Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
donna-benierMember
Tammy, I put this list together for our Rochester Harp Network people last year; most are probably still current sites. (All are preceded by www.)
donna-benierMemberKela, learning theory, how to pluck strings, how to read notes, how to read and play dynamics is all integrated into every lesson for me with my students. Many of my harp students have previously learned another instrument, so they come to me already reading music. However, with the ones who are truly beginners to music, I start out teaching them to read notes, a few at a time. I use flashcards (that I desktop publish and have laminated myself) for the notes, as well as the harp strings. Part of the homework and part of the lesson is to work through the flashcards. I add more and more flashcards until they have learned all the notes on the staff. Each week as they are learning more notes, I incorporate songs that include those notes.
donna-benierMemberJose, This is going to be hard to explain without drawing it. There are 7 pedals on the harp. On the left side, in order from fartherest to nearest the harpist: D,C,B. On the right side, from nearest to fartherest: E,F,G,A.
January 17, 2003 at 5:00 am in reply to: Are harpists able to make a living by giving lessons? #89343donna-benierMemberHi, Kathryn. I haven’t met you yet. Do you know there’s a Rochester Harp Network that meets monthly Sept-May? Several of us are teachers; many are students. We’d love to have you. Our group is easygoing and informal; you can get a lot of answers!! Write me at benier_d@hotmail.com Donna
August 20, 2002 at 4:00 am in reply to: Looking into harp for my daughter…. need recommended reading material #167002donna-benierMemberTry to find a good harp teacher in your area. She/he will have many books in mind to help Angela get started.
donna-benierMemberIf her mom has her assessed and gets help for her, the training is still going to take awhile before she learns how to process the data she sees into something she can read.
donna-benierMemberHi Pat. I haven’t heard of that cream, but I always use a thick lotion with glycerin in it. A lot of times, I find it on display in several scents in “gift shops”.
donna-benierMemberExplain to her and put it in writing that a substantial part of her grade will be based on proper technique. Without short nails, she absolutely cannot do proper technique. So, unfortunately, if she doesn’t cut her nails, you will be forced to fail her!
donna-benierMemberHi, Helen. I have a few suggestions, but you may have thought of all of these! Since your adults aren’t having problems, could it be the height of the stool, either at your place or at the student’s home where they practice, is causing them to reposition their hands? Give them an actual photo of hand placement and tell them to put it near their harps and compare their hands to the photo when they practice. Gently hold their wrists as they play something, and explain to them how it should feel if it’s right, and how it feels when it’s wrong.
donna-benierMemberOh, yes! and most importantly of all, pour on the praise when they are doing it correctly! Positive reinforcement and a big smile goes a long way. Children really do want to please!
-
AuthorPosts