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- This topic has 74 replies, 19 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 3 months ago by Janna B..
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December 31, 2004 at 5:00 am #144881unknown-userParticipant
Hi Alex
December 31, 2004 at 5:00 am #144882carl-swansonParticipantI agree with Jim.
December 31, 2004 at 5:00 am #144880alexander-riderParticipantI play my pedal harp in bare feet and i always have, but it is
beginning to hamper me a little as the other week i was playing a
concert at a cathedral where i was playing harp in the orchestra and
singing in the choir, meaning I had to put them back on when i went
to choir (good thing they were just a pair of horrible old loafers
huh?) and then when i went back to play my harp i had to quickly
slip them off again. the point is i can”t feel my way with shoes on
as my harp has very sensitive pedals. Also; does it look really
stupid? professionals please let me know what you think? ALexJanuary 1, 2005 at 5:00 am #144883anita-burroughs-priceParticipantI grew up when at the first lesson, I was given a method book and directions on purchasing “harp pumps”—closed toe, closed heel. I realize the wisdom. I find my ankles more comfortable and accuracy easier when I wear the same shoes for practicing and performing. At harp camp, the harpists were always easily recognized–shorts and dress shoes at orchestra rehearsal!
January 1, 2005 at 5:00 am #144884brook-boddieParticipantDitto here, Alexander.
January 1, 2005 at 5:00 am #144885unknown-userParticipantAlexander,
It’s 2005! Do whatever makes YOU play the best, period! There are no rules
anymore. I tried Capezio shoes for several months and absolutely hated
them. I play best in my socks, so I do just about anything that allows me to be
the best I can. Remember, it’s 2005 and the old fashion rules don’t matter
anymore. The only people who have critized me about playing with my socks
on were two middle age harpists.One of my all-time favorite pianists is George Winston who only plays piano
on stage with his socks on (fully dressed). There are some string players who
play totally barefoot because it makes them connect to the earth. Remember
again, it’s 2005 and it’s time to more forward and break the old fashioned
rules, because those rules don’t apply anymore.January 1, 2005 at 5:00 am #144886unknown-userParticipantHi Christian
January 1, 2005 at 5:00 am #144887alexander-riderParticipantI couldn’t fathom playing the “in paradisium”(faure; requiem) WITH shoes! boo hoooo. oh and I didn’t turn up with no shoes i just slipped them off when i thought nobody was looking!*shneaky. I am SO clever…ahem…must practice with shoes on yesh….
January 1, 2005 at 5:00 am #144888unknown-userParticipantThanks for the compliment James. I remember the 60’s also, and also have
memories of the 50’s.It’s just good to be discrete certain circumstances, and other times not.
On stage during a concert, I play both piano and harp with socks. I do that
because I play better that way, period.Tuxedos are “out ” (part of the last century), being cool is “in” …it’s 2005.
January 2, 2005 at 5:00 am #144889Catherine HeiseParticipantMy teacher, Mary Bartlett, always insisted (and still insists) that one practices in conditions as close to those of performance as possible in order to eliminate possible sources of unfamiliarity or anxiety.
January 2, 2005 at 5:00 am #144890unknown-userParticipantI always play in socks – I tried playing with shoes on in a concert (luckily I was in an ensemble) but I kept changing the wrong pedals and ending up in a muddle because I couldn’t feel them properly. So now I always play in socks, but I guess as I’m still only an amateur, it doesn’t really matter at the moment. I have had a couple of people asking me if it’s necessary to play barefoot, but they seemed to think it was quite funny.
My harp teacher has given me the suggestion of getting some ballet shoes, which, while looking enough like shoes, would still be soft and small enough for me to feel the pedals. So I’ll have to try that. But I’m guessing that would only work for girls…January 3, 2005 at 5:00 am #144891TacyeParticipantMale dancers wear soft ballet slippers or character shoes so I don’t see why male harpists
shouldn’t.January 7, 2005 at 5:00 am #144892unknown-userParticipanti hatttttte playing pedal harp with shoes. I have some nice fitting black leather shoes that are quite nice, but my toes dont NEARLY come to the tip, so they can be noisy in the pedally sections. When I play with orchestras, i rehearse and perform in black socks- since im in the back of the orchestra, where no one could possibly see my feet. I think with socks on i can sort of “wrap” and “caress” if you will, my toes around the pedal which makes for a much smoother, quiter glide. I knowwwwwww i should start practicing with shoes on.and i have- im just getting used to it before i get TOO used to playing with socks.
January 8, 2005 at 5:00 am #144893unknown-userParticipantWasn’t going to add another “2 cents” but can’t resist.
January 8, 2005 at 5:00 am #144894unknown-userParticipantJames – please share where you got the vest/shirt combination.
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