A MUSICAL couple from Stroud are throwing a party to launch their new harp as part of their initiative to encourage people to learn the instrument in an affordable and accessible way.

Creag and Morwenna Louttit-Vermaat, two experienced harpists, launched their business ‘Hands on Harps’ in 2013.

They offer the chance for people to learn to play the harp in the comfort of their own homes through online video lessons, and the opportunity to rent a harp for an additional fee.

Since starting their business, Creag and Morwenna have made 100 harps, in an attempt to create an instrument that is light, portable, affordable, whilst also sounding bright and beautiful.

Creag and Morwenna told the SNJ that they wanted to break down the misconceptions that surround the harp, such as them being “heavy, ornate, fragile objects that whilst are beautiful to both look at listen to, are not overly portable, and most of all are difficult to learn.”

After many learning curves, the couple created a harp they were happy to sell.

However, since then they have been improving the original design with the help of engineers, teachers, musicians and designers, honing the instrument to create the model they have named the Morwenna Rose Mark II harp.

To mark the launch of this new model, they are having a party in the Subscription Rooms in Nailsworth on Sunday, July 2.

The day will include a harp orchestra, an opportunity to see where the harps are made, a chance to try the new harp model, as well as exclusive one day deals on lessons and harp purchases.

Creag and Morwenna met in Australia in 2007.

They both share a passion for music and travelling, interests which have taken them all over the world. From busking around Europe, to meeting the great-great-great granddaughter of Mozart, the experiences their harps have brought them fuelled the talented couple’s determination to make learning the instrument more accessible to people.

For £20 a month, people can join the subscription website and receive access to online video lessons, using their unique ‘Hands On Technique’, suitable for complete beginners. For £40 a month, a harp can also be rented.

The summer launch party of the Morwenna Rose Mark II starts at 1.30PM in the Nailsworth Subscription Rooms on Sunday, July 2. Limited places are available, so call 07961 512428 to avoid disappointment. For more information, visit: www.handsonharps.com/were-having-a-party/