Making Money with the Harp

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…

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…

  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,…

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…

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…

Have you ever wanted to play your harp outside but were worried about it sitting on dirt, grass, sand, or gravel? I too used to have this dilemma, trying various solutions for years. I tried everything from doormats that were too thin, ugly, and shaped wrong to large, heavy, cumbersome platforms that took up too much…