Therapeutic Music Workshop with Kim Kirkman - July 2022

By Gary Moody

The FNQ Harp Society was privileged to have Kim Kirkman run a harp therapy workshop in June in Cairns, with attendees also joining in online. Kim is renowned Australia wide for his harp therapy skills. His natural skill with the harp builds on a strong musical foundation as a violist, vocalist, musical director and member of the 10 Tenors, and teaching music composition, conducting and music technology at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

The workshop focused on learning modes (scale patterns) for healing, and how we can creatively combine modes, rhythms, and improvisation for music therapy. Kim ran a very practical hands-on workshop. Following each mode that he taught, attendees had their harps (and one synthesiser) to practice and play with the techniques on the spot. We learnt how different chordal patterns evoke particular emotions. The Aeolian mode alternating between A, C, and E gave a very sombre feeling. Ionian mode C, E, G was very joyous. By using different modes and patterns for particular clients, we can take them on a journey from more challenging emotions to feeling joy and at ease. As we practiced getting a good rhythm in the base, Kym invited us to start experimenting with basic improvisation melodys. He continued to teach us a number of combinations of modes, which we could take home with us to practice and experiment with. The modal system was very easy to learn the basics on. So everyone was able to quickly produce beautiful sounding music!

Kim established a very fun and relaxed atmosphere for the workshop. He encouraged us to just relax and not worry about mistakes. He taught us that there are no mistakes, and that the notes that we didn't intend to play add character and personality to our music.

We look forward to Kim coming back in the future!