• Saturday & Sunday, 9/8/01 & 9/9/01, beginning at 10:30 am Harp Workshops (with Verlene Schermer & Kyle Wohlmut):Verlene - "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms;" Kyle - "Play Like Sileas."at Verenigingsgebouw “Het Akkord,” Oude Straat 9, Veere (Zeeland), the Netherlands.Cost: NLG 75 (one day)/NLG 150 (both days)
• Saturday, 9/8/01, 8:30 pm Concert with Verlene Schermer & Kyle Wohlmut at Stadshuis Veere (Veere Town Hall),.Veere (Zeeland), the Netherlands.Cost: NLG 23
• Tuesday, 9/18/01, 8:30 pm Concert with Verlene Schermer & Kyle Wohlmut.at “Cafe Zeitlos,” St. Stephansplatz 25, Konstanz, Germany.Admission free.Info: Irene Wolke +49 (0)7531 27856
• Thursday, 9/20/01, 8:30 pm Concert with Verlene Schermer & Kyle Wohlmut at Club “K9,” Pfauengasse 1, Konstanz, Germany.Ticket Info: +49 (0)7531 16713 or info@k9-kulturzendrum.de
• Saturday, 9/22/01, 8:00 pm Concert:  Rock, Blues, Jazz und Pop to the Harp withVerlene Schermer, Nancy Thym, Kyle Wohlmut. LindenkellerVeitsmüllerweg, 2D-85354 Freising, Germany Tickets: +49-8161-41700

• Saturday, 4/6/02, 12:00 noon  Concert on Cross-strung harp in the Santa Barbara Harp Festival. The festival takes place on April 6 & 7 and also features Kim Robertson and Lynette Johnson  Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA
• Saturday, 4/6/02, 8:00 pm Scotch & Soda Concert with Barbary Grant and Verlene Schermer.Noble House Concert Series
• Saturday, 4/20/02, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 3:30 pm Harp Workshop at Dusty Strings: Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms
• Saturday, 4/20/02, 7:00 pm Concert at Dusty Strings (with bassist Nigel Green)

• Saturday, 5/17/03, 8:00 pm with Call Us Crazy at the Cayuga Vault in Santa Cruz, CA

March

• Friday, 3/4/04, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with Neal Hellman on Mountain Dulcimer. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA
• Saturday, 6/26/04, Time 4:00 pm concert with Anita Farley and Patrice Haan, 5:00 harp workshop at the San Francisco Free Folk Festival at Roosevelt Middle School, located at 440 Arguello (between Clement & Geary) in San Francisco, CA 
• Friday - Sunday, 7/16/04 - 7/18/04 -- workshops and concert at the Somerset Harp Conference in Somerset, New Jersey

• Wednesday, 8/25/04, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- this free lunchtime concert  is open to the public! Aryeh Frankfurter and Verlene Schermer, harps, guitar, violin and vocals. Traditional Celtic and Scandinavian tunes, and original songs. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Wednesday, 9/1/04, 7:30 pm -- with Neal Hellman on Mountain Dulcimer. Espresso Garden Cafe Located at 814 Bascom Ave. , San Jose , CA Tickets $10 at door
• Friday - Sunday, 9/17/04 - 9/19/04 -- harp workshops and concert for the Gulf Coast Harpers in Fayetteville, Texas

• Friday, 9/24/04, 7:45 pm Aryeh Frankfurter concert at Chabot Space and Science Center. (Verlene will play in Aryeh's ensemble on harp, guitar, and fiddle along with guitarist Kevin Evans). For more info on this concert visit www.lionharp.com.     

• Thurday, 10/7/04, 7:30 pm -- Verlene will be opening for Celtic Harper Kim Robertson in a house concert in Santa Cruz, CA, presented by Gourd Music. For ticket information please call: (831) 425-4939. To purchase tickets online visit www.gourd.com.
• Friday - Sunday, 10/8/04 - 10/10/04 -- harp workshops and concert at the Great Lakes Harpers Regional Conference. Email Jean or Anne Humphrey for more information at BigHarper@aol.com.
  

• Sunday, 2/20/05, 3:00 pm  Cross-Strung Harp Concert with Harper Tasche, Verlene Schermer, John Metras and the Workshop Harp Choir at the Sheraton Hotel -- Northern Harrier Room, 745 Baywood Drive, Petaluma, CA
• Friday, 2/25/05, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with Neal Hellman on Mountain Dulcimer. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

European Tour May 6 - 22, 2005  

• Friday, 5/6/05, 8:00 pm, International Festival for Historical Harps Concert:  "Neue Wege fur Alte Harfen" featuring Verlene Schermer, Nancy Thym, & Kyle Wohlmut. Lindenkeller, Veitsmüllerweg 2,D-85354 Freising, Germany
• Friday - Sunday, 5/6/05 - 5/8/05, harp wokshops at the International Festival for Historical Harps in Freising, Germany
  
• Saturday-- Sunday,  5/14/05 -- 5/15/05 all day. Harp Workshops, and Concert on Saturday evening in Krumbach, Austria
• Friday, 5/20/05 and 5/22/05, by appointment, Verlene Schermer will be available for private lessons in harp, voice, composition, and arranging in Utrecht, the Netherlands. 
  Contact Kyle Wohlmut at srpen@disinfo.net or Verlene at info@verlene.com
• Saturday, 5/21/05, starting at 10 am, Harp Workshops  -- Arranging: Adding Spice to Traditional Tunes Veere (Zeeland), the Netherlands 
• Saturday, 5/21/05, evening. Concert with Verlene Schermer & Kyle Wohlmut at Stadshuis Veere (Veere Town Hall) Veere (Zeeland), the Netherlands

July

Northwest Tour with Aryeh Frankfurter and Verlene Schermer July 2 - 11

• Saturday, 7/2/05, evening, Eugene, OR
• Sunday, 7/3/05, 4:00 pm, Concert with Celtic Muse, Vancouver, WA
• Tuesday, 7/5/05, Workshop at 7:00-8:00, Concert at 8:30, Vancouver, BC

• Thursday, 7/7/05, afternoon HarpCon 2005 in Big Sky Montana. Verlene Schermer in concert featuring Lyon & Healy Silhouette Electric Harp and Voice
• Wednesday, 7/20/05, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with the Verlene Schermer band. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Wednesday, 9/21/05, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with the Verlene Schermer band Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Wednesday, 11/2/05, 6:30 pm workshop, 8:00 pm concert in Phoenix, OR (between Ashland and Medford). The workshop by Verlene will be "Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms", and the concert will be a joint concert with Aryeh and Verlene playing in various combinations of two harps, harp and guitar, harp and violin/viola, harp and keyboard, playing Aryeh's traditional Scandinavian and Celtic tunes, and Verlene's original upbeat jazzy songs.  Contact Laurie at LAHunter90@aol.com for reservations and directions.
• Thurs, 11/3/05, 7:00 pm concert in Eugene, OR at the Eugene Hotel. See above for concert description (David Helfand will join us on a few tunes in addition to duo and solo pieces). Contact David at helfand2@mindspring.com for more information. 
• Friday - Sunday, Nov 4 - 6, in Seattle, WA, Dusty Strings Symposium. Aryeh will be teaching workshops and performing, along with several other wonderful teachers and performers at the symposium. His concert will be Sunday evening, featuring his traditional Scandinavian and Celtic tunes he'll play on harp and viola, accompanied by Verlene Schermer on harp, keyboard, guitar and violin, and Kevin Evans on guitar. 
• Saturday, 11/5/05, 7:30 Verlene will be performing at Cafe Luna on Vashon Island. 

• Saturday, 2/11/06, 7:30 pm, Gifts from the Harp Concert, featuring The Harpers Hall Ensemble, Verlene Schermer, Amy Krupski, The Standing Stones with Debra Knodel at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at: 670 E. Meadow Drive (near Middlefield), Palo Alto, CA Suggested Donation: $12 adults, $10 children under 12. This concert will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.

March

Northwest Tour -- 3/9/06 through 3/13/06

Verlene will be performing on Celtic Harp, Double-strung Harp and Cross-strung Chromatic Harp, with Linnette Bommarito on flute and alto flute. In these concerts, Verlene and Linnette will present a diverse program with a mixture of vocal and instrumental pieces, from original songs and compositions, to classics, to jazz!

• Thursday, 3/9/06 -- starting at 7 pm, Private lessons in Medford, OR. Email Verlene at info@verlene.com to set up a private 30 minute, 45 minute or 60 minute lesson on harp, voice, songwriting, or music theory.
• Friday, 3/10/06, 7:00 pm, House Concert, Vancouver, WA (home of Mark and Val Blessley). Call (360) 576-8111 or email blesses@pacifier.com for reservations and directions. Seating is limited, and fills up fast! Tickets are $10.00 in advance, no sales at the door, please prepay to reserve your seat!
• Saturday, 3/11/06, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, Harp Workshops "THe Sing-Along Harper" and " Singing Mechanics -- a Look Under the Hood" at Dusty Strings in Seattle, WA
• Saturday, 3/11/06, 7:30 pm Concert -- Joining Verlene and Linnette will be bassist Nigel Green. At Dusty Strings 3406 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle WA. For more info call: 206-634-1662
• Sunday, 3/12/06, 2:00 pm, Concert with Jane Valencia On Vashon Island, WA at the Vashon Land Trust Building, 10014 SW Bank Road, Vashon. Email jkv-situxuddle@foresthalls.org for more info.
• Monday, 3/13/06, Private lessons in Medford, OR. Email Verlene at info@verlene.com to set up a private 30 minute, 45 minute or 60 minute lesson on harp, voice, songwriting, or music theory.
• Saturday, 3/25/06, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Harp Workshops "Playing to Heal" and "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" in Nevada City, CA
• Saturday, 3/25/06, 3:30 pm, House Concert (contact Lesley for more info at lesley@heartworks.bz)
• Friday, 3/31/06, 12:30 - 1:30 pm with Neal Hellman on Mountain Dulcimer. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

June

• Saturday, 6/17/06 -- all day! Verlene will perform solo and with the Harpers Hall Ensemble at the Campbell Scottish Games. Campbell Community Center, located at Campbell Ave & Winchester Blvd, in Campbell CA. Performance times are 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm. For general Info, check http://www.campbellgames.com.

July

• Wednesday, 7/5/06, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, The Verlene Schermer Band. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

August

• Thursday, 8/3/06, 8 pm -- Somerset San Jose Harp Festival. Verlene Schermer on Electric Harp in a joint concert with Cynthia Shelhart - Double Strung, John Metras - Cross-strung, and Harper Tasche - small harps at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose.
• Tuesday, 8/22/06, 8 pm -- The Verlene Schermer Band in concert at Don Quixote's International Music Hall.  Tickets: in advance (recommended) $8.00, at the door, $10.00.
• September
• Saturday and Sunday, 9/2/06 and 9/3/06 all day, Solo and ensemble performances at the Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda FairgroundsSunday, 9/17/06, 2:30 - 4 pm with The Verlene Schermer Band Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, Lake Pavillian Stage

December

• Tuesday, 12/19/06, 7:00 - 7:30 pm and 8:00 - 8:30 pm-- a concert with the Harpers Hall Ensemble
  at the San Jose Cathedral in Downtown San Jose
• Friday, 12/22/09, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with Silverwood -- harp and flute. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Saturday, 3/17/07, 11 am – 3 pm -- with Silverwood (harp and flute): Open House at Toll Brothers Ferienze Condominiums on Chancery Lane at Central Parkway in Dublin, CA.
• Friday, 3/30/07, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with Neal Hellman on Mountain Dulcimer. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

June

• Wednesday, 6/13/07, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with The Verlene Schermer Band. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA.

August

• Saturday, 8/4/07, time TBA -- concert with Neal Hellman on Mt. Dulcimer in Santa Cruz.

September

• Saturday and Sunday, 9/1/07 and 9/2/07 all day, Solo and ensemble performances at the Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda Fairgrounds
• Saturday and Sunday, 9/8/07-9/9/07 , All day 10 am - 6 pm, Mountain View Art & Wine Festival located on Castro between El Camino and Evelyn. My booth will be at the corner of Castro and Church.
• Saturday, 9/22/07, two concerts with Harpers Hall to celebrate the release of our new CD: 2:30 p.m. at the Santa Teresa branch of the San Jose Library, 290 International Circle, San Jose 95119, across from Santa Teresa Kaiser Hospital. 
• Saturday, 9/22/07, 7:00 p.m. in the Glen Rouse Assembly Room of The Terraces of Los Gatos, 800 Blossom Hill Rd., immediately adjoining King’s Court Shopping Center.

October

• Wednesday, 10/03/07, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with The Verlene Schermer Band. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Wednesday, 3/26/08, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with The Verlene Schermer Band. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA.
• Saturday, 3/29/08, Harp workshops 10 - 12 and 1- 3, plus concert 3:30 - 4:30 in Nevada City, CA.

