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Sure. What I was suggesting by “Irish” music was what my mother-in-law typically enjoys. The traditional vocal pieces….”When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”..etc. Beautiful songs. Just was never my cup-o-tea. When I referred to “Celtic” music, I used the term loosely as I’m not sure exactly what its is other than the fact that it is provided as the genre for the type of music I’m interested in. Things like “Sally Gardens…or “Ash Grove”. I’m a novice in this area. I get the feeling that pieces of work like these go way back. No offence to anyone that loves the “sing-alongs”. I’ve studied classical piano for 44 years. I like and respect all types of music. However, as I said…some you take to more than others. Some less. I’m sure there are many out there who couldn’t listen to more than a minute of Mozart. (Heaven forbid!). Gotta respect it. As for jigs ‘n’ reels…I like them. Can’t play them….but I like them. I’ve only had a harp in my house for less than a week. I’ve just discovered this site and am looking for advice myself. I envy your ability to play 36 strings. Oh heck…I’m jealous. Good for you. As my piano teacher has always said to me…”Aren’t we fortunate to have the privilege of music in our lives”. Indeed. Best to you.
Interesting point Deb about taste in music changing depending on what you play. Three types of music I’ve never cared for have been rap, country and Irish (I hope I’m not offending you by any chance). However, where the harp is concerned, I have
always loved Celtic. Funny, since this of course includes Irish. Just a few days ago, while searching the basement for something, I came across some misplaced cd’s. One of which was called Celtic Charm. All harp. I bet I purchased it at least ten years ago. Always loved the harp. Also interesting that you mention finding just the right harp. Nine years ago we purchased a small motor boat. Prior to buying it, I did some research on what is the best kind of boat to buy. (Kind – not make). The first thing I read was that there is no such thing as the “perfect” boat. It comes down to what YOU need in a boat. Everyone will be looking for something different according to where and how they will be boating. Larger boats are not trailerable. Smaller boats are not suited for salt water. You get the point. I guess the harp situation is similar. Right now, small…Celtic…self taught. Later? Who knows. I’ll enjoy the journey though. Congrats on your new Harp!Deb,
Thanks for the encouragement. Do you mind if I ask how long
you have been playing for? I’m sure Orchestral harpists (or harpers) might not take l9 strings seriously, (though interestingly there seems to be quite a world of folk harpist out there enjoying small Celtic lap harps), but of course one has to start somewhere. Speaking from a financial point of view, I resolved to be content with the 12 string until someday…but my sweet husband could not bear seeing me that limited. So now the l9/lever. As with my own piano students when they are just starting out – I recommend borrowing a small electric keyboard. I never suggest parents run out to buy a 11′ Steinway! Everyone has to get a feel and determine
whether or not this is actually what they were anticipating.
Sometimes they find out they don’t enjoy it the way they thought. As for me, I think I already know. I know what it will take for practicing commitment. I know (as I also tell my students) there are not shortcuts. Slow, steady, consistent practice makes for quick progress. As I said, I’m at this moment looking at Melody’s. I like how they offer samples to view. My harp only reaches to F below Mid.C. This restricts my accompaniment a little. I suppose I can take the piece up an octave. Or perhaps shave off a note from the left hand triad. Manipulation will be the name of the game I guess until the next upgrade. SheilaSorry Deb. I must have overlooked your previous post. I’m actually new to the Forum world. Not quite sure if I’m using it correctly and respecting Forum “edicate”, if there’s such a thing. I hope I’m not abusing the privilege. I’m actually looking (very excitedly) at the offerings at Melody’s. It’s like looking at a banquet table when your hungry. You want to try a little of everything. I’m going to take my time and choose wisely. I with my music experience, I feel confident that I can train myself. I intend to purchase instructional and exercise books. I’m well aware (having been teaching classical piano for the past 17 years) of the absolute necessity of proper exercise and technique training. I think I will be relatively successful. Perhaps not polished without the watchful eye of a teacher, but enough
to satisfy myself as a hobby harper. Thanks for another response. All of you have been quite helpful and encouraging. A true sign of people with a passion for music.
