you bring up a very interesting point, and one that I’ve thought a lot about, especially since I am a music education major (though harp is not my major instrument). I come from a place where there are no harpists, no harp teachers, no harps. I had to wait until I got to college to learn, and I’ve had to ‘catch up’ in a sense. I wish I could have had more exposure to the harp earlier on. I know of a teacher (I can’t recall her name), who has a very large harp program in the Odessa, TX schools. She starts younger students on lever harp, and the older students move up to pedal harp. She works for the school district, I believe. They own several harps, and I have heard their high school harp ensemble play. There are many school districts who will hire private teachers like her, especially in Texas.

When it comes to music education students learning harp and learning to teach it, I think it is a completely different situation. I took up harp because I wanted to, and I love it and would change my major if I could! But, as instrumental music education

Great topic Diane.

It’s a dilemma. Sometimes I wonder if the frilly image of the harp is held against it. I was asked to play a concerto not so long ago with a local orchestra and in choosing repertoire the conductor was quite restrictive and would not accept any modern repertoire. As “people do not want to hear ugly music on the harp” they want “feminine and beautiful” music. So, romantics only. He also stipulated that I had to leave my harp on stage before and after I played, uncovered, so people could oggle it, as mostly

The lightweight harp that you take around with you to teach is such an excellent idea! I do think that experiencing harps in every day settings will really help, make it less of a rarity and more of a possibility for kids too.

Good on ya Briggs!

Diane, in 2006 the American String Teachers Association published “A Harp in the School: A Guide for School Ensemble Directors and Harpists.” It’s a 75 page spiral-bound book edited by Chelcy Bowles, PhD.,with chapters contributed by

My friend Karen Conoan who teaches in the Omaha Public Schools wanted to post this but was having trouble posting.

My original certification was K-12 vocal and instrumental and I have
taught marching band, et.al. Often I arrange parts for the harp to
play with various ensembles. The most advanced harp ensemble I have at
present is four sixth graders. They are able to play at the advanced
beginner level.

Thanks Jennifer for your comments and also those by Karen. It has given me much food for thought, being a performer that is only now beginning to help out in the school system.

I am very grateful for the links listed on this thread.

Ta muchly!

Hi Jennifer,

There are so many challenges, but I’m trying to get harp out there more! I just think that there is so much untapped talent out there. Kids that will not encounter a harp any other way, but probably have oodles of talent and passion. I’m still formulating what I think of it all, and how I can best help out, and what approach to use to get them to buy harps!

So advice from gurls like you all, is much appreciated. Say thanks to Karen for me,

Ro.