So I’ve taken 14+ years of piano. I have a Masters degree in conducting, and I’m almost 30. I’ve decided to purchase my first harp, lifelong dream! I’m watching your videos so I can have good technique before I even get my instrument. I just wanted to encourage you, as someone who has taken a huge amount of lessons, yours are so good! So easy to understand, and your explanation of technique is so thorough. I know it’s going to make being a self taught student much less frustrating 😊
Wow, what an amazing compliment! I really appreciate hearing that from someone who’s taken so many lessons from excellent teachers, I’m sure. All the best with getting started with harp, I’m sure you’ll progress quickly considering your background and your attention to detail. If you’re already researching good technique now, I imagine you’re going to be so good at it!! Wow I can’t wait to hear about your progress. Enjoy it! 😃😃😃
What I found particularly interesting, was that the hand and arm positions are very similar to the “neutral” position choral conductors use, elbows out and relaxed, palms angled, thumbs above. The only difference is that your hands are close together, because you’re playing the strings. Other than that, it was pretty easy for me to get the position because the muscle memory is so similar
These lessons are so good I built a small harp using biscuit tins for a sound box now I’m in the middle of building a large 34 string one ,watching your videos are keeping me inspired
Hi christy I’ve just built a small harp using biscuit tins for a sound box now I’m building a large 34 string one your videos are helping me so much and keeping me inspired to keep going
Your videos have been a blessing for me! You articulate what we new students need to know while keeping the atmosphere so positive and fun. I truly appreciate all your time and energy to share your love of playing the harp with us. I do have a question.....You demonstrate how to pluck a single note with the thumb. From the video, it appears that my #2 finger is needed to participate in the single plucking with the thumb. Did I misunderstand? Thank you for all that you continue to share with us. You make a beautiful difference on our journey to becoming musicians!
Good question! If there is a single note on its own, it is usually played with the 2nd finger. So when you are using your thumb, it is with the second finger playing either before or after. Not on its own 😊 Thank-you for your lovely compliments, I’m really glad you enjoy the atmosphere of my teaching. I really want to make it feel simple and fun! 😃❤️
This was SUPER helpful!!!! I've nearly given up trying to learn on my lap harp because it's so uncomfortable to hold. I have a big Salvi and recently purchased new strings--some have broken--but now will need to learn how to attach the strings, which is REALLY scary--LOL! Thank you SO MUCH for these videos, Christy-Lyn! I'm going right now to try the box/stack of books/other options you've suggested to see if that will help. Hugs!
Oh I see, here is your other comment on this video. It’s sweet, I’ll keep it 😁 I’ll copy in my reply here too, in case others want to see: Aw sorry to hear you’ve had such trouble! I really hope this helps you to feel more comfortable. When it comes to the restringing, I feel your pain! It can be very scary indeed. But it gets easier every time. And it can help to practice the harp knots on a broken string, or on a piece of fishing twine or something similar. And after you’ve got the knot, the rest is much easier! 💕
Thank you for the lessons. So far, it is fine. I have a little concern about the position of the second finger while plucking. Should it be a bit curved in?
Thankyou Christy-Lyn for your lessons. you have a lovely teaching manner . I am finding it easier to pluck with the thumb on my left hand> I am right handed. Is this usual?
Glad you’re enjoying the videos 😃🙌🏻 I haven’t heard that before, it’s worth trying to figure out why. If it’s just because of struggling to see your right hand through the strings that’s fine and I’m sure you’ll get used to it. But if it’s because your arm is not at a good angle and making it difficult to pluck, then that needs to be solved so you can set yourself up for success going forwards 😊 If you can’t figure it out you might want to consider a once off lesson or a feedback video because correct position is important to set up at the beginning so it doesn’t cause problems for the long term ❤️ You can find info about lessons and feedback videos at learningtheharp.com/shop/
Hi! I use the stand for my Harpsicle. I love the fact that I can easily set it on the right height. I also tried the stick, but I found it too unstable.
