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A hearty “thank you” to all the previous posters on this thread — I have just purchased a Daphne 47EX, thanks in part to your input.
I agree! A reward system is good for younger students, (it’s amazing what one little sticker can do) but there is NO substitute for careful, consistent practice motivated by an internal desire to learn. As a student, I remember being very motivated to earn praise from my teacher. “I am SO proud of you. You have worked so hard and listen to the music you are making!” Providing really fun short term pieces helps too, so they are not always just doing exercises and long works that take weeks to learn. I also grill them about whether they have a dedicated practice time of day. Get them to think about making it a regular part of their schedule instead of something they try to work in when they feel like it. Some of my students like a chart to fill in so they have a visual record of the days and pieces practiced.
Sometimes it is difficult to convince a student that they need to practice, and other times the student may be practicing poorly but thinking they are practicing well.
Happy:
I also have a daphne 47 EX and adore it! It is $14,500, 3 thousand dollars less than the Aroura, which is almost identical. I think that you should definetely go with the 47EX. It is such a wonderful instrument, very sturdy and solid, and also Gorgous! Ive had mine since april and havent had a problem on it. all i can say is go for it! the 47 EX is your best choice!
🙂
Oh yeah, when I went to pick out my harp (at the harp connection in Salem Ma) I had the oppurtunity to play a Daohne 47 without the extended soundboard. To be truthful, I didnt like it very much. Heres why:
1) I think that the extended soundboard make the harp look much more in porportion to itself, and makes the harp look more complete.
2) It gives the bass and overall range an ENOURMOUS sound!!!
But hey, this is only my opinion and im sure there are hundereds of happy daphne 47 owners out there. Good luck!
Your daughter’s harp teach should be able to read notes, know the right way to sit and how to play with speed and grace. The teacher should be firm(you will learn a great deal more) but not harsh. Be prepared, after a couple years if the teacher does not take lessons themselves, they may run out of things to teach and you will have to find another teacher. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE LOADS OF EXPERIENCE!!
Rachel~!**
It depends on how old they are. I don’t teach harp, but I do teach violin, and the first thing you need to consider is their age. Next, I would look at their technique and style.
From here, it all depends on their level of motivation. If they are beginners with little or no motivation, I would have to bribe them (ie: “Practice these things, and you’ll get a treat next week” or “Practic this piece, and if you learn it well enough, we can move on to THIS NEAT piece!” or “Practice and I’ll take you to the upcoming ______ harp concert.” Things like that.) If they have been playing for a while (intermediate/ lower advanced players), and they have a little motivation (but not much), I would show them some of the very advanced pieces, and play parts of the pieces for them. This way they can see how neat they are, and they will perhaps stay motivated.
I believe the key for students to have successful practice time is for it to be interesting. If you just say “Learn these pieces by next time,” then of course they won’t practice. But if, perhaps, you throw in a little bribe, or competition, etc., this should help. You must constantly put yourself in their shoes. Consider why they may or may not like practicing, and work with that.
For more help, I would look in a HarpColumn magazine, or contact your local AHS chapter. They will help more than I will- I’m no expert.
Good luck!
hi Sarah! I’m 13 as well though in 8th grade! i would luv to chat with another harpist so u can email me @ theItalian91@yahoo.com if you feel like chatting! laterz.
Rachel!~**
hi! I had the same problem. I think the cause is that a lot of kids slouch and the harp is an instrument that requires a straight back. Try going through a day with a straight back, sort of to train it. If your back continues to hurt talk to your harp teacher about it or a doctor. THE HARP SHOULD NOT BE A PAINFUL INSTRUMENT! and it is not your fault you are having pain/
Rachel~!**
hi Elisabeth! I played the piano for 5 years and i think that learning the theory and the notes with piano with make learning the harp a whole lot easier. Anyway, it helped me! good luck!
Rachel!~**
hi ya Heather! I’m 12 as well and i would luv to chat more with harpists my age! You can email me @ theItalian91@yahoo.com or iHarp4U@yahoo.com . Do you have
David,
I saw your ad and I am also in need of a harp, so if you by any chance get more then one harp I would be more then happy to take it off your hands if you need me to. If you by any chance want to sell it to me for a very cheap amount I will gladly buy it from you. Oh, and you might want to check your first word it doesn’t make much sense! Tell me about it!Girl in need of harp!
P.S. What state do you live in?
Dr. Carrol McLaughlin, Harp Professor of University of AZ.
office number is 520.621.1592, e-mail is:
