Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I find a competition near me?
    Click on the Competition link for SHSA-sanctioned competitions. Competitions are are also listed in each issue of the Kilt & Harp.
  2. I would like to organize a competition at my regional Scottish Games. Do you have guidelines or a kit to help me do that?
    Yes, we have a kit of information that we can send electronically. Please contact Kelly Stewart.
  3. Does SHSA have a list of recommended teachers?
    The SHSA does not endorse specific teachers. However, if you click on the Teachers link on our website, you will find a list of available teachers.
  4. Where can I get Scottish harp music?
    The SHSA webpage has a list of resources for music. Please click on the Resource Guide link and look under nylon/gut or wire harp resources.
  5. Does SHSA provide traveling teachers?
    We do not at this time have a traveling teacher program. However, the judges at SHSA competitions usually stay a few days and offer workshops and lessons. Please contact your area SHSA harp competition coordinator for details. The name of each contact is provided on the Competitions page.
  6. How can I learn about Scottish styles of harp playing?
    For nylon/gut strung harps we recommend the tutorial books by Alison Kinnaird: The Harp Key (1986) and The Small Harp (1999). These are available from harp stores and many on-line book stores.
    For wire harp, we recommend these tutorial books: A Gaelic Harper's First Tunes and its predecessor, Secrets of the Gaelic Harp (now out of print), are considered and have been for many years the standard method for wire players, beginning with the first tunes taught in the old tradition. A wonderful alternative, especially for the musical beginner, is Cynthia Cathcart's Pathway: A Primer for the Wire Strung Harp (2003); and Coupled Hands for Harpers (2001) by Ann Heymann. Publishers and retailers for these books are given on our resources pages. In addition, we recommend listening to lots of Scottish music, not just harp, but also fiddle, pipes, voice, and ensembles, in order to pick up the nuances and idiom of the music.
  7. Does SHSA have scholarships for Scottish harp study?
    Yes. The SHSA sponsors one annual scholarhip to help pay for study in Scotland. Please see the Scholarship Information link on our webpage.
  8. I want to compete, but I don't know my level. How can I decide the appropriate level?
    Consult with you teacher if possible and send an inquiry to Kelly Stewart at kelly@tripleharp.com.