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Jane, in regards to your question of technique. Technique is extremely important no matter what methond you are studing. However, most important is that the performer, student, whomever be completely relaxed while playing the harp. This all goes together with the height of the bench/chair that you are using to the relaxed position of the hands, arms, and feet. I started as an adult myself, and I do know that complete closure of the fingers in a relaxed manner is extremely important to maintain relaxation in the entire body. However, another important point is that in the teen years and especially after the thirties the tendons will only stretch to a certain point. Primarily the second finger [actually the first or ‘pointer finger’ since the thumb is the first] is already fixed or fused into a certan length and this particular finger will not close completely in adults that start the harp. Younger students have much more pliability in their tendons and they still have time to grow. Sometimes the other fingers also will not relax the same as if they were taught from childhood.
A good exersize I give my adult beginners and young alike is to place the hand relaxed on your knee joint when you are in a sitting position. The hand should be relaxed and open. Slowly raise your forearm and hand which should cause your hand/fingers to close in a relaxed manner. This is a similar exercersize that people recovering from damage to their hands or stroke do except they are picking up a facial tissue from a flat surface which is much more difficult. This is a natural process. Also try this by dropping you arm down to your side. In this position with the hand and arm are relaxed your fingers should be in a fairly open position. As you bring your forearm and hand up by bending your elbow your fingers should naturally close into your hand. This is a basic principle of anatomy and is used very effectively in performing on the harp. It will also help you to think of a relaxed way for you to close you hand [fingers] when performing. I know the position of performing on the harp is somewhat different, but this does help for the gerneral movement.
The most difficult thing to do while playing and your teacher is moving your hands, arms, fingers and poking around is to maintain a relaxed feeling. Try to visualize that your are really in your ‘safe’ home environment and the teacher is not really there. I know its a big stretch but it can be done.
Again, as an adult beginners we have to work towards the perfection of someone that has started as a child; and again, this takes many more years to do with the added work schedule of an adult.
Hope that this helps you some, and that I have not rambled on too long.
Gaylord T. StaufferI think technique is very important for playing the harp at any age. With the correct technique you produce an excellent tone and playing is easier. You might what to try the “flat finger” exercise to get your fingers to the palm of your hand. Just bring your fingers to the palm of your hand but make sure they are flat not curved as a fist. Also, bring your thumb down so it falls on the second knuckle of your index finger. Do this anytime, you can do this watching tv or talking on the phone, etc. It should help relax your hands also. I hope you keep playing the harp it is a rewarding experience.
there is a group call harpmakers at yahoogroups…they talk about harp plans, books, and custom designs…join them!
I started playing at 13. I played the piano, cello, and violin before the harp, but now I’m just sticking with the harp.
Yes, I just got one. The CD is by Cate Cannon Todd titled Passacaille. It has the Handel Passacaille and Concerto, Le Fille au Cheveaux de Lin, Canson dans la nuit, and many other great pieces. I’d suggest calling your local big bookstore/music store (aka Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc.) and getting it ordered or calling Lyon and Healy and seeing if they’ll order it for you. She’s excellent and the CD has everything you’d ever need.
Look into Boston University…GRRREAT Harp Program including Lucille Lawrence as head of staff (who was once married to Carlos Salzedo). Also, try http://www.Collegeboard.org for an advanced search of all the programs you want…great site.
~Kat
Becky:
Remember that there is only one of you, vs. 20 or so violinists. If they get lost, they can just look at each other. Since there is only one of you, you will have to take more responsibility to make sure you don’t get lost during measures rest. A great way to do that is by looking at the score to the piece your playing. Study the score as you listen to a recording of the piece, and make notes of really obvious “cues” by other instruments. If the flute, or trumpet, or oboe, etc. has a really exposed or obvious part, make a note in your part of where it happens to help you follow along. You can also make note of any tempo changes or key changes to help you keep track of where you are. These can be very obvious and good reference points. If you see how the music lines up in the score, you’ll have an easier time recognizing things as you hear them.
Above all, don’t be embarassed! If you are consistantly having trouble in a particular place, approach the conductor after the rehearsal and ask him to help you figure out what’s going wrong. Maybe you just don’t understand what his beat pattern is and he can help by clarifying that to you. It is not at all uncommon to go up to the conductor and ask questions or ask for help. Be honest and tell him you are having trouble knowing when to come in, and ask him to give you a “cue.” He will most likely respect you for taking charge of the situation and trying to fix it, rather than letting your mistake happen again and again.
