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Biagio
It is heartbreaking that Jocelyn died. Such a loss in many ways. Funny, how a superb teacher can inspire you no matter what your age – or theirs. I’m glad you developed an appreciation for good technique. If you want to continue learning, consider some of the online classes offered by Alice Giles via her website. She also taught some sessions at two of the Virtual Harp Summits. I hang on her every word.
The two video are excellent examples of Salzedo technique. Placing, raising and thumbs/elbows up are hallmarks. Also notice how relaxed and secure both harpists play. Thanks for posting the second video, Biago.
I think part of your buzzing is caused by your not being relaxed when you play. Are your arms, hands and fingers relaxed? Record yourself using your phone. Listen for where you buzz. Listen too, for your phrasing. Then play those places in different ways until you figure out how not to buzz and you play the passages evenly. Sometimes taking away a note or two or simplifying a passage helps. Also, don’t play faster than you can control the notes. Slow can be good:) When I record myself, I often realize I am playing way too fast.
From an audience and harpist viewpoint, I love what you have selected. I agree with Phillipa of having something showy, contemporary, or with Latin flair. Play something fun that you enjoy playing. Have a short encore prepared, too. I hope you will have your recital professionally videoed and recorded. This is a major event. Congratulations.
I played one a few months ago. Sound was dreadful even with new strings. For the money, I would go with a bigger lever harp. Try one before you buy.
Joanna Newsom is a classically trained harpist who studied music (piano, harp, composition) for years. She has a unique singing style and of course, writes her own music. Her music is the result of a good musical foundation and years of working at it.
If harp lessons aren’t an option, find a harpist to work with through the American Harp Society. There is another website to explore: www composingforharp.com
Harpists love flats. You can certainly ask for volunteer testers here. As far as your passage goes, do you want a pedal slide sound at the Gb/G? Otherwise you can simply use an F# instead of G flat. Then the pedal is set for the F# that follows.
There is a new book for harp composing by Yolanda Kondonassis published by Carl Fisher titled Tge Composer’s Guide to Writing Well for the Modern Harp. Cost is $26.00.
Harpist Laura Sherman played Evita. Check with her at http://www.wickedharp.com.
Taras, that is quite a find. The price of the Rebel pickup mics, even with overseas shipping cost, is far less than Dusty Strings. Plus, you don’t need to install a harness. Are you using the mic now? Have you used the Dusty strings internal mics? I would like to know how the two mic systems compare,
I find the Peterson iStrobasoft tuner is most accurate. If you play a pedal harp, it pays to buy the add-on “sweetener” for tuning the low bass notes. Sorry, Saul, you need to move with the times – even my harp regulars use a cell phone and iPad tuner. I use the metronome on my iPad in forScore.
Bill, I have not had a problem with the cable. It helps that it is between the pedals. I use a small non-skid bound carpet purchased at Walmart to put over the cable if I am playing somewhere that l think I may trip on the cable.
Nancy, look on YouTube for videos about harp amplification. Deborah Henson-Conant has a publication called “A Gurl’s Guide to Amplification.” Also go to the Dusty Strings website and read the blogs about amplification.
Bill,
I have used blue painters tape to hold the transducers in place for five years. Does not mark the wood and you can easily move the mics. I would not have the connector at the bottom of the harp like yours. Too easy to damage especially when you put the harp base cover on and off or set the harp on carpet. Here is what my jack clamp set up looks like on a pedal harp.
