Happy Harps Level 1A
$18.00
Zoe Coppola’s method book Happy Harps Level 1A is for beginner harpists (no levers or pedals required!) with little or no experience on other instruments. The Happy Harps curriculum is a step-by-step approach that combines satisfying repertoire with a solid foundation in technique and theory/note reading. With two tracks available to accommodate different beginners, the series takes a student of any age from the very first lesson up through an early intermediate level. The next book in this series is Happy Harps Level 1B. Scroll down for a video with more information on this series.
This collection is available as a PDF download for $18.00.
Length: 45 pgs.
Francesca Florance –
I used this book with my 5th grade beginner class this past school year. I had been searching for a method book that scaffolded in note reading appropriately, and used a landmark system instead of mnemonic devices. Most of book 1A is before introducing the staff, which allows you to focus on good technique, closing, posture, and learn concepts one at a time. When the staff is introduced, the focus is on reading intervals (seconds, thirds, and fourths). The book only uses first and second finger, which gives students a lot of time to form a good foundation.
The majority of the songs used are original, and my students enjoyed them. They loved “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and anything that used glissandos. Each section of the book introduces a few new concepts, gives a few “songs” (exercises, but my students weren’t aware of the difference) to practice the concept, then a few songs that use that concept.
I absolutely recommend using this book with beginner students, especially if you teach any kind of group class. This book is specific enough to reinforce the concepts you teach, but flexible enough to work for any method of harp.