Thank you thank you! Practicing finger positions ..yikes lol have to keep reminding myself to keep thumbs up and fingers together hahaha I really how you teach. Grateful
Do harpist have to have short fingernails? Especially with thumb plucking I keep hitting the string with my thumbnail (which isn’t overly long but extends past my finger)
Hello Christy-Lyn ! Your videos have really helped me and I wondered if you had one/could make one about a trouble I have: my right hand's 4th finger keeps getting "caught" on the third as it plays, I can feel the 4 grazing the 3's tip that is close to the 4. So it sometimes catches the string the 3 was on, especially when there's arpeggios. I seem to have difficulties finding the right position for my right hand on the strings ^^"
That is quite a common problem, I should definitely make a video on that. In the meantime, have you watched my videos called “harp exercises: strengthen your 4th finger” and also “crossing over and under exercises: 4th finger”? Sometimes when you learn to cross over and under it clarifies the position of your fingers 😊
No I don’t think it’s useless! It’s a good thing it’s your left hand and not your right. I’m sure you can find a way to use the movement you do have. You will just need to keep a close eye on it, and make sure you don’t get any pain, otherwise you might need to tweak that angle that you’re plucking, or just practice fewer hours. I’d recommend getting some input from a music ergonomist to help you find a movement / technique that works within your limitations. Susan Vaughan does online consultations and is a harpist herself. It costs about the same as a harp lesson and well worth it to make sure you don’t cause yourself other injuries from your harp playing 😊👍🏻
Thank you so much for these incredible videos! I'm not sure if you've covered this specifically elsewhere. When playing two or more of the same note in a row, which is better technique: using the same finger or alternating fingers? I've seen both methods and am not sure which is recommended for tone and ergonomics.
Hi Ben! It’s more “correct” to play with different fingers according to classical harp technique, but in my personal experience I find that sometimes it works better to do it the correct way, and sometimes it is fine to just use the same finger over. In my opinion it depends on the context in the music, the harp player’s strengths and weaknesses, and the preference of the harp player. I approach technique with a bit of flexibility, because sometimes it’s not important enough to do what is “correct”, when something else works very well. There are some aspects of technique that are very important and I wouldn’t compromise, but this is one that I do sometimes compromise. But I’m sure there are other teachers who feel more strongly about it! 😄 I explain more about weighing up the pros and cons of different fingering choices in my video about 10 rules of fingering. 👍🏻
If you’re learning on your own without a teacher, I don’t recommend learning from a book because it’s very hard to get good technique. I would rather suggest using video courses like my Video Lessons. That’s why I created them, because people were struggling with learning from books. But now they say that the online courses make things much easier to understand!! For my one-to-one students I have used a combination of a few different books because I don’t find any of them are quite what I’m looking for. I need to write my own book I suppose! I have used a combination of Pamela Bruner’s “Learn to Play the Harp Beautifully” book 1 (I don’t like books 2 and 3), and Anne Crosby Gaudet’s “Big Adventures Small Harps” level 1A, and B. I prefer some of Pamela’s explanations but I really like Anne’s pieces. Hope that helps!
Christy-Lyn and I do offer Expert Consultations where you can meet with us and get Personalized Feedback and a detailed plan for your harp journey! You can find more information about them here: www.learningtheharp.com/expert-consultations/ --Carrie, LTH Harp Teacher 💚
So I’ve taken 14+ years of piano. I have a Masters degree in conducting, and I’m almost 30. I’ve decided to purchase my first harp, lifelong dream! I’m watching your videos so I can have good technique before I even get my instrument. I just wanted to encourage you, as someone who has taken a huge amount of lessons, yours are so good! So easy to understand, and your explanation of technique is so thorough. I know it’s going to make being a self taught student much less frustrating 😊
Wow, what an amazing compliment! I really appreciate hearing that from someone who’s taken so many lessons from excellent teachers, I’m sure. All the best with getting started with harp, I’m sure you’ll progress quickly considering your background and your attention to detail. If you’re already researching good technique now, I imagine you’re going to be so good at it!! Wow I can’t wait to hear about your progress. Enjoy it! 😃😃😃
What I found particularly interesting, was that the hand and arm positions are very similar to the “neutral” position choral conductors use, elbows out and relaxed, palms angled, thumbs above. The only difference is that your hands are close together, because you’re playing the strings. Other than that, it was pretty easy for me to get the position because the muscle memory is so similar
These lessons are so good I built a small harp using biscuit tins for a sound box now I’m in the middle of building a large 34 string one ,watching your videos are keeping me inspired
It's doing great so far. These harp lessons are the BEST! Wow. I'm impressed. I just got my lever harp!
