Report on the Harping Tradition in Ireland

Chart 14 indicates the striking versatility of harpers, with 86% indicating that they play
a second instrument or sing.
Other Instruments Played
Piano (191)
62.8%
Tin Whistle (75)
24.7%
Guitar (50)
Traditional fiddle (41)
Voice (39)
Concertina (33)
Classical violin (26)
Traditional flute (21)
Organ (20)
Button Accordian (14)
Bodhrán (13)
16.4%
13.5%
12.8%
10.9%
8.6%
6.9%
6.6%
4.6%
4.3%
Other (98)
32.2%
None (38)
12.5 %
Chart 14: (Sample: 304)
This versatility on a second instrument could be indicative of challenges that have been
highlighted with regard to performance opportunities, for example, the difficulty in
transporting the instrument; the difficulty of participating in traditional music sessions
because of the low volume of the instrument; and a lack of performance opportunities
because of the low profile of contemporary practice.
Harp Exams Undertaken (Examining Board)
Royal Irish Ac. of Music (73)
25.3%
London College of Music (10)
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éir. (9)
ABRSM (8)
Irish Harp Centre (5)
Royal Ac. of Music, London (3)
Trinity College London (4)
Royal College of Mus., London (2)
3.5%
3.1%
2.8%
1.7%
1.0%
1.4%
0.7%
Unspecified Exams (71)
24.6%
None (110)
38.1%
Chart 15: (Sample: 289)
38