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I agree with Elinor. A student can be ‘gifted’ but not practise hard, so all the teaching in the world isn’t going to change that.
From my own personal experience, it was motivation both from my teacher and from me. I saw Peter Moore on the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2008 and decided then and there that I wanted to go to Chethams School of Music. I had just started the piano, but always dreamed of playing Harp. I persuaded my parents to let me learn, and started mid 2008. I managed to get a great teacher who pushed me forward in a very enjoyable way, and asked a lot of me each week, which I gave. I managed to get through a year’s study each month. I got into Chets in Sept 2009. If it wasn’t for the constant belief that Alice Trentham had in me and her pushing me forward, I probably wouldn’t have made it.
Although I may pick things up quickly, I am in no doubt that the quality of my playing is no where near that of a Harpist of my age who has worked hard over many more years than I have. I have uploaded many videos on Youtube from 2 weeks in, till 8 months ago, it was for my relatives in Japan to see my progress, and for me to check my technique and journey.
And another nod to Elinor, regarding child prodigies; in the end it all equals itself out. A child prodigy is, most of the time only ‘amazing’ while they are young (although there are exceptions). The people who work hard over many years nearly always catch up. Tortoise and the Hare sort of thing. There’s nothing to beat hard work and dedication from both teacher and student, who must love playing the Harp not just fancy playing it.
I thought this exchange was very amusing.
I have put my progress on youtube both for myself (although it was origianlly for my family in Japan to see) and, yes, a little for attention. Isn’t that part of what playing music is all about, for others to hear and for you to want to move them with your playing, not to mention to encourage people to book you (not me though, yet)?
I think it’s unfair on judges to say that they only reward technical ability, of course they listen to the musicianship and how they felt about how a piece moved them.
Entering a competition is not only about winning or losing, it shows you where you stand in the world of harp playing. It drives you on and gives you motivation to play better both technically and musically. If you are working and playing the same things every day every year, how can you judge yourself, or be critical of yourself to push you on to perform better for others (clients)?
I’m all in favour of someone showing their progress and entering competitions.Hi Gretchen
Can I just say that if you are thinking of buying a new Salvi Aurora; wait a few months at least until January 2012, then check them out again.
I think there are many good and not so expensive Camcorders that would do the job now. Last year I used a Canon which had a jack for an external mic. That broke, twice! And had a slight hiss. So we bought a Panasonic HDC-SD60 FULL HD 1920 x1080, which, if you have a look at these two recordings (on the lowest quality settings, the best quality is about 50% better than what you see on YouTube) I made, you’ll see and hear that the quality is pretty good. No hiss and good pic quality. I’ve only made 5 recordings so far but I think you can see what I mean. Ithink they are about £150 /$240 now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2wCs_Zxi38&list=UUdyyCdLfv_GQAI5BtfrOQbg&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX5sSrEmZtA&list=UUdyyCdLfv_GQAI5BtfrOQbg&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9lZyoH061s&list=UUdyyCdLfv_GQAI5BtfrOQbg&feature=plcp
I know my Dad spent about $300 this year on new pieces that I had to learn. It’s really expensive. Of course it’s worth spending this amount once you are a good player and can use the pieces regularly, but as a learner going through the grades, you may never play much of it again; or not so often.
Luckily though, my first teacher; the wonderful Alice Trentham gave me about 60 scores I can play in the future.
Hi Christine
It’s really interesting that you made this post 3 years ago and we are talking with you as though you started it yesterday
. You must be 19 or 20 now and a really good Harpist. I am 16 and started playing Clarsach 3 years ago and Pedal Harp over 2 and a half years ago. I will have to start thinking where I will go after school.Niina
Hi Leslie
I started uploading videos two weeks after I started learning, which was 3 years ago, to chart my progress, until about 8 months ago. I’ll keep uploading I hope for the next few years.
Here is my link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/lizlops007?feature=mhw5Niina
