How I did it: I started lobbying to play the harp when I was about four.  I started piano when I was seven, which gave me a very good foundation for a lot of things.  My parents found me a harp teacher when I was eleven and a small used harp.  After two years on that they rented a pedal harp for a year and then bought me my first pedal harp when I was fourteen, which I still use to this day.  I got a bachelor's degree from a conservatory with a famous pedagogue and then followed up with a master's at a different conservatory.  I started performing professionally in high school but didn't become a full-time professional until grad school.  I built an extensive free-lance career for years in North Carolina until I moved to SF a couple of years ago.  Although I now have a salaried position, I still play and teach harp professionally and every year get more opportunities.

Only downside: 25 years of chronic postural and pain problems caused by repetitive motion in a very compromised and twisted seated position.

Lessons & tips: Practice, but practice effectively.  More is not necessarily better, but some every day is good.  Also, slow is good, because your body really internalizes physical activities that you learn deliberately.

Resources: Excellent teachers--no substitute for a really high-quality teacher.

May 08, 09:18PM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers