Report on the Harping Tradition in Ireland

3.6 Profession
Chart 11 provides detail on the profession of respondents. 36% are in full-time
education, ranging from primary school to third-level.
Professions included a broad range of roles in the private and public sector, but it is
significant that 21% of harpers are employed in the education sector (from primary
education to third-level) as harpers may have the opportunity to shape or inform music
activities in a school or institution.
While 18% described themselves as musicians, three identified themselves as full-time
harp-makers. The issue of harp-making will be dealt with later in the report.
Two respondents indicated that they were unemployed.
Profession
35.7%
17.6%
20.7%
21.9%
0.8% 0.5%
2.8%
Musician
(70)
Full-time
harp-maker
(3)
Part-time
harp-maker
(2)
In full-time
education
(142)
Employed
in education
sector (82)
Retired
(11)
Other
(87)
Chart 11: Profession (Sample: 397)
36