All around this site, you will find scattered people's plaudits, not about me, but about the Autoharp...a simple little instrument that transforms lives! I think acoustic music is especially important for the well being of the modern world, and many many would agree! For quotes that are actually about ME, you can scroll down this page to the bottom!
ABOUT HAL WEEKS
Hal Weeks has been a professional musician since 1989.
In school, he majored in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Several of his musical compositions and theater scores were performed.
After changing to folk music and autoharp, He worked for a decade as a professional children's entertainer, both solo, and as part of The Imagination Makers Theater Company, presenting literally hundreds of assembly programs in the Colorado school systems. He also performed at Libraries, Fairs, YMCA's, Rec Centers and Summer Camps and was a favorite at the Denver Children's Museum.
Hal also performed in numerous Senior Centers, Retirement and Nursing Homes.
He has been teaching Autoharp for 20 years.
In 1996 he won the title of National Autoharp Champion at Avoca, IA
In 2016 he began his regular YouTube offerings; the series is called “Stalking the Wild Autoharp” and Hal has been posting weekly ever since: Tutorials, Interviews, Tips, Tricks, Repairs and Maintenance and even more are covered with humor and simplicity.
In 2018 he was awarded 2nd place in the International Autoharp Championship at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS.
Also, in 2018 he moved to Washington State and became an Apprentice Luthier at d’Aigle Autoharps, where he continues to hang his hat. He teaches his zoom lessons from the d’Aigle Shop.
Hal has taught Autoharp numerous workshops at the California Autoharp Gathering, Northwest Autoharp Gathering, D'Aigle Autoharps and Folk Instruments, The National Old Time Music Festival in Avoca IA, Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield KS, and Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering.
He also played Native American Flute weekly at the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
A link to a performances page with numerous videos of Hal’s playing and singing.
Some of the Places Hal Weeks has appeared:
Boulder Creek Fest, Boulder Colorado
Cherry Creek Arts Fest, Denver Colorado
California Autoharp Gathering (Fresno Folklore Society), Fresno, California
Arizona Autoharp Fiesta, Phoenix Arizona
Northwest Autoharp Gathering, Gaston OR
Denver Children's Museum, Denver, Colorado
Swallow Hill Music Association’s “Best of” series, Denver CO
National Old Time Music Association Festival, Avoca IA
Hundreds of Schools and Libraries throughout Colorado
City of Denver Concerts in the Park Series, Denver, Colorado
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT HAL:
"It is great to see Hal Weeks back, and with ideas as fresh as ever. Hal has always brought the autoharp into new territory, and he is now following up on what he started several years ago with the Prizim. Be prepared to hear and see a whole new perspective on what the autoharp can do!" --Pete Daigle, Luthier; Editor, Autoharp Quarterly.
"Hal's fingers are hard workers!" --The Japan Autoharp Society
"Hal Weeks won the title of 1996 National Autoharp Champion...that in itself ought to serve as an indication of the depth of his talent and ability....Hal's award at Avoca was no fluke...I, for one, look forward to hearing more from Hal Weeks ” Eileen Roys, Editor: Autoharp Clearinghouse Magazine
"Here's my advice to anyone thinking of using Hal Weeks' services as a musician: DO IT!" L.V, St John's Lutheran Church, Denver CO
"...the Pied Piper of the Autoharp..." D.L., Director, Alaya School, Boulder CO
"Hal returns for his fourth season with the California autoharp gathering...he brings his enthusiasm and goodwill to both the adults and youth participants. We look forward to seeing the “Pied Piper” again! --Mike Mueller, Director, California Autoharp Gathering