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If anybody is still interested i updated the song and made some big corrections . . . Now it sounds more realistic and brighter.
Cheers!
Emily,
I’m glad you are happy with your Blevins harp. I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say they don’t like a Blevins harp. As far as rental fees, that’s more or less what I’m expecting/hoping for–about 50 or so. The Troubadour is actually what I had my lesson on. It had a beautiful tone but I’m wanting to try a harp with a little less tension to compare. I guess I’ll see what this teacher has available. It should be interesting to have lessons from a second teacher. I’m curious to see what this one does differently. Because of cost, I will probably go back to the first one regardless because she had very reasonable lesson prices but was still very skilled and nice to work with. I think this class will still be a wonderful opportunity.
Thanks,
BeckyHi Becky.
I think you’ll be very satisfied with your Blevins harps. Mine has pleased me in many ways. And having a travel harp and a floor harp is a very good idea. I’m shopping around for a lap harp with the same idea.
I just coordinated a rental and it was $55.00 a month for a Triplett 30-string harp, plus a $55.00
Emily,
Thanks for sharing your perspective. I found it very helpful. That first lesson, unfortunately, is the only one I’ll have for a while unless I get to take the college class that starts next month. In that case, I think the teacher will let me rent a harp. I still don’t know what the rental fee is so I’m a little apprehensive about that, but I think I can work something out one way or another. Once I am able to get a harp, though, I think I am going to start with the Blevins Cameo 24, and then save up for the MeadoWind 36. I am trying to plan ahead, and that will give me just the collection I need–a small travel harp, and a full-range harp. Since I can’t afford the larger harp first, I will have to start with the smaller. I really like the look and sound of it and think I will be very happy with it. I remember reading on a thread somewhere that it’s hard to give up your first harp, so I’m trying to avoid having to do that by starting with something I want to keep. I’ve heard so many good things about Blevins that I don’t think I will be disappointed.
Anyway, I will keep you posted if I end up taking that class! I should have some stories to tell. Thanks again for the info.
Regards,
BeckyHi Mike. In answer to your question, I got my harp less than a year and a half ago. Keep in mind that I’m a professional pianist with more time to practice than most adults, also very firmly grounded in theory.
Hi Becky. Sounds like you’re a thinker, which is good. The Thinking Harpist.
It would probably be better for someone with more credentials to answer your question but here’s my perspective. I’ve asked my teacher the same question. In faster pieces the movements are quicker, and often abbreviated. It is sometimes impossible to close completely. One thought, from Yolanda Kondonassis, that helped me was the idea that closing against the base of the palm releases the energy of the performance and helps with fatigue.
Learning the hand position and movements
Hi. I’m in South Jersey (Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield area). And I would love to do a Harp Ensemble!
Does anyone know where Harpo’s harp is now? In a museum or something?
I have a Thom harp and love the sound of it. They are not completely carbon fibre. The soundboard is cedar reinforced with carbon fibre. The soundbox is aluminium. Every note is clear and beautiful with just the right amount of sustain. I see no point in clinging to tradition for traditions sake alone. If all wood produces a significantly better sound then by all means. If as good a sound or better can be achieved with progress then why not?
I’ve put my harp up against all wood harps from several makers and some of them significantly more expensive than my harp. I still prefer the sound of mine to those others. Innovations have produced great strides in what’s possible for harps over the centuries. Possibly people scoffed at the first pedal harps too as being mechanical and un-musical. But where would we be today without them?
