Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
My experience playing with an orchestra is that I’m always overwhelmed when I first get the piece. Whenever I’m lost at the practices and don’t know where I am in the music, I feel terrible. BUT what you have to do is dissect that piece to it’s fundamental parts and really get to know it. Borrow a few different recordings and follow along with the music, or try to play with it. Get so that you always know exactly what comes next. Hear what the other instruments are playing and how it fits with the harp part. I’m probably crazy, but for me, the one hour concert that comes at the end is worth all that work and more.
I absolutely love Debussy’s Danses. I’m studying the first one right now and I think it’s gorgeous. I took two different recordings out of the library. The second danse is wonderful also, but it looks considerably harder. I’m also having fun with Mozart’s Flute and Harp concerto. Has anyone here played Salzedo’s Whirlwind?
pearl was my arunt, I aLSO HAVE THE RECORD AND WOULD BE INTERESTED IN GETTING A TAPE OR CD, I DO NOT HAVE A RECORD PLAYER.
This is something I’ve had recent experience with, and what worked for me was acupuncture. I dealt with four months of pain, loss of grip and manual dexterity, and a total inability to do even the simplest things like open doors and write with a pencil, let alone play the harp. I went to Alexander classes, the chiropractor, the massage therapist, Pilates classes, and more.
Then I went to an acupuncturist. In four sessions I was totally cured. I am now playing a full season of weddings and have experienced no further discomfort or pain.
If you decide to go this route, however, choose wisely. A personal recommendation is best, and be sure they are certified in your area, have practiced for several years, and were trained at an accredited institution.Elizabeth:
I know several very fine young harpists whose tapes were not chosen for this competition. Please don’t feel bad, and just try to keep working for the next opportunity. It’s really too bad that so few people’s tapes were chosen to play in person for this competition.
Maybe this will help you feel better: No first prize was even awarded in the Advanced Division of the AHS competition. But Julie Smith, who tied for second prize in the Advanced Division, went on to place third in the USA International Competition!!!! Imagine how she must have felt when no first prize was awarded, but then just a few weeks later she went on to win an even bigger acheivement. So keep your chin up and just keep trying. If you’re really concerned, you could always play your tape for several harp teachers and ask for constructive comments on how you can make a better one for next time. Good luck!
Kim Rowe
I started at age 8, but I took piano for three years first. I think it greatly helps your ability to progress fast on the harp if you have piano lessons (and lessons on other instruments) beforehand. I am 16 now and I want to continue to pursue harp in college.
Don’t feel too bad about not being chosen. I submitted a tape to the Intermediate 2 division and wasn’t chosen either. My teacher told me that this year they had to be more selective than usual because they couldn’t reserve the facilities in advance. I think for Intermediate 1, they chose 8 tapes out of 45. It was the first time I had tried to get into a competition, so I figure there will be more chances. Just the experience of applying was worthwhile.
Hey Heather! I would love to chat with you. I’ve been looking for a girl my age to chat with that plays the harp. Heres some background info about me: I am from New Jersey and i just turned 13. I’ve been playing for two years and I have a prelude from Lyon and Healy. What kind of harp do you have (if you have one) and how long have you been playing? Please e-mail me back at harpgirl6688@aol.com. If your ever online instant message me and we can chat.
While some people may say that anything is possible, becoming a professional harpist by beginning at age 45 with no instrument seems to be a stretch to me. It sounds like this woman does not understand the time, money, and commitment (emphasis on time) it takes to become a professional harpist. I am 26 years old and have been playing the harp for 12 years, and still have a hard time supporting myself on “harping” alone. If she is really serious about this, I would recommend giving her a realistic picture of how much time it will take before she can become a “professional” and definitely recommend that she NOT quit her current job. Also, tell her the financial commitment of purchasing or renting a harp is definitely necessary for any serious harpist.
I began at the age of five.
first I played the celtic then the paraguay harp and now I’m playing
the pedal harpNadia Tjahja
