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Just a quick update to thank everyone for all these nice advices. I bought a couple of beautiful decals from Barbara Dixon and not only they look great…she is also one of the kindest person on earth!
Thank you both, Tony and Alice, for your clear explanation. Once again, in my opinion, this is the proof of the difference between US and Europe when it comes to harp studying and applications fields. It’s not just a matter of language barriers (I was evidently confusing the concepts of “music therapist” and “therapeutic musician”), it’s a very different cultural approach to the instrument itself. It seems to me that in the US those professional figures are not only recognised but also defined, and consequently trustworthy, while here they’re in a sort of limbo where they have no pro boards nor legal validity – yeah it’s like you’re just doing it as a hobby!
So thank you again for explaining clearly the differences. Now I’d be curious to know if and how those programs above, and so their certifications, were valid abroad and would allow me to be at least the counterpart of a CMI. I’m really tempted to follow the Harp for Healing program.Well I do think that you need to follow a proper program, Susan, especially if you’re planning to put your knowledge into practice. The fact is that playing for a therapeutic purpose is way different than playing in a public performance or just for your own amusement: you need to achieve a completely new state of mind, so to speak, so that you can relate in a positive way with people in a negative situation.
Since I’m interested in the same subject, I’ve had a look at both the programs you suggested (while I already knew the IHTP, I had never heard of the Harp for Healing program before). The first impression is that the IHTP is more structured and you get perhaps more assistance during your course; Harp for Healing seems a bit more about reading books & trying to get the best out of yourself. But on the other side, this latter program focuses on subjects that, in my opinion, are essential if you aim to be a true music therapist, such as matching music to each patient’s needs and developing compassion.
They both sound interesting and it looks that they both give you a proper certificate, at the end of the course (Harp for healing seems more flexible, other than less expensive). It would be interesting to hear some real experience about them.Thank you everyone! I think I’ ll seriously consider buying some decals from Barbara’s website. Since the decals are shipped via letter mail there shouldn’t be any problems – as usually happens, instead, when sending a package from US to Italy.
I have to agree with the previous reply, it definitely is a Paki harp. And it means that it’s always the same harp-shaped object, with a decent decorative value and a totally awful sound…yeah indeed it is too good to be true!
Hi Daniel, I’ve been searching on You Tube the harp you’re referring to, but I didn’t fund anything under the name of Klangschiff harp. Do you remember the exact title of the video? I’d like to know more about this harp, since the name sounds totally new to me.
I got mine from PianoFiles.com, they have many different versions. You should easily find what you’re looking for.
Oh. If gut strings are still without colouring, it may be a problem…so perhaps it’s better to choose nylon strings.
I was pretty sure that being a small harp, it probably wouldn’t have had a big resonance, but in your opinion Tea, is it less loud than other small harps?
Thanks a lot Tea, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear. I know that on a lap harp you can play only a small part of your repertoire, but that’s enough since it would be just a whim. I often play in castles or Renaissance fairs, I’ve always been using my 34 strings floor harp, but it’s definitely too big and too heavy to carry up and down. That’s why I’m considering the idea of a smaller harp, wich would be enough for a medieval repertoire.
I take it that you have nylon strings on your harp…interesting, I was thinking about gut strings to have a better, mellow tone.
I agree with Tony, the Ogden is a charming harp but its sound is not properly ‘celtic’,so to speak. The Ravenna has a wonderful tone, while I can’t talk about the Blevins since I’ve never tried one.
Now, perhaps I’ll make your choice even more difficult, but have you ever considered a Salvi Donegal? If you’re into folk music, it could be a good choice. Its sound is bright, pure and well balanced, a true pleasure to the ear. I’m not sure about the price though. It could be a bit more expensive but you could always look for a second hand one….
