Clarsach Lessons in Edinburgh (Scottish Harp)
Scotland's own harp, taught with care for the tradition
The clarsach is Scotland's own harp, central to the country's Gaelic and folk music traditions and enjoying a strong revival thanks to events like the Edinburgh International Harp Festival held each spring.
Smaller, lighter and lever-operated rather than pedal-operated, the clarsach is a genuinely approachable first instrument: its strings are easier on young hands than many other instruments, and its clear, resonant tone makes early progress rewarding. We teach traditional Scottish and Gaelic airs alongside contemporary folk and light classical repertoire, tailored to what draws you to the instrument.
Lessons suit complete beginners of any age, from young children through to adults returning to music, and can be shaped around exam-style progression or simply around building a repertoire for playing at home, in sessions, or towards local festivals and competitions.
The clarsach's own history stretches back over a thousand years in Scotland and Ireland, and although the tradition nearly died out in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, dedicated revivalists have restored it to a thriving living tradition, one increasingly popular with adult learners drawn to its uniquely Scottish heritage.
Why learn clarsach with us
- 1-2-1 tuition for complete beginners through to advanced players
- Traditional Scottish, Gaelic and contemporary folk repertoire
- A gentle, approachable first instrument for younger children
- Pay-as-you-go, no block booking or contracts
- Lessons available 8am–10pm, seven days a week, all year round
- Popular with adults drawn to Scotland's own harp tradition
Clarsach lesson FAQs
Do I need my own clarsach to start?
We're happy to advise on hiring or buying a suitable small lever harp once you're ready to practise at home. There's no need to buy anything before your first lesson.
Is a clarsach the same as an orchestral harp?
No, the clarsach is smaller and uses levers rather than pedals to change key, making it lighter, more portable and generally easier for beginners than the full orchestral pedal harp.
One simple rate
£59 for a full hour, £36 for a half hour: the same price as every instrument we teach, in person or online. Pay as you go, no block booking or contracts.
Register your interest and we'll match you with a clarsach teacher, in person in Morningside or online.
Ready to get started?
Register your interest and we’ll match you with a tutor, in Morningside, or online, whatever suits you best.