Sincerely,
SheilaThank you Tacye. Perhaps a pedal harp may be in my very distant future. One step at a time. I ordered and received
my first harp…the 12 string lap, but my wonderful husband
(who has no musical….anything… quickly prompted me to order something (still limited) but more practical. I now
have a l9 string fully levered pixie harp. I’ve been playing by ear and enjoying the ability to have left hand accompaniment.
So far, just playing in F or C (I flat my B’s manually) but have avoided accidentals since the only music I have on hand
is advanced piano music and I have no lever-changing experience yet. Brand new to all of this but so thrilled. I’m grateful for all the years of piano study as it has allowed my
to pick up an instrument that I have never put a finger on before and be able to (roughly) play a melody. I can only imagine the satisfaction you must have in your playing.
Thanks for taking time to respond.
SheilaWell, all I have on hand at the moment is piano music.
Of course trying to manipulate music for 88 keys to fit
l9 strings is the first challenge, and of course plenty
of accidentals. Hoping to find music specifically for
lever lap harps. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks again.
SheilaThanks. I’d like to get my eyes on some of the lever music.
I havn’t had a chance yet to look at the Sylvia Woods site.
Are you familiar with anything in particular lever-wise that
my 19 strings could accomodate?Hi Kay-
Yes, in fact I did purchase and receive the 12 string. But
my wonderful husband, to my surprise, told me to return it and purchase something more suiting to my musical experience. To another sweet surprise…my 20 year old daughter loved the 12 string and is keeping it. (she has very little musical experience). I have been playing the new harp (by ear) for a few days. Two and half octaves vs. one and a half makes a huge difference. There’s room for left hand accompaniment.
Applying levers to set up key is not a problem for me. I have vast knowledge of key signatures. But upon looking a piano sheet music with accidentals, that is where I need help. It seems with what I have found online that there is sheet music written specifically for lever harp. I am guessing these types of scores allow for lever changes for the accidentals without compromising the flow of the music. Yes? So glad you popped up with a response again. Also thankful for my piano experience as it has allowed me to pick up this beautiful instrument and immediately play (poorly, of course…but play just the same.) Thanks again Kay for any further advice. SheilaHi Karen. Thanks for your response. Yes I have vast musical
experience. I have studied and played classical piano for 44 yrs. and have been teaching it for 17. Speaking musically,
I understand key signature. I understand how to afix the levers to achieve a particular key. I’m more curious about “how” to apply lever changes technically within a piece of music while keeping your place and not losing timing. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks again. SheilaThank you very much for your input. I’m very much looking forward to this new experience. My passion has been the piano for the past 44 years, and it remains so. However, there has always been a buried desire to play the harp (I guess it’s a string-thing). Again, thank you.
Hi Sherry. Thank you for your input. I’m curious….you mentioned “cardboard” harp. This is an adjective that keeps coming up online, but I am not familiar with it’s concept. It was suggested to me by another member as being a viable option where upgrading is concerned because of the economic aspect. Exactly what is meant by “cardboard” harp?
thanks,
Sheila R.
Thanks Kay. Of course I was aware of the quality and limitations when I ordered this, but for now I will bide my time…..play small…..and dream big. When I feel confined with 12 strings….I will pivot and address 88 keys. All in good time (no pun intended). Thank you for your time Kay. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season. I’m sure you’ll provide lots of melody. Maybe I will drop a line in the future if you don’t mind.
Take care and
Thanks again.
Sheila R.Thank you Tayce. I appreciate your input. I hope in the not to distant future to upgrade. I will for the time being make use of this first instrument to learn individual hand technique. I also viewed the youtube video. A charming little melody on a charming (petite) instrument. For now I will play small and dream big. Best to you in the future. Again thank you for your time.
Sheila R.
Kay,
Thank you for your quick response. I do expect to outgrow this first harp in the near future, but I look forward to the initial experience. Needless to say, there are no sharpening levers on this intro instrument. Can I manually tune it by adjusting the tension and the F and C strings enough to sharpen them and thus put the instrument into the key of D for example…thereby expanding the variety of songs? (It’s really amusing to me how excited I am about a $90 harp….considering I own a $10,000 baby grand piano. I guess it’s the novelty of it all…..such a mesmerizing sound.)
Thanks again.
