Q: I’m really a beginner, and I’m a little apprehensive about attending this seminar. Will I be in over my head?

Absolutely not! Many rank beginners attend Beginning in the Middle, so you won’t be alone. You will learn a great deal from observing those with more experience, and we ’ve carefully chosen our instructors for their ability to work with harpists at all skill levels, especially those just starting out. Take note of the “levels” guidelines, and choose the classes that are right for you. If you are confused or need more information, don ’t hesitate to contact us directly.

Q: Should I bring my harp?

If you plan to participate in a harp ensemble or other class marked “harp required,” you must bring your own harp. You may want to bring your harp along to some other classes as well. Some participants find it handy to have their harps available to try out the new techniques and music they learn throughout the weekend.

Q: I can’t (or don’t want to) bring my harp to Beginning in the Middle. Will there still be things for me to do?

Yes! Many workshops do not require you to have a harp to participate, and in some cases, a harp will be provided for you, such as in our popular "group lessons." There are plenty of harps around, especially in the exhibit area, and you can often sit down at one of these harps to try something out. We guarantee there will be plenty for you to do and learn even if you cannot bring your harp.

Q: Are there harps available for rent?

No, unfortunately Beginning in the Middle does not have any rental harps available.

Q: Where should I stay?

All activities take place inside the Williamsburg Hospitality House, except the Friday evening faculty concert, which is at a nearby church, and dining options are plentiful. The Hospitality House offers a group rate of $80 per night to Beginning in the Middle participants. Rooms are not included in your tuition, and participants must book their rooms directly with the hotel. Be sure to ask for our discounted group rate, and remember, rooms are limited, so please book early.

Q: What about food?

Your Beginning in the Middle tuition does not include food. There are several restaurants located inside the Hospitality House, along with lots of dining options to accommodate all budgets within walking distance. Reservations are recommended for the nearby historic taverns inside Colonial Williamsburg.

Q: Should I bring my car?

All BTIM events, ample dining and shops, and Colonial Williamsburg are within walking distance so a car is not a neccesity. You may want a vehicle if you plan to tour the surounding area ’s attractions. The Friday night faculty concert requires a 15 minute walk through the quaint campus of William and Mary College; transportation can be arranged for those who are unable to walk this distance.

Q: Which airport should I fly to?

The closest airport is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, about 20 minutes by car. Richmond International Airport is about an hour by car.

Q: Can you pick me up at the airport?

No, we do not arrange for airport transportation, however there are shuttle services available that go directly to the hotel. You can find information on rental cars and shuttle services here.

Q: I’m coming by myself—can you find me a roommate?

Call and let us know you need a roommate, and we will do our best to match you up with someone else who needs one.

Q: When should I arrive?

Plan to arrive Thursday afternoon, if possible, so that you can register, have dinner, and attend the orientation meeting and festivities beginning at 7:30 p.m. Registration is from 5:00 —8:00 p.m. on Thursday. If you arrive late on Thursday, you can register on Friday morning.

Q: Can I come for just one day?

Yes, here are the costs for individual days.

Q: I’m not used to moving my own harp—will there be anyone around to help me?

Yes. Just come to the conference registration desk and ask a member of the BITM staff for assistance. Once inside the hotel, all seminar areas are easily accessible by elevator, and there are usually plenty of people around who can assist you. If you bring a harp, we highly recommend bringing your own transport dolly; you can borrow one from us, but you will have to wait in line!

Q: Is there storage space for my harp at the hotel?

No, there is no storage space in seminar areas for harps that are not being used. You will need to keep your harp in your own hotel room when you're not using it.

Q: Will my harp be safe?

We have never had any problems with harps in the past, and the faculty and staff feel very comfortable using their own harps for seminar classes and concerts. However, we cannot guarantee the safety of your harp, and we recommend that your harp insurance is up to date and paid before attending the seminar. Beginning in the Middle cannot take responsibility for damage that occurs to harps during the seminar.

Q: What do people wear?

Dress for daytime activities is casual—blue jeans and sneakers are the norm. Most people dress up a bit for evening events.

Q: Should I bring my harp to classes?

Only bring your harp to class if the class description suggests doing so; there is limited space in most rooms and we cannot accomodate harps left in hallways and classroom areas.

Q: Which Harp Ensemble class should I sign up for?

If you've never played in an ensemble before, or have been playing only a few years, sign up for level one. If you have previous ensemble experience and have been playing several years or more, sign up for level two. If you ’d like to try level two and discover that the music is too difficult, give us a call and we will re-assign you to level one.

Q: Can I sign up for Harp Ensemble on both Friday and Saturday mornings?

As long as there is not a waiting list for the harp ensemble class, we do not mind if you take it twice.

Q: Can I take both Harp Ensemble I and Harp Ensemble II?

Yes. We will assign you to level one on Friday, and level II on Saturday.

Q: There are too many classes—I can’t do everything I want to do!

We understand your dilema! However, we need to have several classes going on during each time period to accommodate the various interests and playing levels of everyone present. We also want the classes to be small enough that you will receive lots of personal attention. We know this means you won't be able to attend every class, but we'd rather give you too many options rather than too few.

Q: What is a Group Lesson?

A group lesson includes up to four people who will each get about 15 minutes to work one-on-one with the instructor; others may also observe but not participate in the lesson. You will all learn by listening to each other. You will be asked to play alone, and you will need to bring something to work on with the instructor, such as a piece you ’re learning or a specific question about your harp technique. This is a great way to get the direct insight of our outstanding faculty as they address your personal questions and concerns about playing the harp.

Q: Can I sign up for a private lesson?

If you would like one-on-one instruction in a private setting, you can sign up for a private lesson for an additional fee. Private lessons are extremely limited and most instructors fill their schedules before the start of the seminar, so be sure to indicate on your registration form if you would like a private lesson. Private lessons will be assigned first come, first serve based on the postmark or electronic date of your registration. If there are any free spaces left, you may sign up for a private lesson at the registration booth at the seminar.