Harp Lessons
Harp playing can be fun and relaxing. The harp is a very forgiving instrument; since the harp sounds great from the start, it makes it easy for beginners, unlike other instruments (imagine a beginning violin or saxophone class!).
Aedan offers harp instruction:
- Private Lessons
- Group Lessons
- Skype or FaceTime Lessons
- Coaching for Actors
Scroll down to see what some of Aedan's students have to say.
Aedan studied harp in Ireland with some of the most renowned harpers in Ireland, as well as other well-known harpers from Wales, Scotland and the U.S. She has a background in classical piano and music theory, and incorporates that knowledge in her teaching style. She specializes in the Celtic harp and the Celtic music genre, and teaches both learning to read music as well as learning by ear (the traditional Irish way to learn). Music theory, improvisation, rhythm, dynamics, and feeling the music are are integrated into lessons. Aedan can also help those that wish to learn to play in traditional music sessions, while they sing, or at the bedside. We can even break down and study different styles of Celtic music - Irish, Scottish, Shetland, Cape Breton, Welsh - if one chooses.
Private Lessons
Aedan tailors your lessons to fit you, whether you want to learn for your own enjoyment, or if you want to become a performing harp player.
Group Lessons
Group lessons are a fun and economical way to meet people and learn a beautiful instrument. Group lesson pricing varies depending on the number of people attending and the number of classes scheduled.
Skype or FaceTime Lessons
Aedan teaches in the Los Angeles area. If you cannot find a teacher close to you, Aedan also teaching through Skype.
Video Lessons
Aedan teaches a Celtic tune a month. You can find them for free on YouTube, or you can become a Patreon subscriber.
www.Patreon.com/AedanMacDonnell
$1 a month helps to keep the videos coming. $5 a month gets you the sheet music arranged by Aedan, and a practice MP3 recording. You can also purchase the sheet music and MP3s separately directly from this website.
Coaching for Actors
Aedan is the celebrity harp teacher to the stars. She has the pleasure of being the harp coach for Mayim Bialik of Warner Bros.' highly rated sitcom "The Big Bang Theory." In addition to teaching her to play, Aedan worked with Mayim to create the arrangements. View videos of Mayim playing the harp: Girl from Ipanema, Everybody Hurts, and Wanted Dead or Alive; and her interview about playing the harp on the show here.
From actress Jessee Foudry: "I got a featured moment doing glissandos and also plucking- so I just wanted to thank you for making me feel secure in this role! Your instruction was SO. Very. Helpful!"
Actress Jessee Foudray
What Some of Aedan's Students Have to Say
Please note that only the first initial is used for students under 18.
From M.'s Mom in Los Angeles, 2019
Thank you for bringing music into M's Life!
From L. in Glendale, 2019
I appreciate you so much and I'm glad you're my mentor. I love having harp lessons with you and hope it will continue for as long as possible. xo
From F. in Los Angeles, 2019
You are the best harp teacher or music teacher I have ever had! Thank you for teaching me "here comes the sun"!
From E. in Pasadena, 2019
I am so happy you are my teacher., Love, E. :)
From Linda, 2018
Hi. I bought a 22string Celtic harp a couple of weeks ago and have absolutely no knowledge about it. I've searched and watched lots of You Tube videos in that time and am slowly learning. I've just come across your video lessons and am loving the simple, clear and exact instructions. I also love how you say and show why something should be done in a certain way and show what the consequences are if not done so. I'm absolutely loving sitting and "playing" my harp. Thank you for helping me right from the very basic first steps.
From Another Linda, Dec 12, 2018
Aedan, thank you so much. Your teaching videos on YouTube are the best. I love how you very clearly show where you're fingers are on the strings and you name the strings as you go. I love how this video is cleverly teaching us how to place and move our fingers around on the Harp in different ways whilst at the same time giving us a pretty tune to play. Thank you for making me feel that I WILL be able to master the Harp. Without people like you I would never have the chance to learn anything at all about the Harp, let alone learn to play it. Forever grateful to you.