learn to play the harp

I play my lovely new harp alot. Sometimes just a few minutes and sometimes for an hour or hour and a half. Had another lesson yesterday. Learning to “walk” my fingers through new songs. Figuring out the best finger combinations and “place-pluck” requires going through the music slowly but I do enjoy this very much.

I was listening to the cd that comes with the songbook and decided to play along with it. Not that I can do all the things but just to help me learn. However, I realized that the song was written in one key and the cd version was in another key. So now I am relearning to play, even used the f & c sharping levers the music, the songs. The key in which the songs are recorded has a much nicer sound than the key it was written which is probably to avoid any sharps/flats that could befall one.

A fully levered 32 string Dusty Strings harp. Mahogany and maple. Lovely tone. Practicing every day. Having fun with it. Another lesson next week.

I am now adding chords to the melody, and am pleased with progress and the joy of playing an instrument again! It is hard but I love it!

Third lesson today. I decided the other night that maybe I am the snowboard equivalent of goofy footed for the harp. I tried the harp with the harp against the left shoulder instead of right shoulder and that feel right. The lesson went very well. The sale on harps starts on Friday so I think I will check that out.

Trying to get the fingers at the correct angle, wrists in, right elbow up but not too much, practiced harp for about 45 minutes.

Well, my fingers obviously need training to go the right way. It is kinda funny how unless you keep on top of them and consciously tell them to slap back, unbent, keep the wrist in and elbow up (without looking like you are flying or doing the chicken dance. I even promised my second finger icecream if it would stop curling but as soon as I didn’t think about it, there the darned thing goes, curling again! So drats, it doesn’t get chocolate icecream! :-)
There is a sale at the end of the month which I am considering buying a fully levered harp rather than renting a partially levered harp. I am so pleased I am doing this long time goal! Woohoo!

Concentrating on fingering patterns and learning the notes but have played by memory the first song. Pleased. It is kinda cool to feel the strings vibrate into the wooden floor and kinda tickle bare feet.

Went to a harp workshop today and learned some things about the harp and strumming, plucking, proper way to hold your hands and have a little song to work on. Next lesson is on Wednesday! I am so pleased that I have finally tried this!

Start on Wednesday. Workshop next Saturday!