Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
My first reaction is that you should email back that you can play the “Tsuki no Waltz” and see how good her mom’s Japanese pronunciation and knowledge of anime is.
I pretty much only use a strap with my little harp even though I own knee bones. My strap is 2″ wide and is fine for practicing for me. I’m fairly tall and broad shouldered for a woman if that matters to you. My harp is a couple pounds lighter than a Brittany.
I might want something better if I ever performed or was planning on really long practice sessions. I’d also probably look to make sure that the leather around the holes is firm so that the strap doesn’t pop off the harp and that the adjustable part holds firm as well. More than anything, that’s what I’ve noticed with mine.
Hi,
I don’t post on here often but I have a friend who owns a specialty shoe store, and I used to work there too. Well-known brands that make several styles of closed-in, rounder-toe, low-heel dress shoes with leather (or otherwise thin) soles are Ros Hommerson, VanEli, Trotters and maybe Mark Lemp. These makers tend toward conservative styles and use leather. They also still make slim and narrow widths. So the prices may be higher than what you’d find at Payless.
The idea above of trying to find a dancing shoe is also a good one. I don’t know the name of the company, but there is a maker of shoes specifically for pipe organists. I suspect they’d be perfect for your needs. Finally, you might also ask a drama teacher or civic theater member in your area because these are almost exactly the shoe specifications for many people doing musical theater.
I bought a Flatsicle as my first harp. I know I’m new so I haven’t got as much basis of comparison to other harps on other points. But, since it is a concern of yours, I can say that mine keeps tuning incredibly well.
I have a 26 string harp and am managing to learn just fine so far. My tips since I am in a similar position to you are these: If you can’t afford or find a teacher, buy a few books and see which one is clearest and best for you. Then, refer to the others periodically. Some have clear pictures of hand positions, others are better at explaining concepts.
Watch good harpists play on Youtube videos too. That helps with sound, timing and seeing how the hands work.
Buy an extra set of strings early. You never know, and it isn’t fun waiting for a week for an order to ship before you can play. (Changing strings is not too bad, btw).
Sit properly and secure the harp with a stand, harp stick, guitar strap or something. I do not have the best posture naturally, but the harp is seriously making me focus on it ‘coz I’ve noticed how much it changes the sound and my tension level when playing.
Most beginner books have a few notes that are a little out of range on a 26 harp, but it’s actually quite fun to figure out new “arrangements” based on the lessons in whatever books you choose. This is not nearly as daunting as I thought it would be and is helping me to learn what sounds good.
Also, you have full levers! This makes your little harp much more versatile in the long run!
I am a beginner, so I am sure other people here can give more qualified advice, but this is what I’ve seen Have fun!
Congrats! I’ve been playing for almost 7 months too. I bought a Flatsicle during a sale (otherwise I would have only gotten a Sharpsicle) because it was affordable and by a known maker. I was on a really tight budget at the time I bought it, but I am really happy that I made the choice to start playing the harp, and I love the little thing so it’s a joy to practice.
I really hope you enjoy your new harp! What color did you get it in? At some point it’d be great to get your perspective on the music you ordered too. 🙂
I am not a harp teacher (actually, as a beginner, I probably need the lessons), but I do teach. I have a strict no recording policy, and I tell students that the first day and in the syllabus. I know 90% of them just want an easier way to study for the test, but there is no way of controlling for the other 10%. Also, it makes me much more aware of watching what I say in class.
I would be clear and firm in your policy, whatever you decide it to be, and probably make it in writing if possible. But, be aware that there is no way to really stop her from using a mini-recorder or sneaking camera phone pictures. However, and probably this is not something you’ll ever need, if she distributes “snuck” images or recordings you may have some legal recourse as she is a third party (albeit a parent). I believe it depends on your state’s hidden camera and consent laws.
Hi, I’m new here and to the harp. And, I am left handed. It was awkward for the first few days because my right hand felt weaker and I favored the other. The first time I sat with the harp, I automatically put it on the “wrong” shoulder. So, there have been some small thing like that, but it has no been near the problem I was fearing.
I learned to play the koto (Japanese zither) with a teacher for a little while, and I noticed that being left handed did slow me down quite a lot on that instrument. So, comparatively, there seems to be things that are an advantage in the harp. I’ve found learning broken chords and lever changes to be quite easy, for example. Even on the koto, I could bend notes fairly well from the start because that mostly takes strength in your left hand, but it felt significantly more “right handed” as an instrument to me. (Honestly, sometimes, I kind of wish my teacher would have just let me turn the thing around or reconfigure the bridges to play it comfortably.)
I am still very much a beginner in harp, but it has been more than manageable so far. Maybe it takes a little more practice, but not so much I feel it is unreasonable or is deterring me. I am sure this will change as the music gets harder, but so far so good.