April

• Sunday, 4/20/08, 2:00 - 3:00 pm -- workshop for Harpers Hall "Ear, Eye, Hand Coordination"

August

• Saturday and Sunday, 8/30/08 and 8/31/08 all day, Solo and ensemble performances at the Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda Fairgrounds

October

• Wednesday, 10/01/08, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with The Verlene Schermer Band. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA
• Sunday, 10/19/08, 1:30 - 3:00 pm -- Holiday Harp Music Workshop: Learn some fun tips on how to bring music into your comfort zone in time for the holiday season, dressing it up a bit, or paring it down to suit your level of confidence! Bring your copy of Sylvia Woods Christmas Music. Handouts will also be provided of tunes you can add to your repertoire. This will take place at the home of Karla Burns in Campbell, CA. Please email info@verlene.com if you are intersted in attending.
• Tuesday, 10/28/08, 7 - 10 pm -- "To the Moon" will be singing a couple of short sets between the Silicon Gulch Jazz Band sets. Come hear the debut of this new vocal trio!

November

• Wednesday, 11/12/08, 12:30 - 1:30 pm -- a concert with Nattergal: Verlene plays harp, nyckelharpa, and sings in this Scandinavian Folk Music group. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public)located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA
• Wednesday, 11/19/08, 11:00 - 1:00 pm -- "To the Moon" will perform a Celtic Harp Music Program for The San Jose Music Society luncheon.
• Wednesday, 11/19/08, 7:30 pm -- Neal Hellman (mountain dulcimer) and Verlene Schermer (nyckelharpa) will be opening for "The Dulcimer Girls" at Don Quixote's in Felton, CA.

• Wednesday, 2/18/09, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, a concert with To the Moon. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Thursday, 3/5/09, 7:15 pm, concert with To the Moon at the Corinthian House

• Saturday, 4/11/09, 7:30 pm private house concert in Nevada City, CA
• Friday, 4/17/09 4 - 6 pm, To the Moon at the Celtic Shoppe in Campbell, CA
• Saturday and Sunday, 4/25/09 - 4/26/09, all day, Solo and ensemble performances with Harpers Hall at the Woodland Scottish Games in Woodland, CA

• Saturday and Sunday, 8/29/09 and 8/30/09 all day, Solo and ensemble performances with Harpers Hall at the Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda Fairgrounds

• Saturday, 9/19/09, 5:00 pm house concert with To the Moon.

• Wednesday, 9/4/09, 12:30 - 1:30 pm Concert with To the Moon. Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (which is open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Tuesday, 12/22/09 7:30 - 8:30 pm, Verlene will be performing with Harpers Hall in a Christmas concert at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose

• Tuesday through Sunday, 8/10/10 - 8/14/10 all day, HarpCon in St. Louis, MO. Verlene will be teaching workshops, and performing in concet with To the Moon.

• Saturday and Sunday, 9/4 and 9/5 2010 all day: Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble and with her trio, To the Moon.
• Friday, 9/17/10 at 12:30 pm: Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with her trio, To the Moon in this concert series that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.
• Sunday, 9/19/10: 2:00- 3:00 pm: Harp Workshop for Harpers Hall -- Singing with the Harp.

• Saturday, 10/16/10: 2:30 - 5:30 pm: Orange Coast Concerts presents... Harp Workshops -- Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms.
• Saturday, 10/16/10: 8:00 pm: Orange Coast Concerts presents... Three Harps Concert featuring Verlene Schermer -- Jazz on Celtic harp, Ellie Choate -- Classical music on Pedal harp, and Julio Montero -- Latin music on Paraguayan harp.

• Wednesday, 11/3/10: 12:30 - 1:30 pm: Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with her newest trio, Scandivas in this concert series that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

• Saturday, 2/26/11, 7:30 pm, Verlene will perform with Nykken and also lead the Harpers Hall Ensemble in the Gifts from the Harp concert at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 670 East Meadow Dr. Palo Alto, CA

• Saturday and Sunday, 9/3 and 9/4 2011 all day: Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble.

• Friday, 12/23/11, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing both solo and with Harpers Hall in rthe Season of Hope concert series at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.

• Saturday, February 18, 2012 3:00 - 4:30 pm, A benefit concert for the South Coast Childrens Services (SCCS), Harpers Hall Ensemble and soloists, Pescadero Community Church, 363 Stage Road,Pescadero, CA 94060
• Saturday, February 25, 2012, 7:00 pm, An Evening with Nykken (formarly called Scandivas), Limited seating -- email verleneschermer@sbcglobal.net to RSVP and for directions

July

• Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm, Nykken CD release concert at Valley Presbyterian Church, 945 Portola Rd., Portola Valley, CA. Free admission, light hors d'oeuvres will be served gifts of food and drink welcome! 

September

• Saturday and Sunday, 9/1 and 9/2 2012 all day: Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area. We'll be sharing a stage with the Scottish Dancers and the Scottish Fiddlers. Solo and ensemble sets on two stages, plus special solo sets in the Wine Garden across the path from our booth.
  Wednesday, 9/26/12 at 12:30 pm: Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with her trio, Nykken in this concert series that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.
• Sunday, 9/7/12 at 1:30 pm: Concert at Don Quixote's in Felton, CA. Verlene will be performing with her trio, Nykken in this concert along with world-reknown Celtic Harper, Kim Robertson. Visit Don Quixotes website for more information!

November

• Friday, 11/30/12 at 7:00 pm: Verlene will be performing in concert with her duo, Silverwood at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1100 Shasta Ave., San Jose, CA

December

• Wednesday, 12/26/12 at 12:30 pm: Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with her duo, Silverwood in this concert series that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

• Friday, 12/23/11, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing both solo and with Harpers Hall in rthe Season of Hope concert series at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.

• Saturday & Sunday, 8/31/13 & 9/1/13, all day, Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area. We'll be sharing a stage with the Scottish Dancers and the Scottish Fiddlers. Solo and ensemble sets on two stages, plus special solo sets in the Wine Garden across the path from our booth.

September

• Saturday, 9/7/13, 3:00 pm, Concert and presentation for the Silicon Valley chapter of the American Harp Society in Saratoga, CA
• Friday, 9/20/13, 7:30 pm, Concert with Nykken for Menlo Presbyterian Seniors Group

October

• Friday, 10/11/13, 7:30 pm, Concert with Nykken, Seventh Avenue Center for the Arts & Spirituality, 1329 Seventh Ave., San Francisco, CA, ree Admission]

December

• Friday, 12/23/11, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing both solo and with Harpers Hall in rthe Season of Hope concert series at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.

• Saturday, 1/11/14, 7:30 pm, Concert with Nykken at the Sunnyvale Community Theater

February

• Saturday, 2/1/14, 7:30 pm, Private house concert with Nykken -- email info@verlene.com for more information.
• Wednesday, 2/12/14, 12:30, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with her duo, Silverwood in this concert series that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

July

• Saturday, 7/19/14, 8:30 pm, Concert with Nykken at Angelica's in Redwood City, CA on the Bell Stage Main Dining Room.

August

• Sunday, 8/3/14, 2:00 - 5:00 pm, Workshop and concert at Unity Church of Denver, 3021 S. University, Denver, Colorado, Workshop: Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms 
• Wednesday, 8/27/14, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Nykken, in this concert series that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.
• Saturday & Sunday, 8/30/14 & 8/31/14, all day, Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area. We'll be sharing a stage with the Scottish Dancers and the Scottish Fiddlers. Solo and ensemble sets on two stages, plus special solo sets in the Wine Garden across the path from our booth.

December

• Friday, 12/23/11, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing both solo and with Harpers Hall in rthe Season of Hope concert series at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.

• Saturday & Sunday, 8/29/15 & 8/30/15, all day, Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area. We'll be sharing a stage with the Scottish Dancers and the Scottish Fiddlers. Solo and ensemble sets on two stages, plus special solo sets in the Wine Garden across the path from our booth.

• Wednesday, 12/2/15 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Parlez-vous Jazz in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.
  
• Sunday, 12/13/15, 4:00 pm, Verlene will be performing with Harpers Hall in a Christmas concert at Covenant Presbyterian Church
  670 E. Meadow Dr., Palo Alto, CA
• Wednesday, 12/23/15, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Silverwood, in this concert series that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.
• Wednesday, 12/23/15, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing both solo and with Harpers Hall in rthe Season of Hope concert series at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.

• Wednesday, 3/23/16 3:00 - 4:00 pm, Verlene will be performing with Silverwood in a Concert at Sunny View Retirement Community. 22445 Cupertino Rd., Cupertino, CA. 

July

• Wednesday, 7/5/16 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Parlez-vous Jazz in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

August

• Thursday, 8/4/16 12:00 - 2:00 pm, Verlene will be performing with Silverwood in the "Summertime on the Alameda" Concert Series on the front steps of Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of Shasta and the Alameda in San Jose, CA

September

• Saturday & Sunday, 9/3/16 & 9/4/16, all day, Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area. We'll be sharing a stage with the Scottish Dancers and the Scottish Fiddlers. Solo and ensemble sets on two stages, plus special solo sets in the Wine Garden across the path from our booth.
• Wednesday, 9/14/16 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Parlez-vous Jazz in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

December

• Friday, 12/23/15, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing with Harpers Hall in a Christmas concert at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose
• Wednesday, 12/28/16 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Silverwood in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

• Wednesday, 1/4/17 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Parlez-vous Jazz in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

May

• Sunday, 5/14/17 10 am - 3:30 pm, Verlene will present a day of harp workshops in Milan, Italy. 
• Sunday, 5/14/17 7:00 pm, Verlene will present a concert of solo harp and voice in Milan, Italy.

July

• Thursday, 7/25/17 11:45 - 1:15 pm, Verlene will be performing with Silverwood in the "Summertime n the Alameda" Concert Series on the front steps of Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of Shasta and the Alameda in San Jose, CA

August

• Tuesday, 8/15/17 12:00 - 1:00 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Parlez-vous Jazz in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

September

• Saturday & Sunday, 9/2/17 & 9/3/17, all day, Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area. We'll be sharing a stage with the Scottish Dancers and the Scottish Fiddlers. Solo and ensemble sets on two stages, plus special solo sets in the Wine Garden across the path from our booth.

October

• Wednesday, 10/25/17 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Parlez-vous Jazz in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.

December

• Saturday, 12/23/17, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing with Harpers Hall in a Christmas concert at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose

• Thursday, 5/17/18 3:00 - 4:00 pm, Verlene will be performing with Silverwood in a Summer House Concert at Sunny View Retirement Community. 22445 Cupertino Rd., Cupertino, CA.
• Friday, 5/18/18 7:00 pm, Verlene will present a concert of solo harp, nyckelharpa, hardingfele and singing for the Svea Lodge in San Jose, CA.

• Wednesday, 8/15/18, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Bing Concert Series at Stanford Hospital. Verlene will be performing with Parlez-vous Jazz in this concert that is free and open to the public. Location: 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA.]

September

• Saturday and Sunday, 9/1/18 - 9/2/18 (sets all day), Scottish Games in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area.
• Saturday, 9/15/18 7:30 pm, CD release concert and celebration at a private home in San Jose, CA
• Saturday, 9/22/18 7:30 pm, CD release concert at a private home in Valley Springs, CA

October

• Saturday, 10/20/18, 7-10 pm, Stickband Reunion concert at Art Boutiki in San Jose, CA, Visit stickbandsj.com for tickets.
• Saturday, 10/27/18, 7- 9 pm, CD release concert at a private home in San Jose, CA

December

• Friday, 12/23/11, 7:30 pm, Verlene will be performing both solo and with Harpers Hall in rthe Season of Hope concert series at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.

• Friday, 1/18/19 7:00 pm Verlene will be performing her "Life Stages" Concert at the Crescent City United Methodist Church, 664 H St., Crescent City, CA. Tickets at Del Norte Office Supply, 240 I St., Crescent City, or at the door: $15 General Admission; $10 Seniors/Students.

• Saturday, 1/19/19 7:30 pm Verlene will be performing her "Life Stages" concert with Linnette in a private home in in Rouge River, OR

• Sunday, 1/20/19 Verlene will be presenting an afternoon harp workshop "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" and performing her "Life Stages" concert with Linnette in a private home in Sacramento, CA

• Thursday, 1/31/19 3:00 - 4:00 pm Verlene will be performing with Silverwood in Concert at Sunny View Retirement Community. 22445 Cupertino Rd., Cupertino, CA.

• Friday, 2/15/19 1:00 - 2:00 pm Verlene will be presenting a workshop "How to Participate in a Jam Session" for Harpers Hall at the annual "Retreat from the World" at Camp Cazadero, in Cazadero, CA

• Sunday, 5/18/19 2:00 - 3:00 pm Verlene will be presenting a workshop "Performance Seasoning" for Harpers Hall in Campbell, CA

• Sunday, 6/23/19 2:30 - 3:00 pm Verlene will be presenting a workshop "Practice Practice" for Harpers Hall in San Jose, CA
• Saturday, 6/29/19 4:00 - 8:00 pm (private event)

• Sunday, 8/18/19 2:00 - 3:00 pm Verlene will be presenting a workshop "Putting it All Together" for Harpers Hall in San Jose, CA
• Saturday, 8/31/19 all day Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at the Pleasanton Scottish Games at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area.

• Sunday, 9/1/19 all day Verlene will be performing throughout the weekend on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at the Pleasanton Scottish Games at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area.

