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I think that Elizabeth is on the right track. I don’t think that it’s the alien that imprisoned Kim or built the Satanic Troubadour……I think that John Doe is the alien’s understudy or assistant. He distracted the alien so Kim could free herself and escape. The alien’s understudy is aware of all the sabotage that is going on, and is trying to warn all of us, yet protecting himself by using an alias. By remaining underground, John Doe
I wipe my strings down with a dry cloth too. What effect would water, cleaners, anti-bacterial wipes, etc. have on the strings? I worry that the bass strings might rust, and the gut and nylon strings disintigrate. Would the sound of the strings change?
I am a Barbara fan as well, and have many of her arrangements. This book is going to be my next addition.
Hi Becky and welcome! I’m another one who is totally smitten by the harp. I started in the middle, but I’ve always wanted to play the harp. I remember as a child listening to albums with harp music. My favorite was in a black album cover with a lady sitting at a golden harp with a very full, tuelle dress in white. I remember listening to a lot of Debussy then. I wasn’t able to play the harp then, but started ballet school. I was also horse crazy and grew up on a horse. I loved show jumping, and rode into my thirties. I also took
What a cute church! I listened to a sound clip and your choir is amazing! I didn’t expect that sound from such a small group of people. Which one are you in the picture? 🙂
Audrey,
You remind me so much of myself! I also have “bonding” issues, tend to learn well studying on my own, and sing alto! I used to sing in a church choir a couple years back, but I wasn’t with that church long enough (I moved out of state) to really develop my sight-singing skills again. Anyway, I have a small electronic keyboard in my condo right now, so I might try to get some practicing done on that to polish up my general music skills.
I looked up that book you mentioned on Amazon and thought it sounded PERFECT since I’ll probably want to write songs on the harp. Maybe it’s just me but it seems like an easier instrument to write music on than the piano because even the simplest melodies sound so beautiful on it. Who knows–I may eat my words once I actually try composing something.
I also agree with you about the lever harp. I’m ashamed to say it, but until this past month, I didn’t really know anything about the lever harp species. All I had ever really heard of were pedal harps. The more I read about it the more I thought “Wow, this is perfect for me!” It just seems like such a beautiful but still friendly instrument, and I love the history behind it.
Barbara,
Thanks so much for telling me about that music theory software. That also sounds like a great resource. I’ll let you know what I decide about lessons once I meet with a teacher here.Thanks,
BeckyBarbara,
I have a piano background but I don’t play regularly and I never advanced all that much. I mostly used to write my own music as a student so I still play those songs and a few others I learned, but I never have been able to put sheet music up in front of me and just start playing. I used to write the letter names on the notes (not professional, I know) and practice very slowly, and once I learned it I just wouldn’t look at the sheet music anymore. As you can guess, I had a very laidback teacher, which I liked! But I’m guessing things will change with the harp.
I know a lot of basic music theory but I still have trouble sight-reading, so I’ve been going through Sylvia Woods’ books, reading the lessons, and trying to read the notes in my head. I used to sight-sing in middle school but unfortunately, the “use it or lose it rule” applies here and I haven’t been using it.
I guess I’ll just have to do a lot of studying and practicing to get up to speed!
Actually, I prefer the lever harp, so I doubt I’d ever want to change. But thanks for the thought! That is an important factor.
Thank you both for the advice. I hadn’t thought about it that way. I guess I can just take the introductory lesson now to appease myself, see what the teacher thinks, and maybe take four lessons in November and rent a harp during that time and see how it goes. I’d hate to take the lessons now, have to stop, and forget what I learned before I do get a harp.
As far as my piano background, I mostly played by ear (even though I did have a few years of lessons as a child) so I’m probably going to be relearning a lot of music theory. I guess I’m a very causal musician (which may make somem teachers cringe!) and I really just want to play for sheer enjoyment. 🙂 I still would like to play well and not develop bad habits, so I won’t skip lessons altogether.
Thanks again from the tip! It’s nice to have teachers reading these posts.
June, that’s so funny about your husband and Japanese swords. I’m glad you finally got the harp you wanted!! 🙂 You must be so happy.
Gwen, thanks for the welcome. I’m surprised how many harpies haven’t seen a harp before taking lessons! It really is kind of exasperating to want to see one and have to wait.
I’m looking forward going to a free lesson once I get the chance. I’m just waiting to get the OK from the hubby. He’s worried that if I go to one free lesson I’m going to end up going every week and renting a harp or something. Do teachers tend to be pushy like that or do you think I can get away with just one lesson and saying I won’t be able to take any until probably October or so and then it’ll be once a month just to be sure I want to get a harp for Christmas? It’d be easier if I didn’t WANT to take weekly lessons and rent a harp. 😉
Audrey, I’m so glad to hear that you got the Ravenna with C and F levers and love it. The funny thing is, the first time I saw it, I didn’t really like the two tones (black and white) but the more I look at it, the more I like it, and now I feel like I have to have it! I’m also glad to hear that the extendable leg does work, even if it isn’t as good as the stool. One thing at a time, I guess. 🙂
