Confab: a meeting or conference of members of a particular group.
“Teaching at JPG Harp Confab has been one of the best experiences that I have ever had!!! It’s a harp immersion that benefits all of the students because there are so many opportunities for personal interactions with the instructor and each other. JPG Harp Confab allows the instructor to have the space to creatively work with the participants, and everyone leaves better than they came!!” ROBBIN GORDON-CARTIER
“You have created a harp conference that is second to none.” FRANK VOLTZ
“JPG’s motto, ‘For the love of the harp,’ says it all. With enthusiastic students, delicious catered lunches, a student recital, and a final sharing session, it’s a well-organized, joyous celebration for harpists of all levels. Don’t miss this ‘Confabulous’ weekend!” KIM ROBERTSON
“JPG is an absolute gem. The collaborative energy is uplifting and inspiring. Without a doubt, JPG is one of the best harp retreats on the planet! I can't wait to visit lovely Chattanooga again!” SUNITA STANESLOW
JPG Harp Confab 2027 with Rachel Hair
July 7 - 10, 2027 - Chattanooga, Tennessee
Make plans to join us in 2027!
PLAY! LEARN! HAVE FUN!
Get ready for three unforgettable days where your creativity blossoms, your confidence grows, and your joy of the harp truly takes flight. Imagine being surrounded by fellow harpists, world-class instruction, and an atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and inspiration—from the first note of the morning to the last evening session.
Spend your days playing, learning, experimenting, and connecting as your harp world expands with every note you play.
The best part? The full three-day instructional experience includes a workbook, snacks, and lunch.
Space is limited, and excitement is building—save your seat now and make music with us!
FUN BONUS - Easy Strings Meet & Greet | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
On Wednesday evening, we’ll officially kick off the JPG Harp Confab with a relaxed and welcoming night of connection, music, and camaraderie.
Meet your JPG Confab Team hosts and our wonderful instructor, Rachel Hair, and settle in for an evening designed to bring our harp community together. Enjoy a special short performance by Rachel, mingle with fellow harpists, share stories and laughter, and get a sneak peek at the exciting days ahead.
Come as you are, make some new friends, reconnect with old ones, and let the music set the tone for a wonderful Confab.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
How do you get started? Click on the STORE page and then click on HARP CONFAB to complete the form and pay with your credit card.
Rachel Hair
Rachel is a much sought after celtic harp teacher worldwide, and has taught Scottish harp at numerous celtic harp festivals throughout the world. She has published 7 books of harp arrangements and compositions, and her music has featured on the syllabuses of the ABRSM grade exams, the Trinity College London grade exams, the RCS Scottish Harp grade exams and many national clarsach competitions.
Now based in Glasgow, a Scottish city renowned for its melting pot of musical and cultural style, Rachel is passionate about promoting the harp, Scotland’s most ancient of instruments. She strives to open up fresh horizons for it, removing it from its stereotypical, stuffy ballroom image, whilst always remaining true to her Highland roots.
JPG Harp Confab Schedule
Dates – July 7 - 10, 2027
Wednesday - JPG HARP CONFAB CHECK-IN from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (NOTE: If you are lodging at UTC, please come at the beginning of registration to receive your lodging check-in instructions)
Easy Strings Meet & Greet from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Because all harpists register online, all you have to do is give your name, and you will be given your JPG Harp Confab Workbook. Next, you will place the column of your harp on one of the colored circles on the floor, and place your harp bag in the storage area. Bring your bench and music stand. Chairs are available if you need them.
BONUS: No moving your harp from one classroom to another for instruction. Set up your harp on time and leave it for the duration of the Confab!
Easy Strings Meet & Greet from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. We will officially kick off the JPG Harp Confab with a relaxed and welcoming night of connection, music, and camaraderie.
Meet your JPG Confab Team hosts and our wonderful instructor, Rachel Hair, and settle in for an evening designed to bring our harp community together. Enjoy a special short performance by Rachel, mingle with fellow harpists, share stories and laughter, and get a sneak peek at the exciting days ahead. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
Thursday – 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Daily Breaks and Lunch are provided each day.
JPG Harp Confab Capacity:
Number of Instructors – 1, Rachel Hair
Number of students – 50 max
Location: JPG Harp Confab is held in scenic Chattanooga, TN, with easy access from CHA airport and BNA and ATL airports by shuttle van. It is also accessible by I75 and I24. The address for our 2027 camp is:
Red Bank United Methodist Church, 3800 Dayton Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37415
Fee: $425 **Early Bird Special - $395 ends 3/31/27
The fee for the 2027 JPG Harp Confab includes:
Instruction by Rachel Hair
Workbook
Lunch and snacks daily
Wednesday, heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages during the Easy Strings Meet & Greet (A Companion Ticket is available for this event. Click Here to purchase a companion ticket)
Cancellation Policy: Registration is refundable, except for the small percentage that Squarespace keeps, until May 1, 2027. By May 1, supplies are purchased, printed, etc. Even then, we will do our best to work with you if the reason for cancellation is illness or a death in your family.
What to bring:
Bring your harp, music stand, and bench. Chairs are provided, if needed. Dress is comfortable. We recommend you bring a sweater in case the room is too cool for you. We strive to strike a happy medium, but people have different temperature needs. A water bottle is also recommended, as open beverage containers in the harp area is not allowed.
Lodging:
Chattanooga is a tourist city, and there are many hotels in the downtown area close to where we will hold the confab. To get the best price, sites such as priceline.com or airbnb.com can offer discounts and many options.
For 2027, we are excited to partner with the University of Tennessee Chattanooga to offer housing in one of their single-room, apartment-style dorms for TBD per night, per person. The UTC campus is located in downtown Chattanooga, a short drive from where the JPG Harp Confab is taking place.
UTC LODGING WILL OPEN SOON
Here’s What You Will Learn With Rachel
As you PLAY, you LEARN – and here are some of the things you’ll learn
2027 JPG Harp Confab Class Offerings:
Manx Magic - Discover the magic of Manx music with a selection of beautiful tunes from the mystical Isle of Man. Explore the stories and traditions behind the music while adding some Manx gems to your repertoire.
Celtic Cousins - Come on a musical journey through tunes from lesser-known Celtic countries and discover the stories behind the music while adding some great new tunes to your repertoire.
Scottish Slow Airs - Transport yourself to the beautiful Highlands of Scotland as Rachel teaches you some beautiful slow airs that just sing on the harp.
Feel Good Factor - Don't you just love those tunes that just fit so well on the harp? Rachel has a knack for finding tunes that are super satisfying to learn, feel great under the fingers, and sound just wonderful.
Simply Scottish - Learn some simply wonderful Scottish tunes, whilst learning about the culture and stories behind them.
Instant Harp Ensemble - Enjoy the thrill of playing as a large ensemble. Rachel will guide you through a specially arranged piece, providing music and guiding you through each part. Parts will be tailored for elementary, intermediate, and more advanced.