BIO

The Harp Lesson, Jean Antoine Theodore Giroust, 1753-1817

I started learning the harp at the age of eleven after four years of piano lessons which I was not particularly keen on, even though my piano teacher said I had an aptitude for it. After I flatly refused to continue, my mother (herself a classically trained singer and pianist) enquired at the school if there were any alternatives and she was informed that they had just started harp lessons and perhaps I might like to try that. 

Valerie Frewen, Harpist, Ireland

At my first lesson I put the harp back on my shoulder and began to pick out a tune with my nails in the old Irish style of harping. (Of course these days the harp is played with the finger tips.) After getting to grips with that basic technique I was completely enchanted by this beautiful instrument. Six months later I made my debut at the Dublin Feis Ceoil where I was introduced to the legendary teacher of Irish Harp and song, Máirín Ní Shé (Mrs Ferriter).

Máirín Ní Shé

Later that year the family moved to Dublin so I could pursue my study of the harp with her at the Dominican Convent, Sion Hill in Blackrock. Most of what I know about Irish music today I owe to her and will be forever grateful for her guidance and instruction in those important early years of my harping life.

When I was fourteen,  Mrs Ferriter introduced me to Leone Paulson from New Jersey and I was offered the opportunity to study the concert harp for two summers in America and then full time for another year. Sadly, due to a change in family circumstances I was not able to avail of the opportunity but continued on with the Irish harp. 

By the age of fifteen, I had already been twice winner of all competitions for voice and harp at the Feis Ceoil, the Oireachtas and the Pan Celtic Festival and was a seasoned performer, playing at numerous events and in many of the great houses and stately homes of Ireland. 

Valerie Frewen, Irish harp blog

I also had the honour of performing for the President and later for the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of the time. 

After leaving school, the responsibilities of everyday life left little time for music so even though I returned briefly to Senior level competitions where I won gold and bronze medals for harp with song and instrumental harp, I put my harping life to one side in favour of study, work,  travel abroad and marriage.

Valerie Frewen, Irish harp blog

I have just recently rediscovered my love of the harp and have begun to perform again and continue my research into the life of my harping ancestors, while enjoying the great satisfaction and joy that the harp has brought to me for so many years of my life. Through this blog, I hope to share some of that joy with you :)

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