featured in this issue
Belgian-born Anneleen Lenaerts landed what many harpists would consider the job of a lifetime at age 23. Find out what life is like for this busy, young virtuoso of Vienna.
itting on a bench behind a harp—for many of us, the journey begins here. Lesson after lesson with a local teacher who teaches us not only how to play the harp, but also shows us what it means to be a harpist. We learn about methods and technique, how to practice and perform. We study […]
Between nothing and something, between silence and sound, between a finger poised on a string and the burst of vibration at its release, lies the miracle of musical creation. You wield this primitive magic every time you play your instrument. The fulfillment it brings is probably the underlying reason you started playing the harp in […]
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If you haven’t read any of Deborah Henson-Conant’s article series Harpist Reinvented, do yourself a favor, turn over to pg. 12 right now and read the latest installment “Imperfect Completion.” I mean it. Stop reading this and go read that. When you’re finished there, go read the first two articles in the series from the […]
How a leap of faith landed one harpist on the beach. —by Elizabeth Joy ou want to do what?” my boss asks, shooting me a disapproving glance. “I am moving to Hawaii to be a professional harpist,” I say. His brow furrows. “‘Starving artist’ isn’t just an expression, you know. When you come back, come […]
Let’s talk about finishing things. If your stomach fell when you read those words, then you might suffer from perfectionistic paralysis. I’m with you. I have it too. I mean, except for the times when I break through the paralysis. But, honestly, I’m so tired of having to break through the paralysis. Whether it’s an […]
Reviews and more
10/10 Yolanda Kondonassis, harp, Jason Vieaux, guitar, Azica Records, 2015. I admit it. I was skeptical. While I love—and often play—recordings of both of these musicians—I was notfeeling confident about two plucked instruments played together. Would the sound be too much the same, too bland, or even somehow cancel out any individuality? Would I long […]
7/10 Ann Hobson Pilot, harp, Lucia Lin, violin, and J.P. Jofre, bandoneon, Harmonia Mundi, 2015. It seems every artist comes to a point in their career when they discover Argentina and specifically the tango. Hey, even I spent several months teaching and playing in this unusual melting pot of a country and recorded a testament […]
est anyone believe that the lever harp is easier to play than the pedal harp or that the repertoire is less virtuosic, take a look at this new collection of music for Celtic harp by Michael O’Sullivan. Published by Fatrock Ink, O’Sullivan intends the six pieces in “Valentia Suite” to be a “loving and nostalgic […]
This is [harp] life We asked harpists around the world to show us what their harp lives look like by sharing their photos on social media using the hashtag #practicalharpist. We saw hundreds of photos—from interesting to absurd. Here are a few of our favorites from this challenge. Check out the rest of the amazing […]
xcellent communication is key in any business. As a teacher and performer, communicating with students, their parents, clients, and booking agents is an everyday occurrence. Being prompt and courteous, without being invasive in those communications, is very important, and the reverse is also true. I do not work on a smart phone. Call me a […]