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In my first position out of undergrad college, the assistant pastor at the church I was serving taught me the Rule of the Seven “P”s:
Prior proper planning prevents piss-poor performance.
Applies to so many situations, yes?
Have your students that purchased Salvi Daphne harps been happy with them? How long ago did they purchase them? Thanks. Paul
I also love my Thorrmahlen Swan. It is cherry wood and a wonderful sound. I also play the piano and organ and so would like to move up to a small pedal harp. (Cost is an issue) and I would like to be able to transport it to a small church for use there. Thanks so much for your reply. P.S. I have owned mine for 4 years and it rarely goes out of tune! I plan on keeping it even if I buy a pedal harp!
Thanks for the info. Va. Harp Center said they have neither of these harps in stock. They did not mention if or when they would be getting them in. Maybe I need to ask them?? Thanks again. Paul
Thanks so much for your info. I live in S.C. which is far from all the dealers. I heard an audio on the internet of a Salvi Daphne 44 and one of a Salvi Orchestra which I really liked. My Thormahlen lever harp has a mellow sound, but I would like to trade up to a pedal harp. Have you ever heard of Thormahlen? Paul
There are a number of very good points in your last post, Saul. It is reasonable to see that not every teacher and student are an ideal match. Students with the combination of talent who struggle with arrogance could thrive in what would be perceived as a ‘harsh’ environment. There are other students for whom a more dramatic dialog would interrupt the natural flow of their progress. Stubborn arrogance can certainly not be broken through with gentleness and praise, I agree. However, i can see that a naturally proud mindset has its strengths in our competative, public scrutiny driven
I am new to harps but have been a travelling musician for some time. One car comes to mind, a Volvo 740 wagon (or a 240).
Reliable, great in winter, super safety rating, carries gear plus a PA with room to spare. I have also, many times, transported large quantities of: children, dogs, and building materials in mine. Four cylinder model is best. Good ones have been found on Ebay. If you sell it again they tend to hold their value and you can usually sell them on for much what you paid (within reason).
I’ve had mine for years. I would hate to part with it.
Good luck.
Kari and Carl,
Here’s a link to an article about studies at Florida State University’s Center for Expert Performance Research.
In educational terminology talent refers to a learned skill while giftedness refers to an innate skill. I suppose we are back to the nurture vs. nature debate. I have never understood the use of making such debates all or nothing. It’s pretty clear that ability is the result of a complex intertwining of both innate and learned abilities. And yes, the people at the top of their fields have a wealth of both. For everyone who practices several hours a day, there is someone else practicing those same hours with more innate ability. For every naturally gifted musician, there is another equally gifted practicing longer hours. It take every resource taken to its full advantage to rise above the masses.
Responsibility is important as you mention in terms of showing up, practicing, paying, etc. For me I value the simple desire to learn above all else. There is a kind of arrogance some students are nurtured to have that limits their ability to learn. There are instances in which a student has X amount of perception in music, and can produce at the same level they perceive. This often results in the student presuming they have nothing left to learn, and to have an inflated sense of their ability. I am still working out in my mind how to reach such a student. On the surface it can be frustrating, even annoying, but underneath that it is primarily unfortunate because it means they cannot grow. A couple of years ago i encountered a young, gifted student who was groomed somehow to have this attitude. I felt so disappointed because she had some honest to goodness talent, but it was clear that her ability to grow was grossly stunted by this arrogance. She was creative and could compose, but played things too fast hampering the expression. She was too focused on how she was appearing and forgot what she was communicating. Her attitude towards authority, her mother in particular, was negative and unhealthy.
I don’t want to use “good” and “bad” terminology because those words are too highly charged, but there is little in this world more disappointing than encountering a student with potential who simply refuses to learn and grow.
Hey Becky!
Just back from a quick holiday and here’s a news! I’m glad you enjoyed your lesson, lessons are precious (spelling? Sorry, not mothertoungue english…). I’m another one who started on her own, coudn’t progress much and decided I needed a teacher. Lessons proved great and I made a lot of progress, I think I would have quit without them. Anyway, welcome to the world of harp-students!
M.
