Harp

Teaching

Individual tuition takes place weekly. These one-to-one lessons focus on repertoire, technique, stylistic issues, different genres, performance, sight reading and more. The classes are taught by leading professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds – world-class soloists, teachers and orchestral musicians.

In addition to individual tuition, students also take part in group and chamber music classes, and in our masterclass programme, which has recently featured Fabrice Pierre, Marie-Pierre Langlamet, Sylvain Blassel, Isabelle Moretti, Xavier De Maistre, Elizabeth Fontan-Binoche, Isabelle Perrin, Sivan Magen, Heidi Krutzen, Park Stickney and many others.

Key Staff

Gabriella Dall’Olio – Head of Harp Studies

Alongside her career teaching young harpists, Gabriella inspires audiences with solo recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the world. Her recordings have been widely acclaimed, and she has worked regularly with leading composers. As an orchestral harpist Gabriella has worked with the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, Valery Gergiev, Bernard Haitink and Sir Simon Rattle.

Frances Kelly – Professorial Staff – Early Harp

Frances was one of the first harpists to be drawn towards early music. She has explored early harps and their repertoire, with a particular focus on the use of the harp as a continuo instrument. Alongside her solo CDs, she has recorded with soprano Emma Kirkby, the Sixteen and Harry Christopher. Frances’ warm and enthusiastic approach has encouraged many students.

Sioned Williams – Emeritus Fellow

Sioned Williams designed the first ever integrated harp department in the UK for Trinity Laban in 1989, and became Head of Harp in 1999. She has combined her position as Principal Harpist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra with recitals, concerts, broadcasting, recording, research and teaching both in the UK and abroad.

Performance

At Trinity Laban, students take part in orchestral and operatic performance projects in some of London’s most important venues, performing alongside highly respected musicians and professionals, as well as their fellow music and dance students.

The harp department itself offers extensive ensemble performance opportunities, including the contemporary music groups and harp chamber music group, as well as training and work opportunities outside the conservatoire (such as a regular residency with Rehearsal Orchestra). Students are encouraged to prepare and enter auditions and competitions as part of their studies.

All harpists are involved in CoLab, our two-week festival of creative learning. Over 800 students from across the Faculties of Dance and Music come together to create, develop and rehearse innovative, collaborative projects. Students can either lead their own projects, or work with guest mentors come from around the world, who create a truly global sense of music making.

Our students often start their performing careers while they are here, so that before graduation they are already well established and equipped for successful professional careers.

Location and Facilities

Our truly magnificent location – the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich – is the envy of the world.

We are just a short journey from the centre of London, one of the leading musical centres of the world, yet situated within the “village” atmosphere of Greenwich, allowing for an escape from the busy city.

Our exceptional facilities include numerous well-equipped practice rooms, a suite of recital spaces, a recording studio, award-winning library and extensive IT.

Crucially, our on-site luthier is also on hand to rehair bows and repair instruments.

And perhaps the most important thing of all is the atmosphere here at Trinity Laban. You’ll find yourself surrounded by colleagues – both students and staff – who are extremely dedicated, and hard-working but also friendly and supportive.

Many students who come to Trinity Laban after studying at other conservatoires around the world tell us that there is nowhere better to help you unlock potential, and complete your journey into the professional world.