You can also make friends with someone near you and ask for their help. Are you sitting next to a friendly clarinet, tuba, or bass player? Find out what they are playing just before your entrance and write that “cue” into your part. You could even ask them to look at you or poke you at a certain spot (although you should probably limit the poking to rehearsals only!).
You may also want to have some lessons with a teacher who specializes in orchestra playing. They can help you analyze your part and give you hints about counting all those rests. If you are having trouble distinguishing the conductor’s beat, go to some orchestra concerts where you’re not playing and watch the conductor carefully; try to discern what meter the piece is in by watching the conductor, and try to focus on where the “1” or the “downbeat” is at all times, even as the meter changes.
At 17 it’s OK to admit that you are just learning how to play in orchestra. It is not really that hard once you figure it out, and if you approach it with that in mind, you’ll do well in no time. You could also think about going to a summer program that specializes in orchestra, such as Brevard or Interlochen, to get some more experience.
Good luck!
hi! my name is nick – i think i’m the oldest (59), i played the accordion as a youth, so my left hand isn’t so great.
Hi Maria!
I’m a french hornist myself! Not professional yet though – I’m still in music college. =) I’ve recently started learning the harp and I love it! I used to play the piano but switched over to french horn as my principal instrument when I was 18.
I understand exactly what you mean and know all about the many ‘pains’ that come with being a french hornist. I do find playing the harp relaxing. I know how fustrating the horn can be sometimes, some days everything just feels wrong and no matter what you do your breathing feels wrong/you feel tense/keep splitting notes when you don’t normally….
I’m in UK and my harp is the Clarsach model by Pilgrim. The only other brand I’ve tried is Aoyama. Are you looking for a lever harp? Lever or pedal, I think with such good brands like Lyon and Healy, Carmac etc. you can’t go wrong. I think the best thing to do is go to the harp centre and try all the harps they have available, and you’ll be able to tell which one feels/sounds right. Pilgrim makes 3 models of lever harps, the clarsach, ashdown and the progress. The clarsach is at concert tension and spacing, while the ashdown is of lighter tension. As I’ve been playing the piano for years my fingers already have strength and dexterity, so I don’t find it difficult playing at concert harp tension. I’ve read that concert tension and gut strings give a mellower tone, while lighter tension and nylon strings have a brighter sound. So it’s really up to you. Personally I love my Pilgrim clarsach, the tone is so beautiful and it really sings. I think Pilgrim isn’t as popular in the US since it is a workshop in Surrey, UK. But I’ve been to their workshop and I know that my Pilgrim harp is one of the most well made harps available. Derek Bell of the Chieftains plays on clarsachs made by Pilgrim. =)
I think the best thing is still to go and try all the harps you can possibly get your hands on until you find one that ‘fits’, that speaks to you, much like buying a horn – there can be 10 horns of the same make and model but all of them will respond differently. All the best in your search and happy harping! =)
Hi everyone!
Wow, I’m amazed at the responses here. I’ve also just started learning the harp and I’m so in love with it! I’m from Singapore, currently a music undergrad student in London, UK. I still remember reading in a magazine about a girl in the States learning the harp, and since I love Irish folk music, it has always been my dream to play the harp. I used to be a pianist but then switched over to the french horn as my principal instrument. Thanks to piano and being clasically trained, picking up the harp has been pretty easy so far.
Since harps and harp music (well, sheet music in general) isn’t easy to obtain in Singapore (Patricia from Malaysia, you’re not alone!!), I took the plunge and bought a new lever harp. It’s made by Pilgrim Harps, in Surrey, UK. The only other harp brand I’ve tried is Aoyama. I love my Pilgrim harp, although it’s not cheap it’s so well made and it really sings! The tone is so beautiful… Mine’s gut strung, at concert harp tension and spacing. Pilgrim doesn’t seem very well known outside of UK. Derek Bell of the Chieftains plays on harps made by Pilgrim. =)
Anyway, I’m glad that I found this forum. Just want to wish everyone all the best in harping. Your enthusiasm is really encouraging! =)
Cheers!
Hi:
I’m 42, and I go my Bob Allen “Kells” harp in November. This is my first try at something I’ve always wanted to do!
I played the recorder and the mountain dulcimer for years, but I don’t think I have gotten as much satisfaction with any instrument as I do with my harp. I’m looking forward to putting together a few tunes to perform with my Irish Flute playing husband.
Hi, the only thing that I wish to add is, I have a back problem and shoulder problem not related to harp, My phyisotherapist and I spent a lot of time in finding ways to avoid pain finally we came up with using my knees to cushion the harp so it hardly comes in contact with my shoulder at all. It is the only thing that works, and under a long skirt, no one is the wiser and pedal changes are uneffected.
