You Feeling Plucky, Punk…?

To waters and the Wicklow wilds…

e’ve spoken with young Aisling Ennis before about keeping the very fine art of, eh, harping alive and plucking.

By cleverly establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most sought-after harpist.

And to help pass on the great tradition to future generations, the local lass is now setting up some private harp lessons.

Here’s the official lowdown…

Aisling Ennis is an award-winning, Wicklow-based professional harpist and educator offering private harp lessons for children, teenagers and adults from September.

Her teaching is warm, structured and encouraging, with a focus on confidence, musicality and enjoyment. As both a performing musician and an experienced primary teacher, Aisling brings a thoughtful, child-centred approach to lessons and is especially sensitive to different learning styles.

Lessons can include technique, rhythm, reading, repertoire, creativity, simple arranging and expressive playing. Complete beginners are very welcome, and families do not need to own a harp before enquiring. Aisling is happy to advise on harp rental, beginner instruments and suitable lesson options. 

“I’m opening a small number of private harp lesson spaces from September for children, teenagers and adults,” says Ennis. “My approach is warm, structured and encouraging. I want students to feel confident and supported, while also experiencing the beauty and creativity of the harp from the very beginning.

“The harp can feel quite magical from the outside, but I also want it to feel accessible. You do not need to know everything before you begin. Curiosity is enough.”

What makes your teaching approach distinctive?
“I think it’s the combination of being both a professional harpist and a primary school teacher. As a musician, I bring performance experience, arranging, creativity and a deep love of sound and musical expression. As a teacher, I understand children, confidence, pacing, attention, encouragement and different learning styles.

“Every student learns differently. Some students need clear structure, some need repetition, some need a playful approach, some need quiet encouragement, and some need space to be creative. I try to meet the student in front of me and build from there.”

What can students expect in a lesson?
“Lessons usually include a balance of technique, rhythm, reading, listening and repertoire. I also like students to understand the harp as an expressive instrument, not just as a set of notes on a page.

“Even from the early stages, we might explore tone, pattern, texture, mood or simple arranging. I love helping students find their own musical voice, whether that means shaping a melody beautifully, adding a drone, creating an introduction or experimenting with sound.”

Are beginners welcome?
“Absolutely. I really enjoy teaching beginners. There is something very special about introducing someone to the harp for the first time and helping them realise, “I can do this.”

“Families do not need to own a harp before getting in touch. I’m very happy to advise on rental options, beginner instruments and what to look for. A first lesson or taster session can be a lovely way to see whether the instrument feels right before making bigger decisions.”

What kind of students are the lessons suitable for?
“Lessons are suitable for children, teenagers and adults. They are ideal for complete beginners, young musicians who would like to try something different, students who already play another instrument, or adults who have always wanted to learn the harp. I aim to create a calm, positive space where students can try things, make mistakes, build confidence and progress steadily.”

What do you hope students gain from learning harp with you?
“I hope they gain confidence, musical independence and a genuine love of music. Of course I want students to develop good technique and musicianship, but I also want them to feel proud, capable and creative.

“For me, harp lessons should be musically rich but also encouraging. I want students to leave feeling that they have achieved something and that music is something they can enjoy for life.”

With a small number of private lesson spaces available from September, with 30, 45 and 60-minute options, you can book your spot here or email here, find out more over on Aisling’s website here, and follow her Pursuit Of Harpiness on Instagram here, Facebook here and YouTube here.