Back to School

Who’s ready to go back to school?

It’s that time of year again! Be prepared to go back to school and know what you want to accomplish this year. Here are some suggestions for captivating intermediate and advance solos (plus one duet!) to download and learn now.

All titles are playable on lever harp. 

*Nimrod

arr. Gretchen Monson

Whenever I think about going into a new year of harp study, a piece from a classic work is always on my list. “Nimrod” is from Edward Elgar’s orchestral work Enigma Variations. Gretchen Monson has arranged it for both lever and pedal harpists. It features really lovely harmonies with extended chords, parallel thirds, sixth intervals, and more.

*Prelude in F Major

arr. Laura Sherman

It’s no secret that a little Bach is good for the soul…and technique. This brief, one-page etude arranged by Laura Sherman is great to get everything up and running again after a relaxed summer. It works on developing hand independence, cross-under strengthening in the left hand, and more.

*In Flight

by Cindy Horstman

If you have a recital at the end of your semester, look no further than this piece by Cindy Horstman for your ending “crowd pleaser.” As the harpist, you will get to set the entrancing mood by keeping these grooves and bouncy melodies going. Horstman also has a duet version available for anyone looking for harp ensemble pieces this school year.

*Première Gymnopédie

arr. Sunita Staneslow

Erik Satie’s popular classic is one of those “must-learns” as a harpist, and Sunita Staneslow’s arrangement has made it accessible for lever harpists! It works as an excellent exercise in dynamic control and landing left hand jumps.

*Alameda

by Nadia Birkenstock

Like many of Nadia Birkenstock’s original compositions, this rhythmic and high-energy piece is so much fun to play. It’s the perfect piece to learn this school year if you’re looking for something a little different to help reinvigorate your desire to practice.

La Diva d’Empire

arr. Valerie Saint Martin

Yes, Satie made the list again because this French cakewalk is just so much fun! Arranged by Valerie Saint Martin, each time the main melody begins, she adds a new way to make it even more interesting. It can be hard to translate vocal music to solo harp, but this arrangement is truly an excellent example of how to make it work.

*Mariposas Monarca

by José Enrique Guzmán

I think more people need to know about this stunning work by José Enrique Guzman, which received an honorable mention in the 2020 Harp Column Music New Music Contest. It bridges together melodic writing with a little bit of modernism. The grace notes and extended techniques help tell the story of trees veiled with thousands of monarch butterflies.

Cadenzas for Mozart’s Concert for Flute and Harp

by Skaila Kanga

If it’s another year back at university for you and you haven’t learned Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto, it may be time! It’s another one of those “must-learns.” Or, perhaps you have learned it, but would like a refresher. In either case, you may enjoy Skaila Kanga’s original cadenzas written for each movement of the piece.

Variations on a Theme in Ancient Style

arr. Rachel Green

The powerful opening of this piece by Carlos Salzedo gets my every time. The Happystring edition is written in a larger font, has easier page turns, and is formatted to accommodate standard paper sizes. Two versions are included with your purchase; one with pedal markings and one without.

Rêverie

arr. Maria Luisa Rayan

You can’t go wrong with learning some Debussy this school year. Another “classic,” this piece will be useful for many years to come whether it’s for concerts or other performance occasions. Maria Luisa Rayan’s edition includes carefully selected fingerings, pedal markings, and dynamics.