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There are SO many great harps out there – good luck with the search. Just don’t be afraid to try the smaller harp builders along with the big companies. There are some great ones out there – Webster, Lewis Creek and Heartland Harps are just a few in my area. I’m certain there are other great ones all over the country – and the experience of dealing with the builder to have a special harp built “just for you” is wonderful!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a smart phone yet. I’m afraid of the monthly fees being too high, but I haven’t really looked into it. As it as – being that I’m older than dirt – this is the first time I’ve ever felt the need for one!
So does a smart phone qualify as a harp accessory? Would it be appropriate to discuss monthly fees and phone sound quality for the different companies in this thread? (I really like my Verizon service…)
I play because I have no choice. I fell under an enchantment 10 years ago, and have no desire to live any other way.
All you need to do is get out in public and play once. The awe the harp inspires enchants people. One good experience and you’ll be hooked!
Karen – what level is the Water Lily? It sounds very interesting! but I’m only at the low end of intermediate.
Kim Robertson has always been my favorite arranger for all things harp. Even her simpler arrangements are special.
Thanks for the advice everyone! I just found a free download on Staneslow’s website. I can’t try it at the moment, because I’ve just taken a short break from redecorating my music room. I hope to have time to try it tonight, and I’ll be looking for the Dewey Owens music.
I always had trouble playing in the first octave until I heard about this trick at The Harp Gathering in Ohio: rock your harp back against your knees to support it, and lean back at the waist so that your shoulder is no longer touching your harp. For me, my hand is as comfortable as it is playing an octave lower. If this helps, check with your teacher. He/she may not want you doing such a silly thing.
We don’t have a fireplace, so I guess the best I could do is cover them up. If we were to end up in a hotel, I’d probably take me favorite harp with me – just to be safe!!!
Thanks for the input.
I took some piano lessons at 5 years old. Teacher told my parents I was too young, but I think I didn’t do well because at that time no one had figured out that my eyesight was terrible. But I learned enough that I can’t ever remember a time when I didn’t know how to read music. Began taking piano again about the time I learned trumpet at 10 years old. Then I couldn’t keep my hands off any instrument the band director would let me take home, so I am familiar with the basics of most band instruments. Settled in with French Horn in college. After marriage I hit a musical dry spell until our 25th anniversary when I fell under the enchantment of a harp. Been hooked for the past 10 years.
I began on a lever harp, and at the urging of my teacher, moved to the pedal. When I stopped taking lessons and played only the music I enjoyed most, I found that I didn’t need pedals.
The Harp Gathering has workshops for all levels of harpists. You can check out their website at http://www.harpgathering.com
The Harp Gathering is held every spring, and this year will have an extra day and even more instructors!
That’s me. I have two sites, Harper’s Bazaar
