Ensemble Works for All Levels!

Finding repertoire for harp ensemble can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if the group has mixed levels and harp types. We’ve gathered some of the best beginner and advanced-beginner works that use two to five harp parts. We think any ensemble would love to play these!

All works are lever-harp friendly. 

Beginner Harp Ensemble Works

The Blue Dragonfly

by Emily DeLia
(Four lever or pedal harps)

This fun, original piece by Emila DeLia is light-hearted, shimmery, and has a hint of bluesiness with its use of lever/pedal slides and harmonics. It is sure to be a hit with a student ensemble!

Down the River

by Angela Klöhn
(Two lever or pedal harps)

This original work by Angela Klöhn creates a peaceful and meditative mood suitable for all ensemble performance occasions. Part one plays the melody while part two plays soothing arpeggios.

Spinning (in circles)

by Michelle Velvin
(Two lever or pedal harps)

This short, playful duet is comprised of consistent eighth notes in a pentatonic scale pattern that makes it quite sparkly and fun to listen to. It would certainly engage me if I was student learning it. For other beginner duets by Velvin, see her collection Seven Easy Duets for Beginner Harpists.

Infant Holy

arr. Marilyn Rummel
(Three-four lever or pedal harps)

I have recently come to love this traditional Polish carol. The tune is equally used during Easter or Christmas as a hymn, making it quite versatile in an ensemble’s repertoire. Rummel’s version offers parts for mixed-level players from beginner to advanced beginner and intermediate. 

Stella Mattutina

by Daniele Garella
(Two lever or pedal harps)

Garella’s original composition provide a very harp-esque soundscape for your audience with this romantic and dreamy work that uses flowing arpeggios and harmonics. 

The Enchanted Village

Anna Thormahlen Jenkins
(Two or three lever or pedal harps)

This collection by Anna Thormahlen Jenkins includes eight original works for two or three lever or pedal harps. Perfect for students who have only taken a few lessons, this book includes scores, parts, fun questions to encourage students’ imaginations, and blank spaces for drawing pictures related to the pieces.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

arr. Stephanie Bennett
(Two to five lever or pedal harps)

Everyone is sure to know this fun American sports favorite by Albert Von Tilzer. Bennett’s arrangement allows for full flexibility in ensemble as you can perform this with anywhere from two to five harps! 

Advanced Beginner Harp Ensemble Works

Calypso By the Sea

by Harriet Adie
(Two lever or pedal harps)

If you’re looking for a fun, summery duet, look no further! This upbeat original by Harriet Adie uses jazzy rhythms and soundboard percussion to keep students entertained.

The Ash Grove

arr. Stephen Dunstone
(Two or three lever or pedal harps)

I have fond memories of playing “The Ash Grove” in harp ensemble while I was growing up, so I knew I had to include Stephen Dunstone’s arrangement on this list. I have always loved the joyous, moving melody of this Welsh tune. Dunstone offers melody and harmony-only parts to provide better ensemble flexibility.

Brigid Cruise

arr. Serena O’Meara
(Two lever or pedal harps)

Tunes by Turlough O’Carolan are always fun to play! I’ve always liked the melody of this peppy air, and with O’Meara’s arrangement both harp parts get to play it evenly. This would make a nice, joyous ending to a harp ensemble concert.

Spanish Romance

arr. Megan Reeve
(Two lever or pedal harps + optional pedal harp part)

What’s not to love with this romantic classic? A classical piece with Spanish flair and emotion makes it enjoyable for all audiences. Reeve’s arrangement is perfect for mixed-level ensembles: part one is beginner level, part two is advanced beginner level, and there is an optional part three (pedal harp only) at the intermediate level that holds down the signature triplets in the melody. 

Mountain Mist

by Joy Slavens
(Two lever or pedal harps)

This peaceful-yet-playful original piece by Slavens is a joy to play in a harp ensemble. No part gets left out as the melody weaves between the two parts.

Watching the White Wheat

arr. Jeffrey Howard
(Three lever or pedal harps)

This well-loved harp classic is now available for advanced beginner duet! Audiences are sure to love this short and sweet traditional Welsh melody.

Le Bon Petit Roi d’Yvetôt

arr. Jacqueline Pollauf
(Three lever or pedal harps)

This folk tune reminds me of my days of a student learning the harp in the best way. Pollauf’s arrangement is full of excitement and pep! Each verse adds another layer culminating with the last verse that has brilliant glissandos.

Need even more ideas? Browse over 800 harp ensemble titles right here at Harp Column Music!

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