No way!
As harpists, we get paid to make beautiful music, entertain our audience, and help events flow smoothly. Lever harpists can achieve those goals just as easily as pedal harpists. You are still the same charming harpist, using up your same time and gas money to arrive polished, regardless of whether you play pedal or lever harp.
Some of my clients even prefer the lever harp over the pedal harp, and they all love being asked “which harp would you like?” For example, this summer, a client wanted to book me on their private jet but was concerned about the height of the harp. Easy solution—lever harp!
For outdoor weddings, I market the lever harp as the more secure choice. I can wait just a little longer if inclement weather arrives before I pick up my lever harp and amplifier and run. My contract even gives five degrees more leeway each way for the lever harp since I can move to stay in the shade throughout the event. After my pedal harp had a yachting accident two years ago coming off Chicago’s First Lady, I only offer lever harp for outdoor events. That hasn’t slowed business one bit.
That being said, obviously you must practice on and maintain your lever and pedal harps if you offer both in order to deliver a polished performance. Finding a battery-powered amplifier that makes both instruments sound their best is also a huge help.
—Janelle Lake, Chicago, Ill
It’s tempting to say “yes” to this question, but I have had some second thoughts, and now I say “maybe, maybe not.” Here’s why. My clients are really paying for me, not for my instrument. I will bring the same level of professionalism, experience, and care to their event no matter how many strings I am using. So my basic fee is the same for any type of harp I play.
That said, I always charge an additional moving and travel fee, and here is where I make variations depending on what effort I have to put in besides playing music. If I have to haul any harp plus amplification equipment to the venue, set it all up, and do a sound check, the fee is currently $100. If a harp and amp have to go up the tram to Heavenly Valley, it’s more (way more). If I need to come costumed and set up my Renaissance-themed canopy for a lever harp wedding and reception in a mountain meadow, it will take extra time and effort, and I charge for that as well. If I am playing lever harp unamplified for an intimate local gathering, the moving fee is $50.
Maybe this is splitting hairs, but it helps me to keep the focus on what my fees are for, and avoids encouraging people to assume that “smaller equals cheaper.” (Or easier.) It also makes it easier to explain to clients exactly what they’re getting for their money.
—Beverly Colgan, Sparks, Nev.
I will sometimes charge a bit less when I perform with a lever harp. It does depend on the situation. For example, I don’t like taking my pedal harp outdoors, so I will offer to use my lever harp for these kinds of occasions. It is easier to move around, especially if the weather turns sour. And if I don’t have to haul an amplifier and accessory equipment, a music stand and music, I am willing to wave the cartage fee.
Essentially, it comes down to whether I can load everything into my car in one trip and then in and out at the venue and back home. For me, that can be worth the $25-50 price break.
I don’t necessarily give this entire list of exceptions to the client, but I will ask specific questions (such as the size of the event, the setting of the venue, music preferences, etc.). If they are asking for a price break, or I sense that this fee difference will clinch the deal, I will offer them the option of bringing the lever harp and allowing me to choose the music, within the framework of their style preferences.
I also send them a photo showing the harp, so that they are fully aware of its size and appearance. •
