[dancingpiper]

My goal for a fakebook is to find a resource for popular tunes in a variety of genres. I’m working through Harp for Healing and realize I have a lack of knowledge of many popular tunes as well as genres outside what I typically play (Celtic, bluegrass, string band music). Since this original post, Mary Stevens of Harp for Healing recommended a book for ukulele, which has a lot of material in it. I’m wondering if there are any others. Just having the melody line would suffice.

[dancingpiper]

I actually started a list of movies I see in which one may spot a harp, played or not. There is a website, Bagpipes Go To The Movies, where some enterprising folks have a huge list of movies that include bagpipes, either seen or heard, most of the movies reviewed. Might one do something similar with harps in the movies?

[dancingpiper]

In scoping out Peterson tuner apps, I see one called iStrobe; is that the one or are there others to consider? Also (luddite question), is the cost a one-time fee or is it a subscription? I’m still not decided on whether or not to go that way but want to be open minded ;-D

[dancingpiper]

For tuner apps, does one need a particular quality of phone? I’ve had my Moto G for about a year and a half and have had a few serious tech difficulties with it, the first one when I had an app installed, hence my being app shy. It’s an android while all of the tech people at school use iPhones. Does it matter?

[dancingpiper]

I’ve heard lots of good things about tuner apps and am glad they are available for those who prefer them!! Thanks, Gretchen 😀

[dancingpiper]

Love at first sight and sound; I understand!! Thanks and happy harping to you and Cherie as well!!

Blessings,
Gail

[dancingpiper]

Wow; what a lovely harp with a lovely name!! I can tell she brings you much pleasure :-). Mine (Naomh – “neev”), is walnut with the cherry blossom inlay on the front. She took my breath away with her beauty when I took her out of her case upon arrival last Friday. Her tone is so rich and full… I know she makes even my poor playing sound better!!
Thanks to your guidance in tuners, I checked out the Korg website and remembered that several years ago when I started trying to learn to play, my kind brother sent me a Korg tuner/metronome. I’ve been using only the metronome part and had totally forgotten about the tuner side. Now I remember what that cable in my harp lesson bag is for!! I tried it out and it works wonderfully except, as you pointed out, the top octave. Those I a comfortable tuning by ear. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!!

[dancingpiper]

I will check that out; thanks!!

[dancingpiper]

How about for those with the opposite problem of the pinkies partly curling into the palm when not in use? As someone who uses ASL and plays burls on the Highland pipes (independent pinkie action required), my pinkies have minds of their own. My instructor keeps telling me to have them shadow my ring fingers but so far they refuse to listen… Is this a real problem or just unconventional?

[dancingpiper]

Thanks for the recap of information!! I will consult with my techno brothers and get their recommendations. I do have a small recording device I’ve used in the past but it died an early death. Get what you pay for… Again, thanks!!

[dancingpiper]

This is interesting information. I just started training in Harp for Healing and need to record some material for my assignments. The voice recorder on my laptop doesn’t record harp well, understandably. It sounds as if Audacity might be the ticket. Are there any reasons it would NOT be a good choice for this purpose? I’m technologically challenged and welcome all input!! Blessings, all!!

[dancingpiper]

It is nice to have more than one tune to work on at a time, especially if one of them doesn’t really grab one. Personally I find that two or three are enough to work on at a time; otherwise I feel overwhelmed and less able to focus on new technique. Being older and still blessed with a day job, time ad energy are limited. For those in different circumstances, more tunes at a time may work well. Learners are so individual!! It’s a wise teacher who is able to figure out the perfect balance for each student.

[dancingpiper]

Wow; you are learning a new tune in a month? You are fast indeed, especially after taking lessons for one year. I’ve been taking lessons for four years and it will take me months to come close to mastering a new tune. I can pick things up fairly quickly until I try to use both hands together. Unfortunately my instructor, the closest one around, lives three hours away so I only get a lesson every two or three months. I’m glad your progress is much better and your situation for lessons is more agreeable. As mentioned above, do be patient with yourself. I hope your instructor is able to find a good balance of technique tunes and your desired tunes to help you stay motivated.

[dancingpiper]

My husband and I got A Fine Madness and The Four Daughters from the library. We haven’t watched the second one yet (will do that this evening with popcorn and ice cream :-D) but watched the first one last week. While Sean Connery did his usual excellent job of acting, the story just didn’t grab me. I admit to having limited (no) tolerance for folks getting away with poor behavior. The harping, however, was enjoyable and it’s always lovely just looking at the lines of a nice harp; that’s what kept me from leaving the room to go do something else (like play my harp). The Daughters movie blurb looks a lot more promising.

[dancingpiper]

There is a website, Bagpipes Go To the Movies, that lists a vast number of movies that include bagpipes in some way: actually played, in the background, in the sound track. I’ve wondered if there is one for harps as well. It’s surprising how often harps appear in cinema.

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