The Irish Harp College System is based on the average achievement of a 12 year old child (i.e., a child who begins the curriculum at age 12 should complete level one in one year) Adult beginners and younger children may take a longer or shorter length of time to complete each level. The Irish Harp College System Teaches the "Language of Music" showing how it works, so you become the creator (arranger and composer) as well as a performer of other peoples' works: understanding how melody, harmony, and rhythm work to appreciating style, embellishment, balance, and resolution.

Develops necessary physical technique Such as strength, agility, speed, and control, to ensure safe and healthy performance.

Approaches the Experience of Music Holistically so it fulfills its role in everyday life; from self expression in a solo situation to participating in the traditional music session, from the performance of formal fixed music and stage presentations to improvisation in formal and informal contexts, from enriching the home environment to serving the community, church, schools, care facilities and business.

Encourages Collaboration with all Instruments by using the well know learning tunes common to all other traditional instruments, and encouraging group/formal ensemble performance.

Teaches Harmonization and Accompaniment intuitively through aural training, 'listening for what fits', before elaborating the geometry of the process.

Teaches Etiquette appropriate to every performance situation, particularly involving other accompaniment instruments.