Helen Arnold - Harpist and Harp Teacher
 Helen Arnold is one of this country's leading and most highly respected harp teachers.  Helen crafts her lessons to be enjoyable and focussed according to each pupil's needs.  Each pupil has an individually tailored learning plan and curriculum so they can reach their full potential.  Helen thoroughly enjoys teaching abolute beginners to those taking professioal diplomas, and young players to older adults. Students travel far and wide for lessons including West and East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire and London.  Helen also teaches at Christ's Hospital, Horsham.  Lessons can be taught online and international students are welcome.

Teaching

Beginner Harp Lessons

Beginner Harp Lessons: Secure foundations in harp playing, tailored to your pace and skills.  Lessons are varied and fun, and suitable for both those who have some prior musical knowledge and for those starting music for the first time.  Helen has her own tutor book, the Albertine Harp Tutor.  In a few weeks beginners can play tunes and join in making music with others. 

 

Intermediate Harp Coaching

Intermediate Harp Lessons: Enhance technique, expression, and repertoire with expert guidance. Students learn a range of beautiful music in a variety of styles, are encouraged to play in ensembles and may take ABRSM exams if they wish to do so.  Every pupil has a personalised curriculum to help them achieve their potential. 

 

Advanced Harp Mastery

Advanced Harp Mastery: Lessons at professional level can include preparation for specific concerts and performances, learning essential harp repertoire and preparing for diplomas in teaching and performing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What age groups do you teach?

I warmly welcome students of all ages, from young beginners to adult learners.  While a basic knowledge of music is desirable, it is not essential and lessons are planned according to each pupil's individual needs to make learning varied and enjoyable right from the start.  Beginners use the Albertine Harp Method - available from me and music shops.

How long is each lesson?

Beginner lessons are half an hour, but once students have reached a grade 6 ABRSM standard, longer lessons may become necessary.  Advanced level lessons are usually an hour.

Where will I have my lessons?

Lessons are taught in Helen's fully equipped teaching studio in Handcross.  It is not necessary to bring your own instrument for lessons unless you partiucarly wish to do so.

Do I need to have my own harp?

Every harpist needs an instrument on which to practise. All beginners are strongly recommended to hire a harp for the first few months at least.  Advice is always given on when to purchase a harp and which instrument to buy and from where.

What are the different harps? What size will I need?

Most beginners start on a non pedal 'Clarsach' harp, which has 34 strings and is easily lifted in and out of a car.  Once harpist become more experienced most wish to move onto a pedal harp.  Student pedal harps are available.  Helen will advise at every stage of instrument hire and purchase.

What music will I need to buy?

Helen has written her own tutor book for the harp, The Albertine Harp Tutor, which can be purchased from Helen directly or from some music suppliers.  Advice is always given about what repertoire to purchase and when.

How much are lessons?

Please contact Helen via email for current rates.

Do you prepare pupils for exams? Do I have to take exams?

Students wishing to take exams are prepared for ABRSM music exams.  It is not essential to take exams!

DBS and Safeguarding

Helen intakes safeguarding very seriously.  She always holds a current DBS certificate. She is the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Churchwarden at West Weald Parish, Safeguarding and SEND Governor at St Mark's School, Staplefield.  Helen renews her advanced level safeguarding training very regularly. 

“I never thought learning the harp could be so rewarding! Helen's expertise and patience have made mastering this beautiful instrument a real joy.”

SS

 

I thoroughly enjoy every lesson.  We get lots done, and I can't wait to get home, practise my new skills and go for my next lesson!

EJ

 

Helen is so encouraging and always inspires me to learn more.  She helps me discover ways of practising that really suit my way of learning.  I love playing in the ensembles in concerts and listening to others play. 

KW

 

Learning the harp with Helen has given me endless pleasure.  I've learned to play to a high standard, but I've also learned skills for life, like how to help myself learn, how to practise concisely and how to cope with, and use 'nerves' to advantage.

DD

Contact us

Reach out to Helen today to begin your harp journey or for any queries.

Location

Helen Arnold Harpist
Handcross, United Kingdom

About Helen

 

Helen brings years of experience and a deep love for the harp and it's repertoire to each lesson, ensuring an engaging and enriching learning experience.  Lessons are individually designed to foster development of sound technique, musical expression, and confidence in every student as well as encouraging life-long learning skills. Whether you aspire to master the harp professionally or simply enjoy the pleasures of playing, Helen's personalised approach will guide you toward achieving your musical ambitions.  Performing is encouraged and twice a year there are informal concerts locally so every pupil has the opportunity to prepare for a concert. One of the highlights of the concert is when everyone plays together in an ensemble - we have been known to have up to 30 harps all playing together!  Lessons are taught in Helen's fully equipped studio in Handcross.  

Helen is an examiner for ABRSM, both for graded exams and diplomas.

Helen is honoured to be Churchwarden for the Parish of West Weald where she is based at St Mark's Church, Staplefield. She is also the Parish Safeguarding Officer. 

Helen is a Foundation Governor at St Mark's CofE School, Staplefield.  She is Vice-chair of Governors with partiuclar interests in Staffing and Pay, SEND, Church and Ethos and Safeguarding.

Helen is Chairman of Handcross Rosemary Club, which meets once a month in the village.  The club reaches out to vulnerable, isolated, lonely or older people in Handcross and the surrounding area.

In her spare time, Helen enjoys spending time with all her family and doing sewing and embroidery.