Hi christy I’ve just built a small harp using biscuit tins for a sound box now I’m building a large 34 string one your videos are helping me so much and keeping me inspired to keep going
Thank you, your content helps me so much on my harp journey that has just begun ❤
LOVING your videos!!! Thank you SO much for your clear and concise instruction! 🙏
Your videos have been a blessing for me! You articulate what we new students need to know while keeping the atmosphere so positive and fun. I truly appreciate all your time and energy to share your love of playing the harp with us.
I do have a question.....You demonstrate how to pluck a single note with the thumb. From the video, it appears that my #2 finger is needed to participate in the single plucking with the thumb. Did I misunderstand?
Thank you for all that you continue to share with us. You make a beautiful difference on our journey to becoming musicians!
Good question! If there is a single note on its own, it is usually played with the 2nd finger. So when you are using your thumb, it is with the second finger playing either before or after. Not on its own 😊
Thank-you for your lovely compliments, I’m really glad you enjoy the atmosphere of my teaching. I really want to make it feel simple and fun! 😃❤️
Thank you so much❤
This was SUPER helpful!!!! I've nearly given up trying to learn on my lap harp because it's so uncomfortable to hold. I have a big Salvi and recently purchased new strings--some have broken--but now will need to learn how to attach the strings, which is REALLY scary--LOL! Thank you SO MUCH for these videos, Christy-Lyn! I'm going right now to try the box/stack of books/other options you've suggested to see if that will help. Hugs!
Oh I see, here is your other comment on this video. It’s sweet, I’ll keep it 😁 I’ll copy in my reply here too, in case others want to see:
Aw sorry to hear you’ve had such trouble! I really hope this helps you to feel more comfortable.
When it comes to the restringing, I feel your pain! It can be very scary indeed. But it gets easier every time. And it can help to practice the harp knots on a broken string, or on a piece of fishing twine or something similar. And after you’ve got the knot, the rest is much easier! 💕
Thank you for the lessons. So far, it is fine. I have a little concern about the position of the second finger while plucking. Should it be a bit curved in?
Just had my first lesson via zoom. It’s difficult not having an in person lesson, so I am using every resource I can. Thank you for your help.
This is the way I learned to play classical guitar with Aaron Shearer. Very good.
Thank you very much👌
Thankyou Christy-Lyn for your lessons. you have a lovely teaching manner . I am finding it easier to pluck with the thumb on my left hand> I am right handed. Is this usual?
Glad you’re enjoying the videos 😃🙌🏻 I haven’t heard that before, it’s worth trying to figure out why. If it’s just because of struggling to see your right hand through the strings that’s fine and I’m sure you’ll get used to it. But if it’s because your arm is not at a good angle and making it difficult to pluck, then that needs to be solved so you can set yourself up for success going forwards 😊 If you can’t figure it out you might want to consider a once off lesson or a feedback video because correct position is important to set up at the beginning so it doesn’t cause problems for the long term ❤️ You can find info about lessons and feedback videos at learningtheharp.com/shop/
Hi! I use the stand for my Harpsicle. I love the fact that I can easily set it on the right height. I also tried the stick, but I found it too unstable.
So far so good!
Keep it up!!
