Hi Mel, I know how you feel. I took up classical guitar when I was young, as the next best option to harp. Back then, the only harps I knew were the big pedal harps played in orchestras. I came across folk harps some 10 years later, but by then was committed to guitar. After I retired several years ago, I took the plunge and started in harp, in my case, a Paraguayan. The only local teacher declined to take me, as it has low tension strings, so a different, and probably easier technique is used to play it, compared with that for pedal harps. So, I got some tips on technique from the internet (www.harpatsang.com.au), and used my experience from playing piano and guitar to develop my own technique.
Yes, the harp does have a certain magic, even the sight of one is enchanting, then when it’s played, wow! It seems to enjoy a deal of prestige, like the violin. Actually, I believe that as reasonably competent harp players, we are under obligation to the community to give folks a lift, for example to those in hospitals, nursing homes, as well as kindergartens, elementary schools, even prisons. Maybe, you have thought of doing this sort of thing.
So, do keep practicing, Mel,
Blessings,
Rod
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