Harp news...

[jim_p]

(Cross posted to harp, but I figured some of my other friends might want to see this as well...)

File this under "I can't believe this is happening"....

Short form of the story: I'm now playing pedal harp, years before I thought it would be possible.



I started harp lessons about a year and a half ago on a 29-string Pakistani harp I bought on eBay. It was a nice little instrument, but I quickly found myself needing more strings (its bottom note was C-below-middle-C, and a lot of music dips into the octave below that). I found a teacher who teaches both lever and pedal, and sought to learn classical technique in case I ever moved up to pedal harp "someday"

Then I found that The Harp Connection has a very nice rental program. For $60/month I could have the use of a late-model L&H Troubador V 36-string lever harp. It was a very nice instrument, and I made a lot of pogress on it.

About a month ago, when my choral group was on tour to Jamestown, VA, I got to chatting with a friend in the chorale. I casually mentioned "Yeah, Monday is my music day... harp lesson in the morning, then chorale rehearsal in the evening". Her ears perked up... "Did I hear you say harp?".

Long story short, she had been an amateur pedal harpist for a number of years, but had to give it up due to sciatica among other things. She had a beautiful old L&H Style 22 that was sitting around, much loved but unplayed, and she was toying around with renting it out to make a little money and make sure it got the playing it deserved.

Since the rental period on the Troubador was coming to an end, I had to decide whether to extend the rental for another year or buy the Troubador... and all of a sudden Door #3 was opened in front of my eyes!

My teacher and I went to my friend's house to look the harp over. Both the harp and my friends met with great approval from the teacher. I sat down and played it, and it felt totally natural. The Troubador is designed with exactly the same string spacing and tension as L&H pedal harps, which is why I felt right at home. I even played around with the pedals a bit (I already knew the theory and arrangement of pedals, which helped). Arrangements were made, and last Sunday my friends brought her over. I think she fits right in with the decor of the dining room... here's a pic:



While I was returning the Troubador to the Harp Connection, I picked up some new music. Yesterday I had my first lesson on pedals. I think I'm going to have a blast!

Comments

[figmo.livejournal.com]

Drool! Slobber!

[quietann.livejournal.com]

that looks so pretty!

When I was a kid, I wanted to learn harp, but my parents said it was too expensive and very difficult to find a teacher (who would be too expensive).

These days, my "extra" time is going to Minnie :)

[dzmonster.livejournal.com]

Go you!

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize you were just renting that other harp. This is so cool! You'll have to play it for me sometime

[jim-p.livejournal.com]

I was seriously considering buying it at the end of the rental period, but then this came along :)

And yes, if you come by I'd be happy to serenade you ;)

[m0usegrrl.livejournal.com]

How awesome! She's a lovely lady indeed. ^____^

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

Ooh, lovely. I'm still stalled out on practicing on the small one you gave me a few years back because of some separation of the wood on the post. *sigh*

[eclecticavatar.livejournal.com]

I play, too! Well, sort of... I have a 36 inch rosewood harp (also from ebay, but surprisingly well made)

[hnybny.livejournal.com]

Very nice, and no more lever flipping!

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

That's lovely! We shall be expecting a harp icon shortly.

[jim-p.livejournal.com]

Like this? :)

[muffyjo]

Sounds like you're turning into quite the bard! And that IS a beautiful harp. Oh glorious good timing!