Harpsichord Tuning & Maintenance Workshop

H.I.P.S.T.E.R. invites participants to a weekend course on Harpsichord Tuning & Maintenance, which will take place on the scenic campus of the University of Limerick from 21–22 May in the spacious and beautiful studio of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. Participants will gain hands-on experience in addressing the principal aspects of tuning and maintaining harpsichords, and will have access to a variety of instruments, including single and double-manual harpsichords.

Taught by one of the foremost experts in the field, Anton Amir of Klinkhamer Harpsichords & Fortepianos (Amsterdam), the workshop is aimed at all who are interested in knowing more about, and working with, harpsichords—from beginner to experienced, as well as professionals who wish to “brush up” on their skills. Each of the two days includes sessions on tuning in different temperaments, as well as practical issues, such as replacing a quill, changing strings, damping & regulation of the various registers, stuck keys, badly functioning jacks, and more.

Day 1 (Saturday 21 May)

A.M. session: Maintenance Matters

P.M. session: Tuning & Temperament

Day 2 (Sunday 22 May)

A.M. session: Tuning & Temperament

P.M. session: Tuning Practice, Maintenance Questions & Answers

Tuning & Maintenance tools and materials will be provided for the course and are available for purchase afterward.

Instruments will be provided.

Cost: €100 Full weekend (recommended) or €60/day

Participants are limited to 10 (an additional number of non-participating observer places are available)

Meals and accommodation are not provided as part of the fee.