It’s a Book. It’s a Workshop. It’s a Class
It’s a Method of Learning by Playing
Have you always wanted to improvise, but didn’t know where to start?
Have you been told about modes —
but never felt like you really got them in your hands and heart?
What if you discovered that modes are built into your harp?
WHY THIS WORKS
The Harp Is the Original Modal Instrument
Seven worlds of music. Same strings. Forget the levers and pedals.
Your harp was built for this.
Most instruments have to work hard to play modally. Yours doesn’t. The harp is one of the only instruments with a complete diatonic scale laid out string by string — full range, both hands.
Every mode is already there. You don’t change strings. You change which note feels like home.
“Modes” existed long before “Major” and “Minor” keys – and they’re a magical mix of jazzy harmonies and medieval ‘feel.’ Harp therapists use modes when they play at bedside – but jazz players use them, too – and “Modal Improv Magic” combines a new book with a workshop and a class so that harpists can enjoy the adventure of learning modes and exploring them with improvisation.
“So useful to have the repetition — really getting it into my head.” (Caroline T.)
“Just love the simplicity and musicality of this approach.” (Annie J.)
HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS
Once YOU take this class, here’s what changes. YOU can…
- Sit down and improvise in each mode
- Have tunes – AND improv prompts – for every mode.
- Extend other tunes into a full performance using improv prompts built into the book.
- Improvise in settings like therapeutic, sacred, social — in the moment with just your Modal Improv Magic Playbook
- Move between seven emotional realms without changing a single string.
- Experience being a musician who makes music — not just reproduces it.
What’s included in the “MODAL IMPROV MAGIC” Bundle?
This Playbook is a system that is perfect for use in music therapy, pre-jazz training, learning to improvise with vamps or looper pedals – and anyone who wants a simple method for improvising modal-style. With tunes & improv patterns in all 7 diatonic modes in C tuning PLUS 2 BONUS MODES: “Angel Mode” and the exotic “Phrygian Dominant”!
“GO MODAL!” INTRO WORKSHOPS
We’re adding introductory workshops so those who want to jump right in, or who already have experience with modes, can get the fundamentals first and start playing right away – and then access the longer step-by-step classrooms at their leisure.
‘MODAL IMPROV MAGIC’ LAB
Mondays – 9:30 AM ET from Mar. 2 until Apr. 6
We’re adding a new BONUS 6-Week “Modal Improv Magic Lab” with classical technique specialist Heleen Vandeputte to give you a deeper perspective on the modes themselves, and additional ways to access and apply what you learn in the class. Heleen’s 6 “Modal Improv Magic Lab” sessions are filmed every Monday from Mar. 2 – Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:30 AM ET and the replays will become an integral part of the self-paced “Modal Improv Magic” program. You are welcome to attend any or all of the live sessions – or just watch them via replay within 48 hours of filming.
‘MODAL IMPROV MAGIC’ ORIGINAL CLASSROOM
The original “Modal Improv Magic” class is already available for you to take as a self-paced class. You can jump in now, and use the original handout – or use the book, which includes the same or similar improvs.
Two teachers. Two doorways. One destination.
Deborah Henson-Conant
Grammy-nominated composer · Creator of the DHC Method
Deborah gives you the concept and the play. She is the creative impetus — she discovered these modal pathways through decades of performing. Her method is built for one goal: getting you to play and discover your own creativity, not just understand it.
Heleen Vandeputte
Classical harp technique specialist · Teacher who teaches teachers
Heleen takes the same territory from a completely different angle — precise, structural, physical. Her six-week LAB is where the system moves from your brain into your hands.
Deborah opens the door. Heleen walks you through it.
Which one are you?
Not everyone needs the same thing. Here’s how to know which path is right for you.
“I just need the map.”
You’re experienced enough to learn from a page. Tunes + improv prompts, organized by mode, open and play. Five minutes to your first modal improv.
“I need someone to orient me first.”
Two hours with Deborah will change how the book feels in your hands. The workshop is the ‘you are here’ marker before you head out on your own.
“I need a guide, not just a map.”
You want to be walked through it — step by step, at your own pace, with the why as well as the what. Rewind, replay, revisit.
“I want to embody it, not just in mind.”
Six weeks with Heleen — a teacher who teaches teachers — takes you from concept to embodiment. The class opens the door. The LAB walks you through it.
Invest in Your Creative Freedom
“MODAL IMPROV MAGIC” teaches you how to combine modes and improv to play at your own level.
OPTION 1:
Register for the “MODAL IMPROV MAGIC” Bundle
(Includes 12-Months Access)
The Playbook + “Go Modal!” Intro Workshops
6-Module “Modal Improv Magic” Class
BONUS! Live 6-Week “Modal Improv Magic” LAB
with Heleen Vandeputte
Your Investment: $497 $397
(credit card or PayPal)
OPTION 2:
Hip Harp Academy Membership
The “Modal Improv Magic” Bundle is included, along with dozens of other Classes, plus Coaching and Community.
Yearly Membership:
Your Investment: $1997 $1797
(credit card or PayPal)
3-month Payment Plan Available
“I love that I can just sit down and PLAY.
YOU did that for me!” (Lynn L.)
“I never dreamed I could play easy creatively. You gave me confidence to be simple, to explore — just do it.”(Anita S.)
The gate is open.
Seven worlds. Same strings. No wrong notes.
Your harp was born for this. All that’s missing is the map.
You can apply 100% of your purchase to your Hip Harp Academy membership within 30 days.
You’ll get instructed how to, once you have purchased.