Mar 7: The Anatomy of an Arrangement with Laura Zaerr

Saturday, March 7, 2026

2pm – 4pm

Dusty Strings 3406 Fremont Ave N

Maximum Enrollment: 16

Registration & Refund Deadline: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

We will look closely at two well-known Gaelic tunes, Chro Chinn t’Sàile and Chi Mi Na Mór-bheanna. We start by playing with the breath of the Gaelic text, then playing the melody only, and then gradually work into some arranging devices to enhance the pathos of these ancient airs. You will learn a new set of tricks for arranging and a renewed appreciation for the apparent simplicity of these haunting melodies.     

Skills Needed: All levels welcome. You don’t have to have previous experience with the harp, but a few lessons ahead of time and some basic music reading skills might be useful. This is a "jump-in-at-whatever-level-you-feel-comfortable-with" hands on workshop. We will move quickly and cover several techniques which could be engaged with simply or more in-depth. 

What to Bring: A tuned harp (31 string minimum, tuned with B flats). Music stand, pen, or pencil. Handouts will be provided. Recording device optional. Need a harp? Dusty Strings can provide a loaner harp for the workshop. Please call the shop (206) 634-1662 at least a week beforehand as loaners are subject to availability.

Teacher: Laura Zaerr taught for 18 years at the University of Oregon, where she chaired the harp department. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in music performance and composition at the U of O. She holds a master’s degree in harp performance from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Eileen Malone. Over the past 30 years, Laura has produced several solo CDs featuring original compositions and arrangements of Celtic tunes. Laura has worked in various styles of music: Renaissance band, Baroque Italian Triple harp, Single action pedal harp, Medieval single row harp, and Brazilian jazz. She offers harp workshops and retreats in the Northwest, and is chair of the American Harp Society Young Composer’s Project. As well as maintaining a teaching studio Laura works for the local school district. When she is not playing harp or wrangling children, she can be sited whitewater kayaking.

laurazaerr.com

*Most classes and workshops are geared towards late-teens and adults. Younger learners will benefit most starting with private lessons.

If you have any questions about group classes, or the school in general, don’t hesitate to contact us at (206) 634-1662 or music@dustystrings.com.