• Saturday, 10/12/19 7:30 pm Verlene will be performing on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble in a concert for the "Lighted Window Series." The concert is at the Campbell UCC located at 400 W. Campbell Ave. in Campbell, CA. Tickets: at the door $15, or in advance $10 plus a fee. Print out a concert poster and share it with your friends!
• Wednesday, 10/16/19 12:30 - 1:30 pm Verlene will be performing with her traditional jazz band "Parlez-vous Jazz" in the Bing Music Series in the Stanford Hospital Atrium (free and open to the public) located at 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Sunday, 11/17/19 2:00 - 3:00 pmVerlene will be presenting a workshop "Improving the Improv" for Harpers Hall in Campbell, CA
  

• Tuesday, 12/17/19 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Verlene will be performing on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble in a concert for AARP in Campbell, CA
• Monday, 12/23/19 7:30 - 8:30 pm Verlene will be performing on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble in the Season of Hope concert series at the St. Joseph's Basilca in San Jose, CA

• Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm -- Verlene will be playing banjo and singing with the Peninsula Banjo Band at Bogey's Pizza in San Jose. Admission free, but come with your appetite for their wonderful pizza! This is a regular Wednesday evening "public rehearsal" for the band and is great fun for everyone!

• Friday, 2/14/20 10:00 - 11:00 am -- Verlene will be presenting a workshop "Crafting a Song" for Harpers Hall at the Harpers Hall Retreat from the World in Cazadero, CA.
  
• Tuesday, 2/25/20 12:30 - 1:30 pm Verlene will be performing with her traditional jazz band "Parlez-vous Jazz" in the Reller Music Series at Stanford Hospital on the third floor (free and open to the public) located at 500 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA

• Saturday, 3/7/20 8:30 am -  Verlene will be presenting three workshops "Playing & Improvising Middle Eastern Music" (parts 1 & 2) and "Singing Mechanics - A Look Under the Hood" for Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, and Interlude Music Program in Kannapolis, North Carolina. For more inforamtion, contact Kristen.Kitchen@AtriumHealth.org.
  
• Sunday, 3/8/20 2:30 pm -- Verlene will be performing a concert for The Charlotte Chapter of the American Harp Society, in the Chapel at Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. Donations Accepted.
• Cancelled! Check back to find out when and if it will be rescheduled. Sunday, 3/15/20 2:00 - 3:00 pm -- Verlene will be presenting a workshop "Whiskey Jigs and Slip Jigs for St. Pat's" for Harpers Hall at Calli Morrow's home in Portola Valley, CA. 
• Cancelled! Check back to find out when and if it will be rescheduled. Tuesday, 3/17/20 12:30 - 1:30 pm Verlene and Claudia Slayman in their duo Beannacht Duit, will be performing a concert of Celtic music for Stanford Hospital's Redwood City Outpatient Clinic, with Verlene on mandolin and fiddle, and Claudia on harp and guitar. The clinic is at 450 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA.
• Sunday, 3/29/20 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Verlene will be presenting a workshop "Whiskey Jigs and Slip Jigs" for Harpers Hall via Zoom (to make up for the one missed on 3/15)

• Saturday, 4/11/20 10:00 am PDT- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" for those who have bought the book and are looking for tips and help with the book. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. The first hour will focus on the "Cool Chords" and the second hour on the "Groovy Rhythms." If you have not purchased the book, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 4/25/20 10:00 am PDT- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "The Sing-Along Harper" for those who have bought the book and are looking for tips and help with this book. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. If you have not purchased the book, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 5/2/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp follow-up workshop to her "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" workshop that was presented on 4/11/20. Those who attended that workshop are invited to participate in this follow-up which will focus on applying the concepts from the workshop to a tune that will be collectively arranged with chords and rhythms in a cool and groovy style! Also, a few traditional tunes will be sent out ahead of time for individuals to arrange on their own, and shared for input from Verlene during the second hour. Cost: $25 per person. (Check 2021 schedule for "Beyond the Basics -- Hands-On Creative Arranging.")
  


• Saturday, 5/9/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Playing & Improvising Middle Eastern Music." This is open to all, and it is not necessary to have her book by the same title. She will be sending handouts ahead of time and will work from those. Of course, those interested in the book can order a hard copy or PDF here. Cost: $25 per person.


• Saturday, 5/9/20 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT -- Because of the large number of sign-ups for the morning class, Verlene will be presenting again the two hour online harp workshop, "Playing & Improvising Middle Eastern Music" in the afternoon. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 5/16/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "How to Play 'D' Blues." You'll learn how to set your levers in order to play blues (which requires more than just the notes in a 7 tone scale) and how to improvise. You'll learn both "rhythm guitar" harp techniques and"lead guitar" phrasing. Cost: $25 per person.
  

• Sunday, 5/17/20 2:00 - 3:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be co-presenting a workshop with Martha McCorkell, "Scottish Harp in Literature" for Harpers Hall via Zoom.


• Saturday, 5/23/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Understanding Learning Styles." It's never too late to look into your own "style" of learning -- Kinesthetic? Auditory? Visual? Right brain? Left brain" Concrete? Abstract? All these and more will be discussed complete with tests that you can take to assess your style. Then, learn to use your strengths to help build skills in those areas that may have seemed illusive to you in the past. This information is good to know for yourself, but it is also good for teachers to be aware of as they encounter students of varying learning styles. You won't need a harp or any other instrument for this class, just a pencil so you can fill in the blanks on your handouts. You'll be welcome to ask questions throughout the class and to shre your results or just simply keep yoru information to yourself! Cost: $25 per person.


• Saturday, 5/30/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - A second workshop was requested by those who attended Verlene's follow-up workshop to her "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" on 5/2/20. This is open to anyone who attended either the 4/11/20 or the 5/2/20 workshop (or both) or anyone who has the book and would like a workshop that steps through applying Chord Function and Chord Substitution to co-create a jazzy arrangement of a traditional tune. You are also welcome to bring in an arrangement that applies these concepts for input and discussion. The class will be limited in size. Cost: $25 per person.  Here are some comments from the follow up workshop:
  

• Saturday, 6/6/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1: Template for Melody." In this workshop we'll cover how to use the major scale as a template that will help you remember melodies and play them by ear on your harp, or any other instrument. We'll use numerous examples that will help to build your skill and confidence. This can be applied to songs you have known all your life, or songs that you are hearing for the first time. Cost: $25 per person.
  

• Saturday, 6/13/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 2: Context for Chords." In this workshop, we'll cover how to add chords to any melody. You'll learn the function of each chord, and also how to recognize what chords the melody suggests. We'll use several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. You can take both parts of the Playing By Ear workshop, or take either one as a stand alone workshop. Cost: $25 per person. All chording instruments welcome!

• Saturday, 6/20/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" for those who have bought the book and are looking for tips and help with the book, or for those who have bought any of the "Tunes with a Twist" series books and would like to learn how these jazzy arrangements are created. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. The first hour will focus on the "Cool Chords" and the second hour on the "Groovy Rhythms." If you have not purchased the book, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost: $25 per person.  

• Saturday, 6/27/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "The Sing-Along Harper" for those who have bought the book and are looking for tips and help with this book. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. If you have not purchased the book, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost: $25 per person.
  

• Saturday, 6/27/20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Beyond the Basics -- Hands-On Creative Arranging" for lever harps. With Verlene's guidance, the participants will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real time during the two hour workshop. Handouts will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. Verlene uses Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented. At the end of the workshop, you'll get a PDF of the arrangements created during the workshop. You are also welcome to bring in an arrangement that applies these concepts for input and discussion. The class will be limited in size. Cost: $25 per person. This workshop will be presented on a semi-regular basis, and participants are welcome to attend more than once as different tunes will be used in each workshop.
  

• Saturday, 7/11/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will again be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Playing & Improvising Middle Eastern Music." This is open to all, and it is not necessary to have her book by the same title. She will be sending handouts ahead of time and will work from those. Of course, those interested in the book can order a hard copy or PDF here. Cost: $25 per person.
  

• Saturday, 7/18/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will again be presenting a two hour online harp workshop,  "How to Play 'D' Blues." You'll learn how to set your levers in order to play blues (which requires more than just the notes in a 7 tone scale) and how to improvise. You'll learn both "rhythm guitar" harp techniques and"lead guitar" phrasing. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Sunday - Sunday, 7/19/20 2:00 - 3:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting an online workshop for Harpers Hall on Leading the Ensemble. 

• Saturday, 7/25/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Improving the Improv" which is open for harp, or any instrument. A bit of structure can help improvisational playing sound like a well-conceived composition rather than just aimless wanderings... In this workshop we'll talk about form, mood, melodic motifs, and intention -- and how to use these tools when improvising on the fly! You can improve your improvisational playing by understanding what effect your choices will have on the listener. These choices include modes, chord progressions, melodic contour, harmonic content, and rhythmic elements. These elements can work together to create a sense of place, and an intentional journey from one place to another. This is a great opportunity for therapeutic musicians to add to your toolbox, as well as any musician who would like to improve their improvisational skills. You will be able to apply each tool as we progress through the workshop, so have your instrument ready to play! Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 7/25/20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Virtual Ensemble Video Production" which is open to all instruments and vocalists. In this workshop, Verlene will give step by step instructions on creating virtual duets or larger ensembles either with other musicians, or with yourself! Starting with tips for mapping out the arrangement, then on to the logistics of recording each part, and finally, how to put it all together using video software (she uses Cyberlink PowerDirector Pro), with real time demonstrations of each step. There will be handouts with all this information as well as plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 8/1/20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Modes a la Berklee," an approach to modes learned from a Berklee College of Music graduate. In this workshop, she'll cover the order of half and whole steps in each mode, and how the activity vrs. inactivity of notes contribute to how chords function within each mode. You'll learn what the characteristic note is for each mode, and what makes particular chords work in a cadence. You'll play one tune transposed to each mode in order to experience the sound and flavor of the mode, and play through few improvisation exercises in each. This class can be taken by any instrumentalist. Cost: $25 per person.

•  The following is a 4 part series on Playing by Ear:

•  Saturday, 8/1/20 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1a: Template for Melody (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to use the major scale as a template that will help you remember melodies and play them by ear on your harp.There will be numerous examples that will help to build your skill and confidence, working through the “3 D’s” of playing by ear. This can be applied to songs you have known all your life, or songs that you are hearing for the first time. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 8/8/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT –   Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1b: Template for Melody (modes & minor keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to alter the major scale to recognize when a tune is in Mixolydian mode, Aeolian mode, or Dorian mode, and when it is in a Harmonic Minor key.

• Saturday, 8/15/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT –    Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 2a: Context for Chords (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how to add chords to any melody. You'll learn the function of each chord, and also how to recognize what chords the melody suggests. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person.
  

• Saturday, 8/22/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 2b: Context for Chords (modes & minor keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how chords function in Mixolydian mode, Aeolian mode, and Dorian mode, as well as in a Harmonic Minor key. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 8/29/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Beyond the Basics -- Hands-On Creative Arranging" for lever harps. With Verlene's guidance, the participants will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real time during the two hour workshop. Handouts will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. Verlene uses Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented. At the end of the workshop, you'll get a PDF of the arrangements created during the workshop. You are also welcome to bring in an arrangement that applies these concepts for input and discussion. The class will be limited in size. Cost: $25 per person. This workshop will be presented on a semi-regular basis, and participants are welcome to attend more than once as different tunes will be used in each workshop. Here are some comments from the previously titled follow up workshops:

   "Verlene - this was pretty much my idea of heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for the wonderful class!!!!!!!!! I learn so much from you!!!!!!!!!!!! I so hope this class continues! LOVE IT!"

   "Awesome again - it really makes my brain work, and takes my mind of of everything else that is going on!” "Very informative and easy format to follow."

   "It was exactly what I was looking for. I also learn best by hearing, so in a way I understand about cool chords, but I am not familiar with them, and so being lazy, I too often fall back on the same-old, same-old. I will never in this lifetime be able to learn this information from a book, but doing it this way (and more than once) will allow me to gain the familiarity with chords so that I can just start adding them in. Finally, release from the dreaded triad chord, HOORAY!" (Check 2021 schedule for "Beyond the Basics -- Hands-On Creative Arranging.")

•  Saturday, 8/29/20 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Sibelius Music Notation Tips & Tricks." In this workshop, which is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists, you will learn how to put your music into clear and easy to read notation using Sibelius. Although the professional version of Sibelius is pricey, there is a free version of Sibelius called Sibelius First, and it has all of the features you will need for creating solo harp arrangements, guitar tab, piano/vocal music, lead sheets, or ensemble music up to 4 instruments. As a music publisher, Verlene has used Sibelius to transcribe and layout music for 61 publications to date (see her books), and will share several shortcuts and tricks using the shared screen in Zoom along with close ups of her computer keyboard. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 9/12/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT Canceled -New Playing by Ear series will begin in January 2021! Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Playing by Ear Follow Up Class" which is open to all participants from previous Playing By Ear workshops during June and August. In this workshop, there will be ample time to cover questions, and to gain more hands-on experience with playing by ear with the use of simple tunes, from start to finish. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 9/19/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Vocal Mechanics -- a look under the hood" which is open to all singers, both experienced and novice. In this workshop, Verlene will reveal the inner workings of the instrument we all carry within us, and give exercises along with visualizations and tips for developing and improving your vocal skills. She will also make use of a few simple songs that can be sung together to experience the use of diaphramatic breathing, vocal registration, and vocal timbre. You will all be on mute while singing along with any exercise or song, unless you specifically request input. The book and CD by this title are available both as a physical book and CD and as a PDF book and mp3s. You can order one here. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 9/19/20 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Arranging for Harp Ensemble."  In this workshop, which is presented at a time that can accomodate participants on the other side of the world, you will learn how to make an arrangement that will keep all of your ensemble members happy! Whether they are multi-leveled players or all at the same level, and whether all on one size harp or on multiple size harps. Verlene will use Sibelius to demonstrate how a simple traditional tune can be developed in a number of ways for a variety of harp ensembles. Handouts for the class will be sent ahead of time, and after class you'll get PDFs of each of the harp ensemble arrangements demonstrated during class. Cost: $25 per person.

