the turning points that helped her grow into a professional harpist.

This episode is all about encouragement for adult learners, and a reminder that determination and being true to yourself can take you further than you think. To finish, Heather shares three beginner-friendly harp classics to inspire you with what’s possible when you’re just starting out.

In this episode:
- Am I too old to start learning the harp?- Heather’s personal story of starting the harp at 14- How determination and staying true to yourself can change your learning- Encouragement for adult learners facing self-doubt- Beginner arrangements of Baloo Baleerie, The Skye Boat Song, and Auld Lang Syne

Host: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.
Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us:
https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

Heather chats with learner harpist Victoria Johnson in a new monthly feature spotlighting harpists on their learning journey. These episodes are all about sharing real stories from fellow learners - inspiring you, motivating you, and reminding you that progress on the harp is possible at every stage.

In this episode:

- Victoria’s harp journey - how she discovered the instrument and committed to learning

- The role of community and connection in staying inspired- Stories from competitions and learning milestones

- Heather’s “Frankenstein arrangement” tip for flexible learning

- Encouragement for every stage of the harp journey

Guest: Victoria Johnson - learner harpist and host of the Talking Harps YouTube channel

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly. Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (online membership, courses, retreats)

Heather sits down with fellow harp tutor Angela for a fun, relaxed chat celebrating her first year teaching with How to Harp. They share teaching highs, lessons learned, and why a little bit of nerves can be a good thing. Along the way, you’ll hear relatable tips for harp learners and a surprisingly on-topic story about poached eggs.

In this episode:

• Angela’s journey to becoming a harp tutor at How to Harp

• What a year of teaching harp has taught her

• Why every learner’s path is different (and why that matters)

• How a little bit of nerves can actually make you a better teacher

• Practical takeaways for harp learners and aspiring teachers

• The poached egg metaphor you didn’t know you needed!

Guest: Angela Boraston – Harpist, Harp Tutor at How to Harp

Host: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How to Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.
Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us:
https://www.HowToHarp.com (online membership, courses, retreats)

Heather sits down with Sharlene Wallace for a warm, engaging conversation about her journey from dance to harp, letting go of perfectionism, and playing from the heart. You’ll hear Sharlene’s unique creative approach, her thoughts on sound and expression, and stories that will inspire you to enjoy the music you make at every stage.

In this episode:

- How Sharlene moved from dance to harp

- Playing from the heart and embracing imperfection

- Insights on listening deeply and shaping your sound

- The joys, challenges, and surprises of a lifelong creative journey

- Highlights from Sharlene’s diverse performing and teaching career

Guest: Sharlene Wallace - versatile harpist, composer, and educator known for Celtic roots, classical colours, and adventurous collaborations.

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp.

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (online membership, courses, retreats)