Tips for Harpists
Refreshing Your Harp Strings
How often do you change your harp strings? When they break? When they sound dull? Or do you have a schedule? Harp strings have a specific, semi-predictable lifespan, depending on the material of the string. Now, it will vary some based on climate, amount it is played, etc., but all strings eventually lose their bright…
Read MorePayment Models for Gigs
For those of us who play for paid events, there is more to consider than just how much to charge the client. How and when you expect the client to pay can be a complex topic. I have been playing harp for paid gigs for about 15 years, and I’ve changed my policies probably a…
Read MoreMaking Harp Medleys from Christmas Carols
At Christmas, most people don’t care much for fancy showpieces of obscure Christmas pieces, they just want to hear a familiar carol played on that magical harp. So keep it simple and spend your practice time increasing the quantity of your Christmas pieces rather than focusing on just a few intricate ones. One fantastic way…
Read MoreElectronic Tuners for the Harp
While experienced harpists are usually able to tune by ear, most of us still use electronic tuners to speed up and simplify the process. There seems to be an infinite number of options when it comes to electronic tuners, but here are my 2 favorites. And the good news is one costs less than $20…
Read MoreSafety Tips for Harps during Natural Disasters
We don’t want to think about it, but with everything going on in the world, especially in the last month alone, it is important we all take some time to consider how we can safeguard our precious harps in the event of a natural disaster. In this article I discuss ways to help minimize your risk…
Read MoreShould I Rent or Buy my First Harp?
I always recommend you start by renting, even if you can afford to buy a harp outright. First, you want to make sure it is, in fact, something you (or your child) will enjoy playing and want to stick with long term. It’s easier to return a rental after losing interest in 3 months than…
Read MoreCounting the Cost When Quoting the Gig
I remember those first paid harp gigs I got from people I did not know. It was thrilling to be getting paid to play harp! Until they asked that awkward question: “How much do you charge?” I did not want to charge too much, after all, I was a teenager, no music degree yet,…
Read MoreHow do I record and sell copyrighted harp music?
Do you frequently have people at your performances ask if they can buy your CD (except you don’t have one)? While the thought of recording a CD to sell may be daunting, it is less difficult than in past years. If you will be recording your own original compositions, public domain pieces, or your own…
Read MoreQualities of a Good Harp Performance Dress
You have the performance scheduled and the repertoire chosen. Now it’s time to choose an outfit. The most popular outfit choice for female harpists is a dress. Here are things to consider when choosing a dress. Length – In general, with the harp longer is better. I like to wear dresses that can be used…
Read MoreYouTube Harp Masters
YouTube and Facebook are filled with incredible videos of harpists playing everything from classical to rock. Watching another harpist play can inspire and motivate as well as help with technique. When I am asked to play a piece I do not know, one of the first things I do is search YouTube to see if…
Read More