• Friday, 9/25/20 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT (time selected to accomodate participants on the other side of the world!) --  Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Beyond the Basics -- Hands-On Creative Arranging" for lever harps. With Verlene's guidance, the participants will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real time during the two hour workshop. These are the concepts that are presented in her Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms book. Handouts for this workshop will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord function and extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. Verlene uses Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented. At the end of the workshop, you'll get a PDF of the arrangements created during the workshop. The class will be limited in size. If you have not purchased the book "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms," and would like to, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost of the workshop: $25 per person.

•  Saturday, 9/26/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Sightsinging Made Simple" which is open to all musicians and singers. Learning to sight sing will improve your music reading on any instrument, and will also improve your ability to learn tunes by ear. You'll learn to hear and apply the Major Scale Template, and to hear intervals within the context of a key. Included in this workshop are extensive handouts, and mp3 downloads of ear training exercises you can continue to use after the class is over. Cost: $30 per person.

• The following is a 3 part series on Modes which will be offered at two times in order to include participants in the Austrailia and New Zealand time zones!


• Friday, 10/2/20 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT and
  
• Saturday, 10/3/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Major Modes Immersion." In this workshop, Verlene will present the three major modes, Ionian, Mixolydian, and Lydian with tunes that participants can play together (while on mute) during class, as well as tips on improvising and composing in these modes. Cost: $25 per person.

• Friday, 10/9/20 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT and
• Saturday, 10/10/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Minor Modes Immersion."In this workshop, Verlene will present the three minor modes, Aeolian, Dorian, and Phrygian with tunes that participants can play together (while on mute) during class, as well as tips on improvising and composing in these modes. She will also present Locrian mode during this workshop. Cost: $25 per person.

• Friday, 10/16/20 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PDT and
• Saturday, 10/17/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Altered Modes Immersion."In this workshop, Verlene will present the altered modes, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, and Phrygian Major, with tunes that participants can play together (while on mute) during class, as well as tips on improvising and composing in these modes. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 10/31/20 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "The Sing-Along Harper" open to all, whether you sing or not, and whether you have a copy of the book or not. If you've ever wished you could play harp along with group sing-alongs, this class is for you. You can also use the fingerpicking patterns for accompanying melody instruments. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. If you have not purchased the book, and would like to, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 11/7/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "The Practice of Practicing." This is open to all musicians, but will focus on application to harp. If you have felt that no matter how much you practice, the improvement is either slow or non-existent, this gentle class will give you steps to improve your practicing practice... You'll have a step by step approach to learning a new piece, troubleshooting an in-progress piece, and polishing a learned piece. You'll also get tips on how to use your current works in progress to create warm-up exercises that will build some much needed muscle memory. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 11/14/20 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Improvise Around the Christmas Tunes." In this workshop, you will learn some simple tricks to improvise using the Christmas tunes you already play! You'll learn how to improvise introductions and interludes "on the fly," how to add ornaments to "decorate" your tunes, and how to play fills and modify your melodies for an improvisational verse. You'll receive handouts of a few simple arrangements of Christmas tunes that will be used as examples, and you'll be able to play along to apply each improvisational element during the workshop, but there are also handouts that you will be able to use to apply all that you learn to the tunes that are currently in your repertoire, whether they be holiday tunes or "all season" tunes! Cost of the workshop: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 1/9/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Harp Technique for Harp Newbies!" Whether you're new to harp, or just want to brush up on the things you should know about harp technique, this first class will cover posture and hand position, placing concepts with 2, 3 and 4 fingers, linked placing, repeated notes, playing two hands together, interval fingering, triad chord fingering (root position and first and second inversions), blocked and broken chords, thumb crossing, and finger crossing. These are the techniques covered in her Harp Newbies lesson book, (level 1). In addition, you'll learn a fun surprise harp trick that will require an item you may have in your home -- Verlene will let you know how to prepare when you sign up! Cost of the workshop: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 1/16/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Harp Technique for (Not Quite) Harp Newbies!" This class will cover the techniques presented in her (Not Quite) Harp Newbies lesson book (level 2). These include playing with dynamics, rolling chords with 2, 3 and 4 notes in one or two hands, flipping levers on time, thumb slides, glissando (in both directions), and grace notes. There are fewer things to cover, but we will need ample time to get a really good start on building the muscle memory for each! In addition, you'll learn a fun surprise harp trick using your tuning key if it is not coated with plastic, or another object -- Verlene will let you know how to prepare when you sign up! Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 1/23/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Harp Technique for (No Longer) Harp Newbies!" This class will cover the techniques presented in her (No Longer) Harp Newbies lesson book (level 3). No need to be in the third level book to begin to develop muscle memory for these techniques! These include finger slides, double glissando, p.d.l.t. (playing near the soundboard), harmonics, damping and slap bass, mordents, cut (treble), trill,turn, tremolo, and bisbigliando. In addition, a fun surprise harp trick using just your two hands -- no preparation needed! Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 1/30/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" for those who have bought the book and are looking for tips and help with the book, or for those who have bought any of the "Tunes with a Twist" series books and would like to learn how these jazzy arrangements are created. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. The first hour will focus on the "Cool Chords" and the second hour on the "Groovy Rhythms." If you have not purchased the book, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost: $25 per person.

“I just wanted to thank you for this workshop! I learned sooo much!!! I found that your book (which I have had for more time than I want to admit) is basically like gold for me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.”

"Verlene, wanted to send out a big thank you for doing this workshop. This is such good information, and you present it so thoroughly.  And as a bonus it was so much fun to see everyone online, old friends and new."

"Thank you for the class, Verlene. I’ve printed out the book and look forward to following up with all this information.  Being classically trained, as a pianist, which is good in some ways, but not others, this gives me permission to explore and discover without feeling like I’m playing it wrong!  I’ll just think to myself - Verlene said it’s okay!"

• Saturday, 1/30/21 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Beyond the Basics -- Hands-On Creative Arranging" for lever harps. With Verlene's guidance, participants will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real time during the two hour workshop. This is a great follow up class to the morning's Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms class, but it can also be taken without having attended the morning class. Handouts will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. Verlene uses Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented. At the end of the workshop, you'll get a PDF of the arrangements created during the workshop. You are also welcome to bring in an arrangement that applies these concepts for input and discussion. The class will be limited in size. Cost: $25 per person.

 "Verlene - this was pretty much my idea of heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for the wonderful class!!!!!!!!! I learn so much from you!!!!!!!!!!!! I so hope this class continues! LOVE IT!"

 "Awesome again - it really makes my brain work, and takes my mind of of everything else that is going on!” "Very informative and easy format to follow."

• Saturday, 2/6/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing to Heal." This is open to all musicians, but will focus on application to harp. Understanding how melody, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics affects our physiology will give us tools in our music choices, interpretations of music, and music improvisations in order to be effective in a healing setting such as hospice or hospital, or even in our own private space! We'll explore a few studies and use the findings to play music in a variety of interpretations, altering the tempo, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics to experience a vareity of feelings and physical responses. We'll also improvise over chord progressions with a focus on melodic content in order to more fully understand how to play music that soothes. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 2/13/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "The Sing-Along Harper -- Valentine's Day Edition" open to all, whether you sing or not, and whether you have a copy of the book or not. If you've ever wished you could play harp along with group sing-alongs, this class is for you. You can also use the fingerpicking patterns for accompanying melody instruments. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. If you have not purchased the book, and would like to, you can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost of the workshop: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 2/20/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Cross-Strung Harp Boot Camp" for those with cross-strung harps who would like to learn tips on fingering and chord voicing and how to adapt lever/pedal harp music and piano arrangements to cross-strung harp. Fingering charts and chord voicing examples will be provided along with some music to paly together. Cost: $25 per person. Although her cross-strung books are not required for the workshop, if you are interested, here are links to a few books you might find useful: Jazz Chord Voicings, Jazz Chord Finder, Cross-Strung Traditional Tunes with a Twist, and Cross-Strung Traditional Tunes with a Twist for Small Harp, which fits Brother Benjamin or Esabelle harps.

• The afternoon class, "Harp Newbies Series for Teachers" has been postponed -- see March 20 for the rescheduled class!

• Saturday, 2/27/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will again be presenting a two hour online harp workshop,  "How to Play 'D' Blues." You'll learn how to set your levers in order to play blues (which requires more than just the notes in a 7 tone scale) and how to improvise. You'll learn both "rhythm guitar" harp techniques and "lead guitar" phrasing. Cost: $25 per person. C
  

Here are some comments from participants:

“That was great! I learned lots of things about playing blues, and will go practice them. I can see that I don't need to come up with improv "melody" but can just mix or repeat licks. You give a very clear presentation that's easy to follow. I'd been scared by the 7ths and 9ths but you made it clear and I liked hearing what they sound like in all the places you used them. I caught also the idea of damping-and-strumming. Also that you can omit notes in the RH that are already used in the LH -- big help! I feel like, with what I learned today, I can soon have my harp sounding like the blues!”

“Thanks Verlene - this was just terrific!  I have always been able to hear the blues, but have never known for sure just what is going on technically there. Great tips and explanations. In fact, I'm trying to relearn the piano keyboard (no levers, you have to remember to hit those pesky black keys) so I'm going to use your element composition there are well. Then maybe I can understand the blues on two instruments!”

“Awesome class so full of new (for me) information!   I learn more about music theory with each class that helps me understand the structure of the music that I have been playing for many years.   I'm excited  to explore new place on my harp and to make my music more interesting!”

“Thank you. This was packed with information.”

“Thank you so much!!  My head is full of new ideas and places to go with my harp and brain!!!”

“Thank you for EVERY BIT of this. You are a really fine teacher. Excellence and empathy are a winning combination.”

March

• The following is a 4 part series on Modes using Verlene's book “Playing and Improvising Modal Music.” If you don’t have a copy of the book, it can be ordered at https://verlene.com/modal.html. You can take all four sessions, or choose only the ones you would like to attend.

• Saturday, 3/6/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Major Modes Immersion” for lever harp. This workshop will cover the three major modes, Ionian, Mixolydian, and Lydian with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You will also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes.  Cost: $25 per person.
  
• Saturday, 3/6/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PST Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Minor Modes Immersion." This workshop will cover the three minor modes, Aeolian, Dorian, and Phrygian, with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You will also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes. She will also cover Locrian (the diminished mode) during this workshop. Cost: $25 per person.
• Saturday, 3/13/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Altered Modes Immersion.” This workshop will cover the altered modes, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Phrygian Dominant, and Phrygian Major, with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You’ll also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes. Cost: $25 per person.
• Saturday, 3/13/21 1:00 – 3:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Pentatonic Tunes in all Modes.” In this workshop, you’ll learn how you can harmonize a pentatonic tune in Ionian, Mixolydian, Lydian, Aeolian, Dorian, or Phrygian mode. You can print out the tunes that are online (link is in the Playing and Improvising Modal Music book on page 72) and we’ll explore the modes by applying all you have learned about finding modes, and chord function within each mode. Cost: $25 per person.

•  Saturday, 3/20/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Intention in Improvisation" open to all musicians, particularly those interested in playing in a healing capacity such as hospice or at bedside, or playing for guided meditation, or guided visualization -- or even for your own personal meditation. It is important to understand that it is not only what we play but also how we play that will have impact on the listener's physiological and emotional response. This workshop will cover some of the musical elements that result in physiological responses, as well as the emotions and intentions of the musician inform these elements. This will be applied by improvising to guided meditations and to visual stimuli during the class. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 3/20/21 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Harp Newbies Series for Teachers" -- a free informational workshop for lever harp teachers, or potential lever harp teachers, who would like to know more about Verlene's popular harp series. You'll get an overview of each book in each level, see and play samples from each Lesson Book and Tune Book, watch short videos from each Activity Book, and get suggestions for which books to use for which type of student. Since this is free workshop, and is unapologetically an infomercial, there is no cost to attend, and there will be no limit to the number of participants. There will be ample time for questions using the zoom chat. Contact Verlene to sign up and get the Zoom info you need in order to attend the workshop.

• Saturday, 3/27/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Basic Ear Training” open to all musicians. You'll start with matching pitches, then move to intervals, and then on to phrases that include steps, skips, larger leaps, and chord patterns. Each section will include instructions and demonstrations, tips and concepts to help you identify and match what you hear. You will participate by filling in your answer sheets (handouts provided ahead of time) for each set of examples that Verlene will play off camera on four different instruments (harp, keyboard, guitar, and violin). At the end of each section, she will show the answer key so you can check your answers, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. This is a good workshop to take before taking the “Playing by Ear” series. Cost: $25 per person.

April -- More Zoom classes!

