O’Carolan Harp Festival | Harp Summer School

The O'Carolan Harp Festival Summer School will run from 29th July - 2nd August 2024 in Keadue, Co. Roscommon. Classes will take place from 10.00am -2.00pm.

Tutors for this year's Summer School are Aisling Lyons, Alannah Thornburgh and Eilís Lavelle.

Click here to book your place.

Tutor information:

Eilís Lavelle

Eilís Lavelle a harpist from Monaghan, began learning music at a young age and was fortunate the Armagh Pipers Club offered the opportunity of learning the harp. Eilís continued developing her musical skills with many tutors over the years.

Having completed her B.Mus degree at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, she was awarded the Leo Rowsome award for the highest achievement in traditional music 2013. At present, Eilís is undertaking a PhD in music, focusing on Edward Bunting’s collection of music.

In recent years she has gained extensive experience as a performer and teacher of the harp having travelled throughout USA, Canada and Europe. Eilís is also fortunate to have been supported by Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme, funded by The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Music Network is funded by The Arts Council.

Alannah Thornburgh

Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland with a focus on traditional Irish harp. Alannah’s music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique is interwoven throughout her music, described as being ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah is currently working on her debut solo album, due for release in 2024. The album features a volume of compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in Co. Mayo.

Aisling Lyons

Aisling Lyons is an 8 times All-Ireland Champion harpist & concertina player from County Clare. Aisling grew up in a musical home & went on to study music at The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance in Limerick where she graduated with First Class Honours.

Aisling is now studying for her Masters degree in Music Education at The Irish World Academy where she is the current harp tutor. Alongside teaching with Music Generation in Clare, she is much sought after as a teacher & performer in Ireland & abroad. Aisling has travelled to Australia, Norway, the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, China, France & Germany giving various workshops & performances.