Back to School for Beginner Harpists

Who’s ready to go back to school?

Are you looking for beginning harp repertoire to start the year off right? Check out these collections, which we think would be wonderful learning material for beginning harp students this semester. They’re all featured on our recent Harp Column Podcast Episode Episode 85, where you can find out more about why we love them, and also hear extended performance clips! (Listen now)

We’ve also included a few beginner-friendly recital solos we think students will love.

All titles are playable on lever harp. 

Happy Harps Level 1A

by Zoe Coppola

This book is excellent for true beginning harpists, as the step-by-step approach by Zoe Coppola combines satisfying repertoire with a solid foundation in technique and theory/note reading. There are also several levels in the series to progress to if you enjoy the book!

Harpnotes Volume One

by Megan Reeve

Megan Reeve’s collection includes 31 solo harp pieces designed to take beginning students from their first lesson to their first performance. The collection includes original compositions, arrangements of folk songs, duets, and more. 

Play With Me (Level One)

by Rachel Green

This fun series by Rachel Green allows students to play along with their teachers. Each piece in the collection works on developing new techniques, learning new rhythms, and gradually getting the student acclimated to the harp. 

Baby Doves–Harp Lessons for Beginners

by Kaffee Peck

Over 40 arrangements and original solos make up this collection by Kaffee Peck that features progressive short pieces for the beginning harpist. This book can be used as core or supplemental education. It has a lot of fun, recognizable repertoire! 

Elementary Note Reading

by Haley Hodson

It’s never too early to begin note reading and sight reading with beginning students. The exercises in this book by Haley Hodson provide slow progress on note reading at the harp and focus only quarter note and half note rhythms with simple finger placements.

Three Calming Pieces

by Angela Klöhn

These pieces by Angela Klöhn feature quality writing for students. I really love that these feel more mature in nature, like recital pieces, while still being very easily accessible to the beginning harpist.

Waltz for Becky

by Hannah Haynes

I love the simplicity of this tune by Hannah Haynes and admittedly have an affinity for waltzes. Not only is this a sweet little tune, but it’s also a great learning tool for waltz rhythm and counting in 3/4. The left hand has one note per measure, which allows for some raising practice, too. 

Dancing Clouds

by Joy Slavens

Students will get excited about the glissandos in this fun little piece by Joy Slavens. It is very joyful and I think a piece that students will enjoy going into the practice room to work on!

Là Bealltainn

by Ailie Robertson

Absolutely breathtaking. This original piece by Ailie Robertson is a wonderful beginner solo for adult students or advanced young students looking to work on their musicality. It’s a really beautiful melody and a great introduction to grace notes.

Black and White Rag

arr. Angela Klöhn

This rag by George Botsford will be so much fun for beginner students to learn this semester! It is great for students just beginning to put hands together as the left hand is more relaxed with notes just on beat 1 and 3 while the right hand plays the earworm-y ragtime melody.