• The following is a 4 part series on Playing by Ear:

•  Saturday, 4/3/21 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1a: Template for Melody (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to use the major scale as a template that will help you remember melodies and play them by ear on your harp. There will be numerous examples that will help to build your skill and confidence, working through the “3 D’s” of playing by ear. This can be applied to songs you have known all your life, or songs that you are hearing for the first time. Cost: $25 per person. Contact Verlene to sign up for the class, learn how to pay, and get all the handouts and the zoom info you need in order to attend the workshop.

•      Saturday, 4/3/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1b: Context for Chords (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how to add chords to any melody. You'll learn the function of each chord, and also how to recognize what chords the melody suggests. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person.
  

•      Saturday, 4/10/21 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear – Part 2a: Template for Melody (modes and minor keys)” for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to alter the major scale to recognize when a tune is in Mixolydian mode, Aeolian mode, or Dorian mode, and when it is in a Harmonic Minor key. Cost: $25 per person.

•            Saturday, 4/10/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 2b: Context for Chords (modes and minor keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how chords function in Mixolydian mode, Aeolian mode, and Dorian mode, as well as in a Harmonic Minor key. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person.  Contact Verlene to sign up for the class, learn how to pay, and get all the handouts and the zoom info you need in order to attend the workshop.

• Saturday, 4/17/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop,
  "The Sing-Along Harper" for lever harp. This workshop is open to all, whether you sing or not, and whether you have a copy of the Sing-Along Harper book or not. If you've ever wished you could play harp along with group sing-alongs, this class is for you. You can also use the finger picking patterns for accompanying melody instruments. The class will be limited to 10 participants so that each person will be able to have an opportunity to ask questions. The book is not required, but if you have not purchased the Sing-Along Harper book, and would like to, you can order a hard copy or a PDF here. Workshop cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 4/17/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "The Sing-along Harper Songfest" for lever harp. This is a follow up workshop to “The Sing-Along Harper” workshop and you are welcome to join if you have taken that workshop either earlier the same day or at any time in the past, or if you have “The Sing-Along Harper” book. In this workshop, you’ll use a songbook of traditional and pop songs (included as a handout for the workshop) to work out how to play like a guitarist who can play from just words and chords – no written notation. You'll apply the chord theory and finger-picking patterns learned in “The Sing-Along Harper.” A songbook of words and chords is included with the workshop. Participants are also welcome to request particular songs they’d like to be able to play on lever harp. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 4/24/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT-- Postponed! Check July and August for rescheduling -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Sing-Along Harper Blues Songfest" for lever harp. This is a follow up workshop to the “How to Play ‘D’ Blues” workshop, and you are welcome to join whether or now you have taken that workshop either live or as a video. If you haven’t taken How to Play 'D' Blues, and would like to, the video and handouts can be ordered here. In this Blues songfest workshop, you’ll use a songbook of blues tunes (included as a handout for the workshop) to play the blues (and sing along if you like) in the 3 different keys that blues can be played in for harps tuned in C, F, Bb or Eb. You’ll get instruction on how to set levers for each tune, and then practice making the chord changes, adding fills, licks, and bass lines. You’ll learn which blues scales to use to create your own very cool blues solo, all while on mute, so no one is on the spot!  Cost: $25 per person. 

May --  More Zoom classes!

•       Saturday, 5/1/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Modal Modulation” for lever harp. In this workshop you’ll learn how to move from one mode to another. This is a good music skill to use in therapeutic music or in playing to enhance guided visualizations. You’ll learn reliable chord progressions and transitions that will help to establish each new mode, and will learn how to determine which mode to mode to transition to according to situations that will be presented during class. Cost: $25 per person.

•   Saturday, 5/8/21 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, “Singing with the Harp.” This is a basic “how-to” for singers who play the harp. We’ll take a look “under the hood” at the mechanics of singing to gain an understanding of the physiology of singing. Visual concepts and practical exercises will be given to provide a clear path to improving the strength, range, and effectiveness of the singing voice. We’ll also cover issues concerning singing and playing harp, and some tips for coordinating all the muscle activity needed to do both harp and singing at the same time. Cost: $25 per person. 

•      Saturday, 5/15/21 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PDT -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will again be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Playing & Improvising Middle Eastern Music." This is open to all, and it is not necessary to have my book by the same title. She will be sending handouts ahead of time and will work from those. Of course, those interested in the book can order a hard copy or PDF on my website. Cost: $25 per person.  Here are some comments from previous workshops: 

  "Thank you very much for making your workshop, “Improvising Middle Eastern Music,” available online. I’ve hoped for a chance to attend it, and this was perfect. I have your book, Playing and Improvising Middle Eastern Music, but actually hearing and playing and working with the rhythms was very helpful. Thank you also for the excellent handouts, and for giving us links to resources. Thank you again for making your intriguing and exciting workshop available to us."
  "Thank you so much for the enlightening workshop on Middle Eastern music and improvisation!  Now, not only do I have I have specific tunes I can add to my repertoire, I have additional left hand patterns, as well as ways to improvise upon them and/or the aformentioned tunes, in addition to the foundational knowledge behind them. I can also slow down and/or simplify the rhythms and/or the melodies when needed, to create a lovely, mysterious atmosphere. Much appreciated!"
  "I really enjoyed the workshop... I feel inspired. I'm going to add the first song to my "practice and play" list. I love the idea of rhythms and how the feel of the music is different than Western music. You did a beautiful job of structuring it on Zoom and attending to our questions. It was fun!"
  "You were very natural and teacherly and informative, and it was very good!"

• Saturday, 5/22/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "The Practice of Practicing." This is open to all musicians, but will focus on application to harp. If you have felt that no matter how much you practice, the improvement is either slow or non-existent, this gentle class will give you steps to improve your practicing practice... You'll have a step by step approach to learning a new piece, troubleshooting an in-progress piece, and polishing a learned piece. You'll also get tips on how to use your current works in progress to create warm-up exercises that will build some much needed muscle memory. Cost: $25 per person. 

June -- More Zoom classes!

The following is a 4 part series on Modes using my book “Playing and Improvising Modal Music.” If you don’t have a copy of the book, it can be ordered at https://verlene.com/modal.html. You can take all four sessions, or choose which ones you would like to attend.

•  Saturday, 6/5/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Major Modes Immersion” for lever harp. In this workshop, we’ll cover the three major modes, Ionian, Mixolydian, and Lydian with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You will also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes.  Cost: $25 per person. The book is available as a physical book or a PDF. For the physical book, please order it well in advance of class so there is time for it to be delivered.

•  Saturday, 6/5/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Minor Modes Immersion." In this workshop, we’ll cover the three minor modes, Aeolian, Dorian, and Phrygian, with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You will also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes. We will also cover Locrian (the diminished mode) during this workshop. Cost: $25 per person.  Contact Verlene to sign up for the class, learn how to pay, and get the handouts and the zoom info you need in order to attend the workshop. The book is available as a physical book or a PDF. For the physical book, please order it well in advance of class so there is time for it to be delivered.

• Saturday, 6/12/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Altered Modes Immersion.” In this workshop, we’ll cover the altered modes, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Phrygian Dominant, and Phrygian Major, with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You’ll also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes. Cost: $25 per person.  For the physical book, please order it well in advance of class so there is time for it to be delivered.

• Saturday, 6/12/21 1:00 – 3:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Pentatonic Tunes in all Modes.” In this workshop, you’ll learn how you can harmonize a pentatonic tune in Ionian, Mixolydian, Lydian, Aeolian, Dorian, or Phrygian mode. You can print out the tunes that are online (link is in Playing and Improvising Modal Music” book on page 72) and we’ll explore the modes by applying all you have learned about finding modes, and chord function within each mode. Cost: $25 per person. For the physical book, please order it well in advance of class so there is time for it to be delivered.  Here are some comments from previous Modes Immersion classes:

"Thank you for the workshop and all the materials. I am really enjoying playing my harp again and experiencing your gentle and extremely knowledgeable approach. I am finding inspiration from you with my teaching. Thank you!”

“I really enjoyed the workshop last Friday evening. The materials and explanations were fun and informative. Can’t wait for more!”

“I really like all of these altered modes! Very exotic and haunting… and fit with my likes in world music.”

“I especially want to say thanks for the doc on ‘What about modes in other keys?’ I got myself into a tangle when I tried to work those out after the major modes workshop. This clarifies it beautifully.”

The following is a 2 part series on Modal Modulation. You can choose to take one or both classes.

• Saturday, 6/19/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Relative Modal Modulation” for lever harp. In this workshop you’ll learn how to move from one mode to another within the same key signature. This is a good music skill to use in therapeutic music or in playing to enhance guided visualizations. You’ll learn reliable chord progressions and transitions that will help to establish each new mode, and will learn how to determine which mode to mode to transition to according to situations that will be presented during class. Cost: $25 per person. Here are some comments from the class:

• Saturday, 6/19/21 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm PDT – By request, Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Tonic Modal Modulation” for lever harp. In this workshop you’ll learn how to move from one mode to another with the same tonic note (the note the scale starts on.) This will require lever changes, and you'll need to use a harp that has levers on every string. We'll be staying within the keys that can be played on harps tuned in Eb, Bb, F, or C. This is a good class for really grasping the layout of each mode. We'll use a few modal tune sets to practice getting levers set for each new mode in addition to some improvisation that moves from one mode to another.  Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 7/10/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Figuring Out Fingering." There isn't only one way to finger a particular tune, but there are particular things you should consider when choosing your fingering. In this workshop, you'll learn some of the logic behind fingering, using some particularly challenging passages of music. You'll learn tools for figuring out the fingering that is best for you, and that will help you play more accurately and fluidly. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 7/24/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT-- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Vocal Mechanics -- a look under the hood" which is open to all singers, both experienced and novice. In this workshop, Verlene will reveal the inner workings of the instrument we all carry within us, and give exercises along with visualizations and tips for developing and improving your vocal skills. She will also make use of a few simple songs that can be sung together to experience the use of diaphragmatic breathing, vocal registration, and vocal timbre. You will all be on mute while singing along with any exercise or song, unless you specifically request input. The book and CD by this title are available both as a physical book and CD and as a PDF book and mp3s. You can order one here. Cost of the workshop: $25 per person.  

• Saturday, 7/24/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT (Note new date and time!) -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, “Arranging for Harp Ensemble.” In this workshop, you will learn how to make an arrangement that will keep all of your ensemble members happy! A new arrangement for a multi-level harp ensemble might be just what your harp circle is hungry for, so if you'd like to learn how to create an arrangement that accommodates even the newest newbie, but still inspires and challenges the most experienced players, this class will offer a step by step process along with real time demonstrations of arranging for different kinds of harp ensembles. At the end of class, each participant will get a copy of the completed arrangements to share with their ensemble, as well as new tools and tips for creating your own from scratch! Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 7/31/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Basic Ear Training” open to all musicians. You'll start with matching pitches, then move to intervals, and then on to phrases that include steps, skips, larger leaps, and chord patterns. Each section will include instructions and demonstrations, tips and concepts to help you identify and match what you hear. You will participate by filling in your answer sheets (handouts provided ahead of time) for each set of examples that Verlene will play off camera on four different instruments (harp, keyboard, guitar, and violin). At the end of each section, she will show the answer key so you can check your answers, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. This is a good workshop to take before taking the “Playing by Ear” series offered in August. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 7/31/21 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Advanced Ear Training” open to all musicians. In this workshop, you will be presented with more advanced sequences as well as chord identification. As in the Basic Ear Training workshop, you will participate by filling in your answer sheets (handouts provided ahead of time) for each set of examples that Verlene will play off camera on four different instruments (harp, keyboard, guitar, and violin). At the end of each section, she will show the answer key so you can check your answers, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. This is another good workshop to take before taking the “Playing by Ear” series. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 8/7/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop "Harp Chord Intensive” for harp (lever or pedal). In this workshop, you will have an opportunity to really drill those chords in root position and inversions, as well as "root-five-octave" patterns. You'll learn how to "keep the common tone" and move to the nearest inversion with a set of chord progressions. If you need some practice getting from chord to chord, this would be another great class to take before the Playing by Ear Part 1b and 2b classes (which focus on finding chords by ear). Cost: $25 per person.

The following is a 4 part series on Playing by Ear:

•  Saturday, 8/14/21 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1a: Template for Melody (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to use the major scale as a template that will help you remember melodies and play them by ear on your harp. There will be numerous examples that will help to build your skill and confidence, working through the “3 D’s” of playing by ear. This can be applied to songs you have known all your life, or songs that you are hearing for the first time. Cost: $25 per person.

•      Saturday, 8/14/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1b: Context for Chords (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how to add chords to any melody. You'll learn the function of each chord, and also how to recognize what chords the melody suggests. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person.
  

•      Saturday, 8/21/21 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear – Part 2a: Template for Melody (minor keys)” for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to alter the major scale to recognize when a tune is in Aeolian mode, or Dorian mode, and when it is in a Harmonic Minor key. Cost: $25 per person.

