Pop Arranging for the Modern Harpist

Have you ever wanted to play a song you love on the harp by ear but didn’t know where to begin? Have you wanted to turn a lead sheet or piano score into a harp-friendly arrangement that sounds good and feels great to play?

Join acclaimed harpist, recording artist, and arranger Lizzie Steiner for an engaging workshop on transforming the pop songs you love into arrangements that feel natural, expressive, and distinctly your own.

Drawing from her classical training and her work across R&B, soul, pop, and contemporary music, Lizzie will guide participants through the arranging process from choosing a song and listening with intention to identifying melody, harmony, bass lines, rhythm, and texture. Together, we’ll explore how the harp can take on the roles of the lead singer, bass player, guitarist, keyboardist, and drummer without losing clarity or groove.

Along the way, Lizzie will share practical approaches for finding chords and reference materials, learning by ear, choosing comfortable voicings, and adding structure and interest with arpeggios, cross-unders, rhythmic patterns, and harp-specific special effects. Most importantly, we’ll talk about trusting your musical instincts and making creative choices that reflect your own taste and personality. Lizzie will also address how to tailor arrangements for different performance contexts, from solo gigs and collaborations to recording and social media.

Arranging your own music is a wonderful way to expand your repertoire, strengthen your musicianship, and begin developing a sound that is uniquely yours. Whether you’re creating your first pop arrangement or looking for fresh inspiration, you’ll leave with a clear process you can use with the songs you love.

All levels are welcome. Admission is pay-what-you-can.