Teaching

 

Meinir is one of the UK's leading harp teachers, co-founding Telynau Morgannwg (the Glamorgan Harp Guild) and Coleg Telyn Cymru (the Welsh Harp College), whose courses attract students and teachers from around the word. She was appointed co-ordinator of harp studies at the Welsh College of Music and Drama in 1997, which is now the leading harp department in the UK.

Many of Meinir's pupils have gone on to glittering careers, including Katherine Thomas and Rachel Jones who both play with the Welsh National Opera, while Katherine regularly plays with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Some of Meinir's pupils have gone on the become teachers themselves, such as Eleri Darkins, who is currently working at the Harp Centre, Bangkok.

 

Orchestra of 100 Harps

Above: Coleg Telyn Cymru Orchestra of 100 harps - Millenium Stadium, BBC Songs of Praise

 

"Looking back, it’s difficult to believe that it was for only three years that I studied with Meinir. As a result of her vision and support, I was able to achieve a lot in a short period: winning first prize for the harp solo in both the National Eisteddfod of Wales and the National Urdd Eisteddfod; winning the under-19 harp competition at the World Harp Festival in 1991 and being accepted to the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. As well as being one of the main influences on my life as a classical musician, Meinir is also responsible for initiating my interest in Welsh folk music and its traditions. For this, I am most grateful to her."

Katherine Thomas

 

 

"Meinir Heulyn excels in teaching the essential basics of harp playing, such as correct and good technique, resulting in the best grounding to have for developing your playing of this instrument. Such knowledge is impressed on the pupil and this has increased her reputation as an outstanding teacher. Students are staunchly supported and encouraged in the extension and perfection of their repertoires. Meinir Heulyn gives a tremendous amount of her time and effort in promoting young and adult harpists in Wales."

Gwenith Gwyn Moon

 

Teaching at Llangrannog

Above: Coleg Telyn Cymru harp course at  Llangrannog, 1998. Amongst the

distinguished teachers were Osian Ellis, Elinor Bennett and Ann Griffiths.