•            Saturday, 8/21/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 2b: Context for Chords (minor keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how chords function in the minor keys, both Aeolian mode, and Dorian mode, as well as in a Harmonic Minor key. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 8/28/21 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT--  Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Improving the Improv" for harp, piano, or guitar. A bit of structure can help improvisational playing sound like a well-conceived composition rather than just aimless wanderings... In this workshop we'll talk about form, mood, melodic motifs, and intention -- and how to use these tools when improvising on the fly! You can improve your improvisational playing by understanding what effect your choices will have on the listener. These choices include modes, chord progressions, melodic contour, harmonic content, and rhythmic elements. These elements can work together to create a sense of place, and an intentional journey from one place to another. This is a great opportunity for therapeutic musicians to add to your toolbox, as well as any musician who would like to improve their improvisational skills. You will be able to apply each tool as we progress through the workshop, so have your instrument ready to play! Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 9/4/21  all day -- Verlene will be performing throughout the day on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at the Pleasanton Scottish Games at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area.
• Friday, 9/10/21 7:00 pm-- Verlene will be performing in concert at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 26001 Muirlands Blvd., Mission Viejo, CA (Free admission, free-will offering)
  
• Saturday, 9/11/21 all day -- Verlene will be teaching workshops for The Orange County Harp Troupe at the Mission Viejo Country Club.
  
• Friday, 9/17/21 evening, and Saturday 9/18/21 all day -- Verlene will be teaching workshops at a harp retreat in Missoula, Montana. Times and topics TBA.
• Saturday, 9/18/21 evening Time TBA -- Verlene will be performing in concert in Missoula, Montana.

• Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms Series

• Saturday, 10/2/21 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT --  Verlene will be presenting Part One of the Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms Series: “Cool Chords.” In this class, you’ll learn how to find those cool added notes that are “beyond and between” the three notes of the triad. You'll learn not only how to locate the notes, but you'll also practice playing them through chord progressions so you can learn how to keep the common tones and move smoothly and melodically from chord to chord. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 10/2/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT --  Verlene will be presenting Part Two of the Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms Series: “Groovy Rhythms.” In this class, you’ll learn how to swing, syncopate and rock a tune. You’ll use chord progressions, and insert many of the chord extensions learned in Part One, but if you are comfortable enough with 7^th and 9^th chords, Part One is not a prerequisite. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 10/9/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT --  Verlene will be presenting Part Three of the Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms Series: “Cool and Groovy Improv.” This class will cover how to approach improvisation using the chords and rhythms learned in the first two classes. Those who have been using the book or have attended previous versions of the Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms workshops should be fine jumping in here without taking Parts One and Two. You'll also learn how to play “on the fly” using lead sheets, both as accompaniment to a melody instrument or singer, and as an improvised arrangement playing both melody and chords. Cost: $25 per person. 

•  Saturday, 10/9/21 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT --  Verlene will be presenting Part Four of the Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms Series: “Cool and Groovy Arranging.” In this class, we’ll cover how to use chord substitutions to come up with more interesting arrangements of traditional tunes. With Verlene's guidance, participants will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real time during the two hour workshop. This is a great follow up class to the first two parts in the Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms series, but it can also be taken without having attended the previous classes. Handouts will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. Verlene will use Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented and the participants will volunteer ideas to try out. At the end of the workshop, you'll get PDFs of the arrangements created during the workshop. Cost: $25 per person. 

•  Saturday, 10/23/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT --  Verlene will be presenting “Decorate Your Christmas Tunes” for lever harp (good for newbies!) This workshop will cover how to add intros, endings, and interludes to easy Christmas tunes using the Sylvia Woods Christmas book (buy one at https://tinyurl.com/t3kzvxm if you don’t have one already!) You’ll get ideas for how to come up with intros that are interesting, simple, and fun, as well as how to add ornaments and fills to further decorate a simple arrangement. You’ll use the “A” versions of tunes in the book, so no need to learn the more difficult B versions for this class. You’ll be able to keep up even if you’re new to the harp! Cost: $25 per person.

November --          

• Saturday 11/20/21 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting “Lead Sheet Caroling” for lever harp. This workshop will cover how to make an arrangement on the fly using lead sheets. Although it applies to any lead sheet we’ll be focusing on some Christmas music for this workshop. You’ll get a PDF copy of Verlene's “Christmas Songs and Carols in Harp and Voice Friendly Keys” book, in addition to handouts on how to figure out what notes are in the chords that are given. She’ll also address the jazzier arrangements you might find in a Christmas fake book. Whether you’ll be playing background music, or accompanying Carolers, this workshop will help prepare you for the holidays ahead! Cost: $25 per person.
  

December --

• Saturday 12/4/21 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Intention in Improvisation" open to all musicians, particularly those interested in playing in a healing capacity such as hospice or at bedside, or playing for guided meditation, or guided visualization -- or even for your own personal meditation. It is important to understand that it is not only what we play but also how we play that will have impact on the listener's physiological and emotional response. This workshop will cover some of the musical elements that result in physiological responses, as well as the emotions and intentions of the musician inform these elements. This will be applied by improvising to guided meditations and to visual stimuli during the class. Cost: $25 per person.
  

• Saturday 1/15/22 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Therapeutic Guitarist – Improvising in Major Modes" open to guitarists with a fingerstyle or classical background, particularly those interested in playing in a healing capacity such as hospice or at bedside, or playing for guided meditation, or guided visualization. In this class you’ll learn how to improvise in the three major modes: Ionian (the “major scale”); Mixolydian; and Lydian. Handouts will include notation, guitar tablature, as well as diagrams that show where the scale degrees can be found on the first 5 frets of the guitar. Cost: $25 per person.

•  Saturday 1/15/22 1:00 – 3:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Therapeutic Guitarist – Improvising in Minor Modes" open to guitarists with a fingerstyle or classical background, particularly those interested in playing in a healing capacity such as hospice or at bedside, or playing for guided meditation, or guided visualization. In this class you’ll learn how to improvise in the three minor modes: Aeolian (the “relative minor scale”); Dorian; and Phrygian, as well as the Harmonic Minor. Handouts will include notation, guitar tablature, as well as diagrams that show where the scale degrees can be found on the first 5 frets of the guitar. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday 1/22/22 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Figuring Out Fingering" open to lever or pedal harpists. There isn't only one way to finger a particular tune, but there are particular things you should consider when choosing your fingering. In this workshop, you'll learn some of the logic behind fingering, using some particularly challenging passages of music. You'll learn tools for figuring out the fingering that is best for you, and that will help you play more accurately and fluidly. Cost: $25 per person. 

•  Saturday 1/22/22 1:00 – 3:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Patterns, Patterns, Patterns" open to all levels of harpists. In this workshop you’ll learn to recognize patterns in music to build up your toolbox that can be used both in reading and memorizing printed music, and in playing by ear and improvisation. Melodic and rhythmic patterns, chord patterns, and patterns of overall song form will be covered with both notated music and rote “by ear” exercises. Cost: $25 per person. 

February --

• Saturday 2/5/22 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Composing Music Start to Finish" open to all! In this workshop, we’ll cover how to come up with an idea, how to develop it into a song or piece, and how to lay it out in sheet music using MuseScore or Sibelius First (both free programs). Also included will be tips on self-publishing your music. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday 2/12/22 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST – I will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Left Hand Workout" for all harpists. In this workshop, we’ll spend time on all the patterns presented in the Patterns, Patterns, Patterns class to further build muscle memory including moving through chord progressions. We’ll also cover a few fun techniques such as walking bass, slap bass, and boogie bass. These patterns will be helpful in both reading harp arrangements and in playing from a lead sheet. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday 2/19/22 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT -- (New date! Moved from 4/9/22) Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Lullabies for Babies & Grownups" open to all harpists, guitarists, or other instrumentalists as well. This class will be a good way to add lullabies to your repertoire that can be used for soothing and calming babies of all ages (0 – 100+)! In addition to playing through the lullabies in the handouts you'll learn what it is that makes them lullabies, and what should be considered in both composing and improvising your own lullabies! If you are a guitarist, be sure to let Verlene know so she can send the guitar tablature for each tune. Cost: $25 per person.
  

March --

• Saturday 3/5/22 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Major Modes Immersion” for lever harp. In this workshop, the three major modes, Ionian, Mixolydian, and Lydian will be covered with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You will also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes.  Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday 3/5/22 1:00 - 3:00 pm PST Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Minor Modes Immersion." In this workshop, the three minor modes, Aeolian, Dorian, and Phrygian, will be covered with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You will also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes. Also covered in this workshop is Locrian (the diminished mode). Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday 3/12/22 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Altered Modes Immersion.” In this workshop, the altered modes, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Phrygian Dominant, and Phrygian Major will be covered with tunes from the book as well as from the handouts for the class that participants can play together (while on mute) during class. You’ll also hear tips on improvising and composing in these modes. Cost: $25 per person.

•  Saturday 3/12/22 1:00 – 3:00 pm PST – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Pentatonic Tunes in all Modes.” In this workshop, you’ll learn how you can harmonize a pentatonic tune in Ionian, Mixolydian, Lydian, Aeolian, Dorian, or Phrygian mode. Pleaes print out the tunes that are online (link is in Playing and Improvising Modal Music” book on page 72) and be ready to explore the modes by applying all you have learned about finding modes, and chord function within each mode. Cost: $25 per person.  

• Thursday 3/17/22 11:30 - 5:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses on St. Patrick's Day at Lilly Mac's located at 187 S. Murphy Ave. in Sunnyvale, CA.
  
• Friday 3/18/22 4:30 - 8:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Joe's Corner in Fremont, CA (outside).
  

•   Saturday 3/19/22 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Relative Modal Modulation” for lever harp. In this workshop you’ll learn how to move from one mode to another within the same key signature. This is a good music skill to use in therapeutic music or in playing to enhance guided visualizations. You’ll learn reliable chord progressions and transitions that will help to establish each new mode, and will learn how to determine which mode to mode to transition to according to situations that will be presented during class. Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday 3/19/22 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm PDT – By request, Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Tonic Modal Modulation” for lever harp. In this workshop you’ll learn how to move from one mode to another with the same tonic note (the note the scale starts on.) This will require lever changes, and you'll need to use a harp that has levers on every string. You'll be staying within the keys that can be played on harps tuned in Eb, Bb, F, or C. This is a good class for really grasping the layout of each mode. You'll be given a few modal tune sets to practice getting levers set for each new mode in addition to some improvisation that moves from one mode to another. Cost: $25 per person.

April --

•  Saturday 4/2/22 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Basic Ear Training” open to all musicians. You'll start with matching pitches, then move to intervals, and then on to phrases that include steps, skips, larger leaps, and chord patterns. Each section will include instructions and demonstrations, tips and concepts to help you identify and match what you hear. You will participate by filling in your answer sheets (handouts provided ahead of time) for each set of examples that Verlene will play off camera on four different instruments (harp, concertina, guitar, and violin). At the end of each section, she will show the answer key so you can check your answers, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. This is a good workshop to take before taking the “Playing by Ear” series on 4/9 and 4/23. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday 4/2/22 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT – Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Advanced Ear Training” open to all musicians. In this workshop, you will be presented with more advanced sequences as well as chord identification. As in the Basic Ear Training workshop, you will participate by filling in your answer sheets (handouts provided ahead of time) for each set of examples that Verlene will play off camera four different instruments (harp, concertina, guitar, and violin). At the end of each section, she will show the answer key so you can check your answers, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. This is another good workshop to take before taking the “Playing by Ear” series. Cost: $25 per person.

May --

• Saturday, 5/7/22 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT I will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1a: Template for Melody (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to use the major scale as a template that will help you remember melodies and play them by ear on your harp. There will be numerous examples that will help to build your skill and confidence, working through the “3 D’s” of playing by ear. This can be applied to songs you have known all your life, or songs that you are hearing for the first time. Cost: $25 per person.

•  Saturday, 5/7/22   1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- I will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 1b: Context for Chords (major keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how to add chords to any melody. You'll learn the function of each chord, and also how to recognize what chords the melody suggests. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person.

• Sunday 5/8/22 4:30 - 8:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Joe's Corner in Fremont, CA (outside).

• Saturday, 5/14/22 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT-- I will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear – Part 2a: Template for Melody (modes and minor keys)” for lever harp. In this workshop you'll learn how to alter the major scale to recognize when a tune is in Mixolydian mode, Aeolian mode, or Dorian mode, and when it is in a Harmonic Minor key.Cost: $25 per person.

•  Saturday, 5/14/22 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- I will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "Playing by Ear -- Part 2b: Context for Chords (modes and minor keys)" for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how chords function in Mixolydian mode, Aeolian mode, and Dorian mode, as well as in a Harmonic Minor key. There will be several examples of well-known melodies, as well as some lesser known, and some completely unknown melodies. Cost: $25 per person. 

June --

• Saturday, 6/4/22 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Back by popular demand! Verlene will again be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "How to Play 'D' Blues." You'll learn how to set your levers in order to play blues (which requires more than just the notes in a 7 tone scale) and how to improvise. You'll learn both "rhythm guitar" harp techniques and "lead guitar" phrasing. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday 6/4/22 4:30 - 8:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Jack's Brewing Company, 39176 Argonaut Way, Fremont, CA (outside). 

• Saturday - Sunday 6/18/22 - 6/18/22 all day – Verlene will be teaching harp workshops at Redwood Music Camp.

