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I forgot to add – a great resource for harpists needing markings for orchestral works is the New York Philharmonic Digital Archives! Check out the Mahler 2 part here:http://archives.nyphil.org/index.php/artifact/5e67876c-ffc1-416b-b7a0-37d86cbeee33?search-type=singleFilter&search-text=mahler+2&doctype=part&sort-order=asc&sort-column=npm:ComposerNameShortTitle_facet&page=3
Hi John!
I don’t think there is any enharmonic way to make this spot any easier. At least once you spend the time getting it into your fingers and feet, you get to repeat it 7 times! I absolutely split this up between the hands!
Have fun! Mahler is such a joy to play!
Hi Jerusha – I only play one gig that I set out a tip jar. I’m a regular sub at a hotel in Chicago and we always set out a little table with our business cards and the tip jar. The tips here can range from $0 – $100. Just depends on the day, how many people are there, and if they are feeling generous after spending a large chunk of change on afternoon tea.
I’ve never set out a jar or even asked for any other gig. I have though, received many tips on various occasions. Either in the form of the client adding it to the check, handing me some cash when I’m done playing, or once even trying to stick it in the strings while I was playing!
When you set out your tip jar do you put some starter money in there to begin? I have noticed that if I place a $5, $10, or $20 bill instead of a $1 that the tips are usually bigger. Maybe a little sign encouraging tips? The baristas always come up with funny signs “tipping isn’t just for cows” maybe that would get a laugh and a tip out of some people? Guess it just depends on the situation. I’m curious about other harpists thoughts on this!
That sounds like it is the problem! The pedal felts need to be in the right place for everything to be working properly. If you have everything necessary to change the felts I would start there. If you feel comfortable changing it yourself, it is really not that hard. For me, the hardest part is finding a place to put the harp up. A couch with lots of pillows usually works. Here is a video of harp regulator Jason Azem changing the felts – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFuFMsKyC-E
and here is a great article that explains everything and has lots of great pictures! http://www.harptech.com/Articles/Felts/Felts.html
Plug in that hot glue gun and good luck!
I also have a Salvi Juno that I purchased last summer at the AHS Conference in New Orleans. I really love my little Juno and have used it to carry along to lessons to play duets with students and now am renting it out to one of my 7 year old students. I’ve even played it for a gig where the clients asked for all Irish tunes and lived in a 3rd story walk up. I have to agree with Kristina that this really is a student instrument, but the portability really makes it a worthwhile instrument to own.
Oh yes! I’ve had to dress up as the Good Witch of the West, a Greek Goddess (for Brooks athletic shoes at the Chicago Marathon with the shoes on as well!) and many angels. I second Sylvia and say, go for it! Of course add a little fee for the costume 🙂
I’m sure there is a simple fix, not just sure exactly what! Do you have a local harp regulator you can call? They should be able to do some simple adjusting. Maybe someone else out there knows an easy trick?!
Check out Duo Harpian! They have a fantastic album that was written up in Camac Harp’s blog. This might be a good place to get some ideas. http://www.harpblog.info/harpblog/2015/01/speaking-of-c%C3%A9line-gay-des-combess-work-in-geneva-c%C3%A9line-has-also-recently-brought-out-a-fine-recording-with-her-pianist.html
McKayla, a book that changed my life and helped me quiet my inner voice is Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now. Enjoy!
This not only goes for parts that aren’t originally written for harp but also parts that ARE written for harp. This is just part of what we do, making things work even if they are awkward and seem like it would be much better fit for the piano. Every harpist is different and will take a different approach to each passage depending on the music itself, time they have to prepare, and their ability level. I’ve seen and played much less playable parts, this one seems fairly easy for any harpist to be able to play.
I’ve been performing off my iPad for over a year now. I’m able to make “set lists” for each recital program. It has helped tremendously to actually see the repertoire lined up in performance order. When it gets closer to the concert I do many run-throughs where I practice performing the program in order. When doing this, take some time to observe where your mind goes between each piece.
I also can’t stress enough the every day practice of meditation. I started meditating every morning a few months ago and this translates to performance flawlessly. This will also help shine light on the inner energy source within you.
Building up physical energy also comes from taking care of your body not just the day of your recital but every day. Eating well, drinking lots of water and regular exercise help get me through any performance from a 6 hour background gig to a sold out concert in Carnegie’s Weill Hall – it all takes the same amount of preparation.
Here are a few ideas to get you started – there are so many great intermediate pedal harp solos out there!
Andres La Gimblette
Salzedo Suite of 8 Dances – start with the more popular Seguidilla, Tango and Rumba (great pedal practice in Seguidilla & Rumba, Tango has no pedal changes)
Salzedo Chanson dans la nuit
any of the Naderman Sonatas
Grandjany Automne