Thank you thank you! Practicing finger positions ..yikes lol have to keep reminding myself to keep thumbs up and fingers together hahaha
I really how you teach. Grateful
Do harpist have to have short fingernails? Especially with thumb plucking I keep hitting the string with my thumbnail (which isn’t overly long but extends past my finger)
Beautiful u.. este beatiful harp tutorials😁
Hello Christy-Lyn ! Your videos have really helped me and I wondered if you had one/could make one about a trouble I have: my right hand's 4th finger keeps getting "caught" on the third as it plays, I can feel the 4 grazing the 3's tip that is close to the 4. So it sometimes catches the string the 3 was on, especially when there's arpeggios. I seem to have difficulties finding the right position for my right hand on the strings ^^"
That is quite a common problem, I should definitely make a video on that. In the meantime, have you watched my videos called “harp exercises: strengthen your 4th finger” and also “crossing over and under exercises: 4th finger”? Sometimes when you learn to cross over and under it clarifies the position of your fingers 😊
@@LearningtheHarp thank you so much for your answer and recommendations. I'll go watch them and exercise with them. :)
I have an old injury on my left thumb and it no longer bends. I do have a forward and back motion. Is it useless for me to think of learning the harp?
No I don’t think it’s useless! It’s a good thing it’s your left hand and not your right. I’m sure you can find a way to use the movement you do have. You will just need to keep a close eye on it, and make sure you don’t get any pain, otherwise you might need to tweak that angle that you’re plucking, or just practice fewer hours.
I’d recommend getting some input from a music ergonomist to help you find a movement / technique that works within your limitations. Susan Vaughan does online consultations and is a harpist herself. It costs about the same as a harp lesson and well worth it to make sure you don’t cause yourself other injuries from your harp playing 😊👍🏻
Question, my harp is tuned in a different scale (something minor, don’t know these things) Is there a specific scale it should be tuned in?
Yes you can tune in C major when you start, watch my video “How to tune a harp for the first time” 😊💕
Thank you so much for these incredible videos! I'm not sure if you've covered this specifically elsewhere. When playing two or more of the same note in a row, which is better technique: using the same finger or alternating fingers? I've seen both methods and am not sure which is recommended for tone and ergonomics.
Hi Ben! It’s more “correct” to play with different fingers according to classical harp technique, but in my personal experience I find that sometimes it works better to do it the correct way, and sometimes it is fine to just use the same finger over. In my opinion it depends on the context in the music, the harp player’s strengths and weaknesses, and the preference of the harp player. I approach technique with a bit of flexibility, because sometimes it’s not important enough to do what is “correct”, when something else works very well. There are some aspects of technique that are very important and I wouldn’t compromise, but this is one that I do sometimes compromise. But I’m sure there are other teachers who feel more strongly about it! 😄 I explain more about weighing up the pros and cons of different fingering choices in my video about 10 rules of fingering. 👍🏻
@@LearningtheHarp Thank you for the thoughtful response! I'll check out that video. :)
상세한 설명 감사합니다~^^ 👍🌹🎵🎶
Which methodology book do you recommend?
If you’re learning on your own without a teacher, I don’t recommend learning from a book because it’s very hard to get good technique. I would rather suggest using video courses like my Video Lessons. That’s why I created them, because people were struggling with learning from books. But now they say that the online courses make things much easier to understand!! For my one-to-one students I have used a combination of a few different books because I don’t find any of them are quite what I’m looking for. I need to write my own book I suppose! I have used a combination of Pamela Bruner’s “Learn to Play the Harp Beautifully” book 1 (I don’t like books 2 and 3), and Anne Crosby Gaudet’s “Big Adventures Small Harps” level 1A, and B. I prefer some of Pamela’s explanations but I really like Anne’s pieces. Hope that helps!
do you give personal lessons ?
Christy-Lyn and I do offer Expert Consultations where you can meet with us and get Personalized Feedback and a detailed plan for your harp journey! You can find more information about them here: www.learningtheharp.com/expert-consultations/ --Carrie, LTH Harp Teacher 💚
Glad to see this lesson the one who kept putting a thumbs down on all the other videos finally got it right this lesson😄
the fingers not bending into the palm is so difficultvahh
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