Because
the harp is such a beautiful sounding instrument,
it is also a very forgiving instrument for
beginners. Just running your fingers over
the strings sounds pleasing. Unlike some
instruments, such as the violin, the harp
sounds lovely even when you're playing elementary
practice pieces such as "Twinkle, Twinkle,
Little Star", and so on...
Frequently
Asked Questions — Harp Lessons
Q.
Do I need musical background to play the harp?
A. It is not mandatory but musical background
is very helpful. I strongly suggest taking
a year-two years of piano lessons to get basic
musical knowledge- reading notation, understanding
musical signs and symbols, and comprehending
the rhythm. Knowing them saves tons of time
before tackling the harp, which requires complex
technique and hand (and feet) coordination.
I also teach the piano along with the harp
to those who are interested.
Q. How early can my child start a harp lesson?
A. I suggest children wait taking lessons
till they become five or six. Usually their
hands are too small and weak to pluck strings
and produce good tones. Until then, they can
take piano lessons or learn basic musical
knowledge to prepare for the harp.
Q. What is being taught during a lesson?
A. My lesson consists of playing, reading
by note, basic music theory, chords, scales
for agility, harp posture, hand position (techniques)
improvisation and arranging/composing. However,
the amount of non-playing activities vary
depending on the age and student's need. (Each
area depends on the age of the child.)
Q. Where do I rent harps?
A. There are not too many harp stores around,
but there are a few ways to rent harps. If
you are in Southern California, I have two
available lap harps or you could contact Hidden
Valley Harps (760) 743-0747, to see if they
have harps for rent. Otherwise, you can contact
me for further information.
Q. Why rent a harp and not buy it?
A. I always suggest beginners to try out the
harp for at least three months to see if they
like this instrument for sure. Purchasing
a harp is very expensive, and knowing if this
is the right instrument for you is important.
Harp rental is usually monthly and they start
approximately $50 per month for folk, and
$100 and up for pedal harps. (See www.celticharper.com
about renting vs. buying)
Q. What's the difference between folk and
pedal harps?
A. Folk harps are smaller and portable with
21-35 strings and about 12-25 pounds. They
have levers so the technique in playing is
slightly different than pedal harp. The left
hand is used to make lever (accidental) changes
while playing instead of pedals used by the
feet to make the tone changes.
Whereas pedal harps are much bigger and as
the name suggest, come with seven pedals to
make accidentals and range from 75 –
100 pounds. They have pedals instead of levers,
so the feet make the accidental changes instead
of levers.
Beginning music is usually simple and does
not require much accidental changes. Thus,
a folk harp can cover the range and the keys
of most pieces in the first year. (See www.celticharper.com
about folk/Celtic vs. pedal)
Q. Is there anything else I need to know?
A. Yes. Don't play the harp if you grow nails.
Harpists use finger-flesh to pluck strings
and we must have short nails all the time.
Having long nails won't allow proper hand
technique and can be a cause for injury. Also,
no manicure, please.
For Consultations,
bookings and information, please contact:
Frequently
Asked Questions — Harp Lessons