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Definitely try before you buy. I tried one when it first came out. It sounded dreadful. Even changing from nylon strings to gut did not help. It is unbalanced. I think it’s ugly, too. For much less money you can buy a real harp with a good sound.
Never had any of what you mentioned happen in 8 years of using an iPad. Why make a problem where none exists?
PS Do you leave your music unattended on a music stand? I never did. Same goes with an iPad. It stays with me at all times in a carry bag. Just like my sheet music did:)
You made me curious so I did a little Sleuthing. Could only find out the name is Aria for Flute and Harp. Composed in 1932. Bernard Herrmann (not Herman) composed the film score for Citizen Kane. Perhaps this link to his music might help:
https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf438nb3jd/dsc/Lucky daughter that she gets a chance to play with symphonic band. This a great opportunity. While the harp parts may not be as good as with pedal harp, even if your daughter can play chords or modified parts that will help her learn valuable ensemble skills. It is a practice motivator, too. You may need to pay extra for the time it takes your daughter’s teacher to re-arrange harp parts. I would make the offer to do so. Personally, if your daughter commits to this, and harp in general, thinking about renting and then buying a pedal harp would be wise. It is not time consuming or difficult to move from a lever to a pedal harp. Many harpists play both.
David, I always appreciate the time and effort you put into making orchestra harp parts playable. Hopefully, orchestras will be performing soon. They are in Florida.
Patrice Fisher runs the non-profit Guatemala Harp Project. She gladly accepts used gut and harp strings. No wires, though. I package each string in a small plastic craft bag and mark the bag with the string name. I put a cover letter in the box of strings with information about the strings – brand, guyot, nylon etc. Adds a little time to restringing my harp but well worth it when you t=receive photos of the students. She will also send you a tax donation letter for tax purposes. http://www.patricefisher.com.
So sorry you are in such an awkward situation. The harp community is so small that perhaps just being honest and saying you need a fresh approach might be best for both of you. Tell her you are feeling stuck and the problem is you, not her. Let your teacher friend know you appreciate her friendship and time she has spent on your lessons. You are not clear as to who is renting you the harp. If it is your current teacher, be prepared to return the harp immediately after stopping lessons.
There are always harps for sale. Check with the harp guild techs, the local chapters of the American Harp Society, Anderson insurance. Many harps are sold word of mouth. Harps cannot be shipped if weather is too hot or too cold.
Wow, this is huge progress. The notes are even and phrasing is excellent. Overall, the piece is more musical and flows well. You sense the spinning motion. Big hoorah.
First, I am not a teacher. But, thinking back, I was mostly influenced by what the older students played. I could relate to that, not what grown-ups played. Perhaps you could assign your more advanced students to make videos to share with your younger students and vice versa. Alexandra Perdew has a weekly online harp session in which students play for each other online – strictly voluntary. The students get to see and hear what others are doing plus get performing experience in a nurturing, safe environment. For older students you could ask that they go onto YouTube, Vimeo etc. and find a harp solo, trio, orchestral work, whatever you select, and ask the student to critique the video.
More advice here: Ask the family and/or ask the music director what music they would like. Are there any particular hymns. Anything you should NOT play. Also, if you play songs, esp. any pop songs, read the lyrics. Same goes for hymns. Clear all your music with the church music director if you will be playing at a church. Wear very simple clothes and keep jewelry to a minimum. As stated, you are not the center of attention. Also, check with the funeral home, church or wherever you are playing to see if you need a mic. If so, find out a time to set up. If l play somewhere new, I go in a day or two before to deal with the sound. I am retired and live in a small town so I have the luxury of time to do this. Additionally, if you mess up while playing, slow down or simply stop and restart. But just keep going. Don’t try to fix mistakes. Keep ypur music simple for a first-time gig. You’ll have enough other distractions going on. Remember people will appreciate your harp playing so just try to act like you’ve played publicly forever.
