I’ve always thought that was kind of neat… I usually put all my pedals into flat like that at the end of a practice…

HOWEVER, I would definitely classify that technique as “do not use unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.” Unfortunately, the section that he demonstrated does not require the technique. However, he does look like he has good control of it. To each his own, but I can’t believe anyone would pick that over generally accepted pedal technique when the latter can be easily utilized.

~Sam

Here you go, Carl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcYBGbP8kyo

If your feet are suitable, you can use this technique and little enharmonic chord spelling in the Apotheosis from Swan Lake, also, and the pedaling becomes really easy.

But personally, my feet just aren’t large enough for me to be able to comfortably do this on a normal concert grand pedal box (haven’t tried it on an 85P–maybe I could do it there), and I find it generally easier to pedal with moderate high heels, which puts this technique totally out of bounds. Easy for guys, with their larger feet and flat shoes, though.

Holly said that she’d posted something over here, so I thought I’d come and say hi!

The pedal technique is something that for me is very easy and stable, but certainly not something I would suggest or teach beginning pedal harpists.

Josh- Every teacher teaches what works best for them. That’s only natural. I would expect you to explain what works for you in your video. But there is no need to disseminate inaccurate information, nor to criticize how other harpists play the instrument. In the end, that only reflects badly on you. The pose you take when talking about harpists who rest their right arm on the soundboard is idiotic and absolutely no one I have ever seen has ever held their arms in such a position. And as far as sound production goes, there is no basis whatsoever for saying that your technique is the only one that can produce a strong sound. So please, for your own credibility, stick to what you know.

After writing that last post, I did a little on line research on you. You mention Kathryn Ely as your teacher, so I went to her web site. And son of a gun, there’s a picture of her playing with her right hand resting on the soundboard!

-I have probably seen hundreds of harpists play in the position he describes-

Saul- Show me one picture- One-where the harpist plays with their elbows pointing at the floor, the upper arm pined to the torso, and the wrists bent out, as Josh demonstrates in his harp lesson. One.

The links aren’t posting right, but a google image search of “French harpist” brought up quite a few photos.

I agree with Saul. Carl, for your own credibility, show some respect. What Josh’s video shows is not intended disrespect, its just exagerration. (As all teachers utilize – and most to the extent that he showed, if not more!) I can surely speak for all of us when I say if you have a different teaching style, then please present it in a constructive, instead of berating manner.

Josh, I admire that you’re experimenting with new techniques, such as your pedal trick. Anything else up your sleeve? I’ve been working on some of my own, which I intend to write into etudes.