• Saturday, 6/25/21 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT - Verlene will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "The Practice of Practicing." This is open to all musicians, but will focus on application to harp. If you have felt that no matter how much you practice, the improvement is either slow or non-existent, this gentle class will give you steps to improve your practicing practice... You'll have a step by step approach to learning a new piece, troubleshooting an in-progress piece, and polishing a learned piece. You'll also get tips on how to use your current works in progress to create warm-up exercises that will build some much needed muscle memory. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 6/25/21 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, “Arranging for Harp Ensemble.” In this workshop, you will learn how to make an arrangement that will keep all of your ensemble members happy! A new arrangement for a multi-level harp ensemble might be just what your harp circle is hungry for, so if you'd like to learn how to create an arrangement that accommodates even the newest newbie, but still inspires and challenges the most experienced players, this class will offer a step by step process along with real time demonstrations of arranging for different kinds of harp ensembles. At the end of class, each participant will get a copy of the completed arrangements to share with their ensemble, as well as new tools and tips for creating your own from scratch! Handouts for the class include PDFs of each of the harp ensemble arrangements demonstrated during class. Cost: $25 per person.

July --

• Saturday - Friday 7/15/22 - 7/22/22 all day – Verlene will be teaching vocal classes at the California Coast Music Camp.
  

• Saturday 7/30/22 1:00 - 2:30 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting an online workshop "Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms" for the Somerset Harp Festival.
  
• Sunday 7/31/22 12;00 - 1:30 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting an online workshop "Sing-Along Harper" for the Somerset Harp Festival.
• From 7/1/22 - 10/31/22 -- Those who register for online or in person can also access 2 more video workshops by Verlene: "Playing from a Lead Sheet" and "Playing to Heal," as well as video workshops by dozens of other harp clinicians!

August -- 

• Saturday, 8/6/22 10 am – 12 pm PDT, Verlene will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, “Harp Chord Intensive -- triads and a few 7th chords” for lever or pedal harp. This is particularly good for new players or for those who are mostly “paper-trained." In this workshop, you will have an opportunity to really drill those triads in root position and inversions, as well as open “root-five-octave” patterns. You’ll learn how to “keep the common tone” and move to the nearest inversion with a set of chord progressions. In addition, you’ll also work with a few dominant 7 chords, and get proficient at adding the seven to the left-hand open pattern and to triads in root position and inversions. If you need some practice getting from chord to chord, this will give you some great strategies for making it come second nature! Cost: $25 per person. 

• Saturday, 8/13/22 10 am – 12 pm PDT, Verlene will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, “Harp Chord Intensive Jazzy Chords” for lever or pedal harp. This is great for those who are comfortable with basic triads and 7^th chords. In this workshop, you will learn where all the chord extensions are and have an opportunity to drill moving from one chord to another. You’ll learn how to spread out the notes between two hands, and still keep the melody note at the top. You’ll learn how to “keep the common tone” and move to the nearest inversion with the provided lead sheets. If you have taken Verlene’s Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms class, the “how-to” part will be a great review, while the “hands-on” part will give you some great practice on getting to those juicy chords! Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 8/20/22 10 am – 12 pm PDT,Verlene will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, “The Beat Goes On, so Get in the Groove!” for lever or pedal harp, and all levels are welcome! The focus of this workshop is on finding your internal clock and learning to feel the underlying pulse that supports any tune, whether you are reading music and interpreting note values, or playing a tune by ear. You'll have exercises provided that will help you develop a strong sense of rhythm, and a better understanding of those pesky dotted notes! While many people don’t know that the harp is considered to be a “percussion” instrument, it has the reputation of being one of the least percussive of all instruments! Our flowing arpeggios (and yes, that’s Italian for “harp-like”) and our lovely glissandi are great for a lot of harp music, but you can also learn to groove along with the best of them. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to tap into that inner pulse, and to get more rhythm into your playing using some simple written arrangements of tunes. Cost: $25 per person.
  

• Saturday, 8/27/22 10 am – 12 pm PDT, Verlene will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, “Improving the Improv” for any instrument, and all levels are welcome!  A bit of structure can help improvisational playing sound like a well-conceived composition rather than just aimless wanderings. In this workshop you’ll learn about form, mood, melodic motifs, and intention and how to use these tools when improvising on the fly! Improve your improvisations by understanding what effect your choices will have. These choices include modes and moods, form & chord progression, melodic contour, harmonic content, and rhythmic elements. These elements work together to create a sense of place, and an intentional journey from one place to another. Cost: $25 per person.

• Saturday, 8/27/22 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT (Time subject to change), Verlene will be performing at Neighbors Abroad's International Festival: Celebrating our Sister and Sibling Cities. She will be performing music from Sweden, Norway, Germany, Mexico, Scotland, Ireland, Korea, and China on Swedish nyckelharpa with accompaniment on guitar and harp by Claudia Slayman. The event coincides with the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts and will take place in King's Plaza outside of Palo Alto City Hall on Hamilton Avenue. Free and open to the public!

• Sunday, 8/28/22 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses  at Lilly Mac's Pub located at 187 S. Murphy Ave in Sunnyvale, CA.

September --

• Saturday, 9/3/22  all day -- Verlene will be performing throughout the day on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at the Pleasanton Scottish Games at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. Find us in the Celtic Heritage area.

• Sunday, 9/4/22  2 sets: 10 - 11 am and 1:40 - 2:20 pm PDT -- Verlene will be performing on fiddle, nyckelharpa, harp, and guitar with Gaelic Muses. 

• Saturday, September 24^th, from 10 am – 12 pm PDT, Verlene will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, “Write a Cool Chord Progression” for any instrument, and all levels are welcome! This is part three of the Songwriting course. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to choose a key and mode, how to use chords that give a sense of “place,” how to use chord extensions, how to use chord substitutions, and how to modulate keys and modes. You can use the melodies you’ve created since the previous class, but there will also be examples to use in class that Verlene will provide. 

• Saturday, 9/24, 22 4:00 - 6:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing on solo harp and vocal and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at Wildwood Park in Saratoga, CA.
  

• Saturday, 9/25, 22 4:00 6:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Joe's Corner, 37713 Niles Blvd. in Fremont, CA (outside).

October --

• Saturday, October 8^th, from 10 am – 12 pm PDT, Verlene will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, “Improvising Middle Eastern Music” for lever harp. This is open to all levels, and it is based on her Playing & Improvising Middle Eastern Music book. It is not necessary to have her book, as you will be giving handouts for this class. But those interested in purchasing the book can order a hard copy or PDF on her website . Cost: $30 per person.
  


• Saturday, October 22^nd, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two hour online harp workshop, "Beyond the Basics -- Hands-On Creative Arranging" for lever harps. With Verlene's guidance, the participants will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real-time during the two hour workshop. Handouts will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. Verlene uses Sibelius on a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented. At the end of the workshop, you'll get PDFs of the arrangements created during the workshop. You are also welcome to bring in one of your own arrangements for input and discussion. The class will be limited in size. Cost: $30 per person. 

• Saturday, October 23^rd, 4:00 - 7:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Saturday, October 29^th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Memory Tools for Musicians” open to all instruments. In this workshop, you’ll learn a method that will help you internalize a new song or tune quickly and thoroughly. By integrating memorization tools used by theater actors, you’ll find yourself “in the role” of the director of your play. You’ll learn to develop muscle memory using a tool used by athletes as well as professional classical musicians. And you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of music theory as a bonus! This class is scheduled just before the holiday season begins so you can take on that new holiday piece to add to your performances! 
  

November -- 

• Saturday, November 5^th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm -- Verlene will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Decorate Your Christmas Tunes” for lever harp (good for newbies!) This workshop will cover how to add intros, endings, and interludes to easy Christmas tunes using the Sylvia Woods Christmas book (buy one at https://tinyurl.com/t3kzvxm if you don’t have one already!) You’ll get ideas for how to come up with intros that are interesting, simple, and fun, as well as how to add ornaments and fills to further decorate a simple arrangement. We’ll use the “A” versions of tunes in the book, so no need to learn the more difficult B versions for this class. You’ll be able to keep up even if you’re new to the harp! Cost: $30 per person. 

• Saturday, November 19^th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm -- Verlene will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Accompanying Christmas Songs & Carols” for lever harp, any level, and whether you sing or not. If you've ever wished you could play harp along with Christmas sing-alongs, this class is for you. You can also use the fingerpicking patterns provided for accompanying melody instruments. This workshop comes with a songbook handout of over 20 harp-friendly songs and carols to choose from to play together during the workshop, and to add to your own holiday repertoire! You can find more patterns and more “how-to” information in The Sing-Along Harper book. You can order a hard copy or a PDF version here. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person.

• Saturday, November 27^th, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Sunday, December 18^th, 12:00 - 3:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.
• Sunday, December 18rd, 7:30 - 8:30 pm -- Verlene will be performing on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino, CA
  
• Tuesday, December 20th 10:00 - 11:00 am -- Verlene will be performing on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble in a concert for AARP in Campbell, CA
  
• Thursday, December 22nd, 5:00 - 8:00 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Joe's Corner, style=" mso-bookmark:_Hlk78368187">37713 Niles Blvd. in Fremont, CA (outside).

• Saturday, 1/7/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Mixolydian Magic” for any instrument, any level. Mixolydian Mode is a magical mode for improvisation. We’ll spend some time with a handful of lesser-known Mixolydian tunes to add to your repertoire, and we’ll use them as a basis for improvisation. Handouts include a chart for lever harp and a chart for guitar that show how to play in Mixolydian Mode on your instrument. You’ll also get a list of the coolest chord progressions to use for Mixolydian improvisation in addition to the packet of tunes for the class. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!
  

• Sunday, 1/8/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- Verlene will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• aturday, 1/14/23 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT I will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, "Lullabies for Babies & Grownups" open to all harpists, guitarists, and other instrumentalists as well. This class will be a good way to add lullabies to your repertoire that can be used for soothing and calming babies of all ages (0 – 100+)! We’ll not simply play through the lullabies in the handouts – we’ll also cover what it is that makes them lullabies, and what we should consider in both composing and improvising our own lullabies! If you are a guitarist, be sure to let me know so I can send the guitar tablature for each tune. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

• Saturday, 1/28/23, 4:00 - 5:00 pm PDT -- Verlene will be presenting an online, live-streaming concert, "Life Stages: Songs and stories for those who care for the elderly."  Verlene had written a number of songs during the time when her parents were facing the challenges of aging, Alzheimer’s, and the end of life. But don’t worry, the songs are not all sad! As she has been performing more and more in assisted living facilities, she has grown to love and appreciate songs of yesterday that bring happy memories and smiles. So, it will be a mix of original songs and familiar songs, with some stories about her experiences with her parents, her work with patients in the hospital, and her performances at assisted living facilities. This concert will be a way to share in those experiences even if you don’t have aging parents or play music for this demographic. Verlene will sing and play both her Celtic harp and her double-strung harp, with a few songs on guitar. Those who play therapeutic music in hospitals or for hospice and anyone who has a loved one who is in their sunset years will particularly identify with the music. Watch a replay of the concert on YouTube! 

February -

• Saturday, 2/4/23 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT I will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, “Love Songs to Sing and Play” in time to prepare for Valentine’s Day! You can play along using the lead sheets and simple left-hand patterns, or play full two-hand patterns to accompany singing. You’ll get to choose from 17 songs in the music packet, and I will give pointers on how to figure out which chords you can play fully on lever harp, and which notes you will need to omit. Left-hand and two-hand patterns are included for 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8 time signatures. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

• Saturday, 3/4/23 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT -- I will be presenting a two-hour online workshop, "Improving the Improv"  for harp, piano, or guitar. A bit of structure can help improvisational playing sound like a well-conceived composition rather than just aimless wanderings... In this workshop, we'll talk about form, mood, and melodic motifs, and how to use these tools when improvising on the fly! You can improve your improvisational playing by understanding what effect your choices will have on the listener. These choices include modes, chord progressions, melodic contour, harmonic content, and rhythmic elements. These elements can work together to create a sense of place, and an intentional journey from one place to another. This is a great opportunity for therapeutic musicians to add to your toolbox, as well as any musician who would like to improve their improvisational skills. You will be able to apply each tool as we progress through the workshop, so have your instrument ready to play! Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay! 

• Saturday, 3/4/23 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT I will be presenting a two-hour online workshop,"Intention in Improvisation" open to all musicians, particularly those interested in playing in a healing capacity such as hospice or at bedside, or playing for guided meditation, or guided visualization -- or even for your own personal meditation. It is important to understand that it is not only what we play but also how we play that will have an impact on the listener's physiological and emotional response. This workshop will cover some of the musical elements that result in physiological responses, as well as how the emotions and intentions of the musician inform these elements. This will be applied by improvising to guided meditations and to visual stimuli during the class. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!
  

• Sunday, 3/12/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Friday, 3/17/23, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Jack's Brewing Co., located at located at 39176 Argonaut Way in Fremont, CA.

• Friday, 3/17/23, 6:00 - 9:00 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Capers, located at 1710 West Campbell Ave. in Campbell, CA.

• Sunday, 3/19/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse Willow Glen, located at 37713 Niles Blvd. in Fremont, CA

April --

• Saturday, 4/15/23 10:00 am- 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour online workshop,"Singing with the Harp" for those who would like to learn to coordinate singing with playing harp. We'll use a few well-known tunes as well as a few of the requested songs I performed in my recent "Life Stages: Songs & Stories for thsoe who play for the elderly" concert. If you'd like to hear some of those in advance, the concert is now online at: https://youtu.be/ANXgbhSYe30. In this workshop, you'll learn some secrets for keeping your voice expressive and fluid while playing a solid accompaniment on harp. You'll get lead sheets plus two-hand patterns in addition to a brief "how-to" on special lever settings. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay! 

Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms Series

This series can be taken as a four-part series or taken as individual classes. The first class will cover chord extensions, and will be an opportunity to not only learn what is in each extended chord but also how to move easily from chord to chord in a chord progression. The second class will cover rhythms used in modern music styles, and you’ll get to play chord progressions using a variety of rhythmic patterns. The third class will apply the cool chords and groovy rhythms from the first two classes to improvisation and playing from lead sheets “on the fly.” And the fourth class will apply it all to arranging by group consensus, using a few different traditional tunes. There is no need to purchase the book, “Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms, but if you would like a copy you can find it at: https://verlene.com/coolchords.html

•  Saturday, 4/22/23 10:00 am- 12:00 pm PDT --  I will be presenting Part One of the Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms Series: “Cool Chords.” In this class, you’ll learn how to find those cool added notes that are “beyond and between” the three notes of the triad. Well not only locate the notes, but practice playing them through chord progressions so you can learn how to keep the common tones and move smoothly and melodically from chord to chord. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

•  Saturday, 4/22/23 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT --  I will be presenting Part Two of the Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms Series: “Groovy Rhythms.” In this class, you’ll learn how to swing, syncopate and rock a tune. We’ll use chord progressions and insert a number of the chord extensions learned in Part One, but if you are comfortable enough with 7^th and 9^th chords, Part One is not a pre-requisite. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay! 

• Sunday, 4/23/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Saturday, 4/29/23 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT --  I will be presenting Part Three of the Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms Series: “Cool and Groovy Improv.” In this class we’ll cover how to approach improvisation using the chords and rhythms learned in the first two classes. Those who have been using the book or have attended previous versions of the Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms workshops should be fine jumping in here without taking Parts One and Two. We’ll also cover playing “on the fly” using lead sheets, both as accompaniment to a melody instrument or singer, and as an improvised arrangement playing both melody and chords. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

• Saturday, 4/29/23 1:00 - 3:00 pm PDT -- I will be presenting Part Four of the Cool Chords and Groovy Rhythms Series: “Cool and Groovy Arranging.” In this class, we’ll cover how to use chord substitutions to come up with more interesting arrangements of traditional tunes. With my guidance, participants will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real time during the two hour workshop. This is a great follow up class to the first two parts in the Cool Chords & Groovy Rhythms series, but it can also be taken without having attended the morning class. Handouts will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. I will use Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented and the participants will volunteer ideas to try out. At the end of the workshop, you'll get PDFs of the arrangements created during the workshop. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!
  

• Saturday, 5/6/23 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time I will be presenting “Waltz Around the World” open to all instrumentalists. Waltzing is a fairly universal dance and where there is a dance, there is music to go with it! The waltz is based on ¾ time, and can range from Oom pah pah to rolling eighth notes, to the syncopated jazz waltz. They’re fun to play, and are great to add therapeutic music repertoire. You will learn traditional waltzes from several countries as well as a few modern tunes from pop, country and jazz. You’ll also learn how to improvise using the rhythm and chord changes of each tune. Lead sheets, as well as simple harp arrangements and guitar tab will be provided. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

• Saturday, 5/13/23 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time I will be presenting “Aeolian Mode: Natural and Harmonic Minor” open to all instrumentalists. The natural minor scale is the same as the Aeolian mode, and when you raise the 7^th degree, you will have a harmonic minor scale, which is an “altered Aeolian” mode. Each has a unique quality and mood, and these qualities would be worth including in your therapeutic music repertoire. You’ll learn a handful of tunes in each mode and also get a review of how to find each mode in any key. We’ll also cover how to improvise in these modes. Lead sheets, as well as simple harp arrangements and guitar tab will be provided. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

• Sunday, 5/14/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Saturday, 5/20/23 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting “Vocal Improvisation for Therapeutic Musicians” open to all musicians (even if you don’t consider yourself a singer!) The use of the human voice in therapeutic music can be an effective way to connect and share empathy. We’ll cover how to create a soothing tone of voice, how to be expressively empathetic, and how to use patterns and variations to stay within a key or mode if you are singing a cappella. We’ll do a bit of ear training to find anchor notes. If you are an instrumentalist as well, you can accompany your vocal improv, and there will be chord progressions to apply that you can transpose to any key. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay! 

June --

• Saturday, 6/3/23 10 am – 12 pm pacific time –I will be presenting a two hour workshop “Celtify Your Tunes!” Even Celtic tunes can sound more “Celtic” with some Celtic ornamentation and phrasing. Those who have a classical music background will know terms like grace note and mordent. There are variations more common in Celtic music that can help your tunes sound more Celtic than classical. We’ll use simple lead sheet arrangements of traditional Celtic as well as a few pop tunes and a few classical tunes and “Celtify” them with the birl (also called “treble” or “same note triplet”), the cut, the roll, and more! Some of these ornaments are used in bagpipe music, some are common in fiddle music, and all are fun to apply to harp, piano, or guitar! In addition, we’ll apply some common Celtic phrasing and rhythmic elements. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!
  

• Friday, 6/9/23, 6:00 - 9:00 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Capers, located at 1710 West Campbell Ave. in Campbell, CA.

• Saturday and Sunday, 6/10 -11/23 all day -- I will be presenting workshops for the Redwood Music Camp on harp, and also practicing and memory!
  

• Saturday, 6/17/23 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time - I will be presenting a two hour online workshop, "The Practice of Practicing." This is open to all musicians, but will focus on application to harp. (Handouts for applying to guitar are also provided.) If you have felt that no matter how much you practice, the improvement is either slow or non-existent, this gentle class will give you steps to improve your practicing practice... You'll have a step-by-step approach to learning a new piece, troubleshooting an in-progress piece, and polishing a learned piece. You'll also get tips on how to use your current works in progress to create warm-up exercises that will build some much-needed muscle memory. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay! 

• Sunday, 6/18/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

•  Saturday, 6/24/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Memory Tools for Musicians” open to all instruments. In this workshop, you’ll learn a method that will help you internalize a new song or tune quickly and thoroughly. By integrating memorization tools used by theater actors, you’ll find yourself “in the role” of the director of your play. You’ll learn to develop muscle memory using a tool used by athletes as well as professional classical musicians. And you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of music theory as a bonus! Buy the video replay! 

July --

• Saturday, 7/8/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Figuring Out Fingering” for lever or pedal harp. There isn't only one way to finger a particular tune, but there are particular things you should consider when choosing your fingering. In this workshop, you'll learn some of the logic behind fingering, using some simple and some challenging passages of music. You'll learn tools for figuring out the fingering that is best for you and that will help you play more accurately and fluidly. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!                   

• Saturday, 7/15/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Patterns, Patterns, Patterns” open to all musicians. In this workshop, you’ll learn to recognize patterns in music to build up your toolbox that can be used both in reading and memorizing printed music, and in playing by ear and improvisation. Melodic and rhythmic patterns, chord patterns, and patterns of overall song form will be covered with both notated music and rote “by ear” exercises. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay! 

• Saturday, 7/22/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “How to Play 'D' Blues” for lever harp. In this workshop, you'll learn how to play the blues in the key of D. If you've never tried playing the blues, and would like to try your hand at it, this workshop will take you through the steps of playing the blues, from simple to complex. You can play along at any level you're comfortable playing! You'll learn how to set your levers in order to play blues (which requires more than just the notes in a 7 tone scale) and how to improvise. You'll learn both "rhythm guitar" harp techniques, and "lead guitar" phrasing. Included in the handouts is how to transpose to other keys. Get ready to sit in with your blues musician friends, and see the look of surprise when you are keeping pace with them on your lever harp! Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay! 

• Saturday, 7/29/23, 11 am - 1 pm pacific time -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at The Celtic Tea Shoppe in San Jose, located at 4432 Pearl Ave., San Jose, CA

• Sunday, 7/30/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

August --

• Saturday, 8/12/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Playing Well with Others” for lever or pedal harp. Playing harp with other instruments can be great fun! Butlearning about the other instruments in your band or ensemble will help you to find your sonic space within the group. You’ll get a handout that lists eachinstrument’s range, key, and technical limits. You’ll also get tips on how to play along when songs step out of the key. During the workshop, you’ll get toplay along with some audio examples of bands and ensembles to apply the concepts covered in the handouts. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Here’show to register: 

• Sunday, 8/13/23, 4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Saturday, 8/19/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Jump On In” for lever or pedal harp. Playing harp in a jam session can be tricky – you have to first figure out whatkey the tune is in, then figure out what to play – chords? Bass patterns? Melody? Harmony? Also, you’ll learn how to recognize when a tune returns to theA part or goes on to the B part (or verse and chorus), and how to find your way back in if you get lost… All of these and more will be presented in thisworkshop, as well as jam session etiquette and a few other tips. Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

• Saturday, 8/26/23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour workshop, “Express Your Heart.” Although any instrumentalist and even vocalists can take this workshop, special attentionwill be given to playing expressively on harp. You’ll learn how to play with dynamics, phrasing, and fluidity so that your music seems to come straight fromthe heart! We’ll cover how to modify your existing arrangements whether written out or learned by ear to increase expressive effectiveness.  Cost of the workshop: $30 per person. Buy the video replay!

September --

• Saturday, 9/2/23, all day -- I will be performing on solo harp and vocal, plus with Lynda MacNeil from their band Gaelic Muses, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at the Pleasanton Scottish Games.

• Saturday, 9/3/23, all day -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at the Pleasanton Scottish Games.

• Sunday, 9/10/23, 12 - 3 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Saturday, 9/16/23 10:00 am - 12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour online harp workshop, "Simple but Beautiful!" for lever or pedal harp. With my guidance, you will learn how to arrange tunes for harp that are simple but beautiful! We’ll co-create arrangements in real time during the two-hour workshop. Handouts will be provided that cover how to choose chords, how to arrange a playable left-hand part, and some simple tools for adding interest. You’ll also be provided with a packet of traditional melodies that we can choose from. I use Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented. At the end of the workshop, you'll get a PDF of all the arrangements created during the workshop. The class will be limited in size. Cost: $30 per person. Here’s how to register: http://tinyurl.com/SimpleButBeautiful

• Saturday, 9/23/23, 11 am - 1 pm pacific time -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at The Celtic Tea Shoppe in San Jose, located at 4432 Pearl Ave., San Jose, CA

• Saturday, 9/24/23, 4 - 6 pm  -- I will be performing on solo harp and vocal, and as ensemble leader for the Harpers Hall Ensemble at Wildwood Park in Saratoga.

October --

• Saturday, 10/7/23 10:00 am -12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour online harp workshop, "Beyond the Basics!”  With my guidance, you will apply chord extensions and substitutions, along with rhythmic elements from modern styles to co-create "jazzy" arrangements in real time during the two-hour workshop. Handouts will be provided, including chord substitution charts, chord extension charts, and traditional tunes that can be arranged. I use Sibelius in a shared screen to demonstrate how the ideas can be implemented. At the end of the workshop, you'll get a PDF of the arrangements created during the workshop. The class will be limited in size. Cost: $30 per person. Here’s how to register: http://tinyurl.com/BeyondBasics231021 

Here are some comments from previous classes:

 "Verlene - this was pretty much my idea of heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for the wonderful class!!!!!!!!! I learn so much from you!!!!!!!!!!!! I so hope this class continues! LOVE IT!"

 "Awesome again - it really makes my brain work, and takes my mind off everything else that is going on!” "Very informative and easy format to follow."

 "It was exactly what I was looking for. I also learn best by hearing, so in a way I understand about cool chords, but I am not familiar with them, and so being lazy, I too often fall back on the same-old, same-old. I will never in this lifetime be able to learn this information from a book, but doing it this way (and more than once) will allow me to gain familiarity with chords so that I can just start adding them in. Finally, release from the dreaded triad chord, HOORAY!" 

• Sunday, 10/8/23,4:30 - 7:30 pm -- I will be performing with Gaelic Muses at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, located at 1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA.

• Saturday, 10/14/23 10:00 - 11: 30 am pacific time (1 - 2:30 eastern time) I will be presenting a webinar for the series "Creativity and Innovation in Music" for Hospice and Healthcare. Singing with the Harp – Modern Styles Description:  Learn the modern grooves and chords to use for accompanying yourself in jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock, country, and other modern styles.  This will be a hands-on webinar and will be “hand-out heavy.”  So, bring your harps, and be prepared to have a lot of fun learning rhythmic patterns and cool chords!  We will explore how these skills can be used in the therapeutic music setting. Register here: https://atriumhealthfoundation.org/interludemusic

• Saturday, 10/21/23 10:00 am -12:00 pm pacific time -- I will be presenting a two-hour online harp workshop, "Intro to Improvisation!” Although this workshop is primarily for lever or pedal harp, other instruments are also welcome! Improvisation can be used in many settings: providing music behind meditation; playing bedside music; waiting for your cue to start processional music, or simply for creative expression! We’ll cover some basic concepts of improvisation, and apply some simple tools for both right hand and left hand (melody and accompaniment)! Your handouts will include these concepts and tools and also some easy chord progressions you can use in any application. Cost: $30 per person. Here’s how to register: http://tinyurl.com/ImprovIntro230916