Back to All Events

Craft Your Own Ancient Song: Building a Tagelharpa

  • Lessons From the Art 189 North Main Street Iola, WI, 54945 United States (map)

Ever dreamed of building a musical instrument with your own hands? Imagine holding a piece of history, an instrument whose haunting, resonant voice echoes across centuries. In this immersive class, you won't just learn about the Tagelharpa, you'll build your very own from start to finish.

The Tagelharpa, a bowed lyre with roots deep in Nordic tradition, offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and captivating sound. This isn't just a woodworking class; it's a journey into the soul of an ancient instrument. You'll gain hands-on experience in essential instrument building skills as you meticulously sand, assemble, and glue the components of your Tagelharpa. Learn the secrets of finishing techniques that bring out the natural beauty of the wood, and master the intricate art of setting up the instrument for optimal playability. The ultimate personal touch? You'll even make your own horsehair strings, directly connecting you to the traditional methods.

By the end of this class, you'll walk away with more than just a beautifully crafted Tagelharpa; you'll possess the skills, the knowledge, and the profound satisfaction of having brought an ancient voice to life. No prior woodworking or musical experience is necessary.

Class Information

Date: Saturday, November 8th, 2025

Time: 9:30AM-5:00PM with a 30 minute lunch break. Local coffee and pastries with be available upon arrival and lunch will be provided. We will contact you for meal selection when class registration closes.

Location: Lessons from the Art, 189 N Main Street Iola, WI 54945  

Age Requirements: 18+   

Materials Fee: $10-Includes all instrument materials and PPE

Class Requirements: Power tools will be used in this class. Participants are required to dress in well fitting (NO loose clothing) clothing that can get dirty and dusty and are required to wear closed toed shoes. Required PPE: Hand, eye, and ear protection. PPE will be provided for you, but you may choose to bring your own if preferred.

Registration Closes: Saturday November 1st, 2025

Class Fee

We offer a sliding scale option for our class fees to enhance accessibility for all individuals interested in our classes. All full day classes (6-8 hours) include lunch. The class fee does not include materials; the materials fees is charged separately and charged as noted above. The materials fee is combined with the class fee when you add to cart. When adding the class to your cart, kindly choose the fee that best aligns with your circumstances based on the information provided below:

Advocate: $250

Choosing this level means you can comfortably pay above the standard class cost and have the financial resources to attend educational opportunities without concern for your budget. This generously enables us to offer reduced fees to others and support the school's continued growth.

Sustainer: $200

This level represents the standard class fee, chosen by those who can budget for enriching educational experiences. This directly supports the quality of our programs.

Partner: $150

This level offers a reduced class fee for those who need it to participate, ensuring our programs are accessible and welcoming to more individuals.

See our FAQ for more information.

Instructor Biography:

I am an Iola native with a degree in Audio Engineering. I spent years touring the world as a professional guitarist. A few years ago I saw my first tagelharpa and decided to make my own. Now after building dozens of them I want to pass my knowledge on to others.

Previous
Previous
July 27

Traditional Basketry