- What is the difference between a lever and pedal harp?
- Why are the strings different colors?
- What are the pedals for?
- How often do you tune a harp?
- Where do you offer lessons?
- Can I learn to play the harp if I have never had any previous musical training?
- Am I too old to learn the harp or piano?
- How long should my lesson be?
- Do I have to take weekly lessons?
- When are you available for lessons?
- Can I take lessons if I don’t own a harp or piano?
- Do you have any harps for rent?
What is the difference between a lever and pedal harp?
Pedal harps are the larger instruments that are used in a symphony orchestra. They are called pedal harps because the harpist uses pedals at the base of the harp to adjust the pitch of the strings. A lever harp is generally smaller and more portable. Instead of pedals, they have levers at the top of each string that can be used to raise the pitch of that string by a half step.
Why are the strings different colors?
The strings are color coded to give you a road map of the notes. All of the “C’s” are red and all of the “F’s” are black.
What are the pedals for?
At the base of a pedal harp, there are seven different pedals. Each pedal corresponds to a letter of the musical alphabet (A-G). A harpist uses the pedals to move discs at the top of each string to shorten or lengthen the string. Each string can make three different pitches depending upon the position of the pedal. The pedals are set at the beginning of a piece with the sharps or flats of the key signature, and are often moved while the harpist is playing to accommodate accidentals in the music.
How often do you tune a harp?
Every time I play it, and yes, I tune it myself.
Where do you offer lessons?
I currently teach out of my home studio in Stephens City, Virginia.
Can I learn to play the harp if I have never had any previous musical training?
Yes! I teach all ability levels. Beginning students will learn note-reading, theory, and music fundamentals along with basic harp technique.
Am I too old to learn the harp or piano?
Absolutely not! Many adults only have the time and freedom to learn the harp or piano after they have retired. I currently have students ages 7 to 74 and I welcome beginners of all ages in my studio.
How long should my lesson be?
I usually like to start harp and piano beginners with a weekly 30 minute lesson. After a year or two of study, we can move to 45-60 minutes. Intermediate and advanced students should take hour lessons.
Do I have to take weekly lessons?
I strongly encourage weekly lessons for children and serious adults but I do offer bi-weekly lessons. It is very important to have frequent and consistent reinforcement in order to establish a strong and solid technique. I require weekly lessons for anyone interested in studying harp in college.
When are you available for lessons?
I am currently available on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for piano and harp lessons.
Can I take lessons if I don’t own a harp or piano?
Each student must have a harp, piano, or keyboard at home to practice on between lessons. If you do not currently own a harp or piano there are several options for renting and purchasing an instrument. Please contact me for help in obtaining an instrument.
Do you have any harps for rent?
Occasionally, I have a lever and a pedal harp available to rent. Please contact me for more information.
