For more than 25 years,
respected harp teacher Mary Muckle developed ensemble arrangements for her students, believing that making music together should be part of every harpist’s education—not something reserved for advanced players.
The result is Harp and Soul: A Harp Ensemble Tutor, a substantial collection that has become a valuable resource for teachers looking to introduce collaborative music-making from the earliest stages of learning.
Unlike many ensemble collections that simply present repertoire, Harp and Soul is designed as a teaching guide. The book includes duets, trios, quartets, sextets, and flexible arrangements for beginning through mixed-level ensembles. Each selection is accompanied by teaching notes, historical background, performance suggestions, and individual parts, making it easy to incorporate into private lessons, group classes, workshops, or harp ensemble rehearsals.
The music reflects Mary Muckle’s wide-ranging musical interests, drawing from folk traditions around the world, classical repertoire, early music, and even familiar popular songs. Throughout the collection, students are encouraged to develop listening skills, rhythmic confidence, creativity, and the joy of making music with others.
Recently, The Harp Column recognized the educational value of this publication, describing it as “a great resource for students and teachers.” The review also noted that Muckle provides “materials and a framework to integrate collaborative playing from the early stages of a harpist’s journey.”
We are delighted to see this thoughtful collection receive the recognition it deserves. Whether you’re building a school harp ensemble, teaching private students, or searching for engaging music for mixed-level groups, Harp and Soul offers years of practical and rewarding repertoire.
Explore Harp and Soul: A Harp Ensemble Tutor at FolkHarp.com.