Galiano Island Harp Retreat
with Josh Layne
Galiano Island Harp Retreat – April 23-25, 2027
Enjoy a weekend of music and workshops at a 4 star resort on beautiful Galiano Island!
Josh Layne (of Harp Tuesday fame) is the tutor, and the weekend includes front row seats for his solo concert on Saturday, April 24th.
Early Bird Registration! Book by January 31 and save!
All inclusive, with a shared suite $510 ($585 after Jan. 31)
All inclusive, with a shared villa $565 ($640 after Jan. 31)
All inclusive, single occupancy suite $735 ($810 after Jan. 31)
All inclusive, single occupancy villa $850 ($925 after Jan. 31)
(Read about the difference between suites and villas here).
Level – workshops will be geared to an intermediate level with the assumption that participants are comfortable reading sheet music. Sheet music and handouts included.
Harps not provided – bring your own harp! :) (Want to attend but not able to bring a harp? It’s possible a rental can be arranged – please email galianoislandharpretreat@gmail.com )
Schedule:
Friday, April 23rd:
Arrive on Galiano from Tswawssen Terminal at 9:55 am or 4:20 pm (book online at https://www.bcferries.com/RouteSelectionPage ) or from Swartz Bay at 10:10 am or 4:20 pm (this is a non-reservable sailing so arrive by 3:45 to ensure boarding) for an evening reception and welcome party at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn starting at 6:00 pm.
Informal session/jam party Friday evening in the Garden room.
Saturday, April 24th:
Harp Session 1 – Technique Bootcamp
Time for nature walk or exploring Sturdies Bay shops
Lunch at the Galiano Inn provided
Harp Session 2 – Leadsheets! We’ll learn a traditional Celtic piece from a leadsheet.
Coffee and tea break
Harp session 3 – Practice makes perfect – talk and demonstration/participation.
Pizza dinner from Babes in the Woods Restaurant at the historic Galiano Community Hall (optional, orders taken Saturday morning) or choose to dine at the Galiano Inn.
Josh Layne – solo concert at the Galiano Community Hall (open to the public). Josh will have just returned from a European tour and will be performing a program ranging from Bach to Josh’s own compositions.
Sunday, April 25th:
Harp session 4 – Learn a piece – Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Check out at 11:00, harps may be stored safely in Garden Room until Ferry time.
Lunch at the Galiano Inn provided
Josh will be available for individual or group coaching in 30 minute spots (6 available). Not included in package price – email Josh if interested.
Or
Time for a beach walk or book a spa appointment
Pack up
Time to catch the ferry to Tswawwassen at 4:55pm or to Swartz Bay at 4:20pm
Email us to sign up!
Tell us what type of accommodations you would like to book (and if you want to book a shared place, let us know who you’re sharing with) and we’ll send you payment info
On Sunday we’ll tackle my arrangement of Bach’s iconic Toccata in D minor (sheet music included). The goal of the workshop won’t be to get it in performance shape, but to get the general shape under your hands and give you the tools and confidence to polish it on your own!
Questions? Email us!
Registration info
The harp retreat will take place at The Galiano Inn (except for Josh’s concert on Saturday at the historic Galiano Community Hall) – the Inn is located five minutes from the ferry terminal and offers a luxurious west coast experience.
The Inn offers suites and villas. For the retreat you can book a suite or villa to yourself or share with a friend. If you’re interested in booking shared accommodations and would like to get in touch with other interested attendees, email us.
The full package price includes:
All workshops and events, sheet music and handouts included.
2 nights of accommodations at the Galiano Inn.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks, as follows:
Friday evening reception
Saturday breakfast basket, lunch, afternoon tea and coffee.
Saturday dinner is on your own, or join us at the Galiano Community hall for pizza – not included in package price.
Sunday breakfast basket, mid-morning tea and coffee, lunch
Early bird prices – book by January 31, 2027
All inclusive, with a shared suite $510 ($585 after Jan. 31)
All inclusive, with a shared villa $565 ($640 after Jan. 31)
All inclusive, single occupancy suite $735 ($810 after Jan. 31)
All inclusive, single occupancy villa $850 ($925 after Jan. 31)
Non-harpist partner. Want to bring along your non-harp-playing partner? Book a suite or villa for the two of you! They can enjoy exploring beautiful Galiano island during the workshops (or check out the Inn’s spa…). Price includes a ticket to Josh’s concert on Saturday evening and the same food and non-alcoholic drinks that harpist attendees get.
Harpist+non harpist package, double occupancy suite $900 ($975 after Jan. 31)
Harpist+non harpist package, double occupancy villa $1010 ($1085 after Jan. 31)
Cancellation policy:
Cancel before January 1, 2027 – full refund minus a $50 admin fee.
Cancel between January 2 and February 20, 2027 – 50% refund
Cancel after February 20, 2027 – no refund.
Book now! Limited spaces available. Registration Cut Off – February 20, 2027