5 Ways to Make the Harp Feel New This Fall

By Anne Sullivan 

In September when it feels like you have a fresh start on everything else, you might want to try a fresh start with your harp studies as well. Of course, there is always plenty of new music to play. There will almost certainly be new opportunities to perform coming your way, too. Sometimes, though, it can be fun to consider making a tweak or two to your usual harp routine.

Try a new practice schedule.  Practicing may be a fun part of your day already, but it can be hard to practice daily with all the demands of schoolwork and extracurricular activities. If your practice times are more flexible, experiment with practicing at a different time of day to see how your energy level changes the way you practice. If you can’t change your schedule at all, then simply recommit to it. 

Make sure you can include as much practice as your teacher expects you to do, and be certain your parents agree with your plan too. Then post it somewhere where you will be reminded daily: near you harp, on your calendar, or set reminders on your phone.

Learn a new technique.  Experiment with some heavenly harmonics or gorgeous glissandi. Or discover sons pincées, xylophonic sounds or the thunder effect. Ask your teacher for suggestions of pieces that use these techniques. The music of Carlos Salzedo and Bernard Andrès, two pioneers of harp effects, is loaded with them.

Read a new harp or music related book. Reading about music and the people who wrote or played it is always inspirational. A couple of books you might find interesting: The Legend of Henriette Renié by Jaymee Haefner, Harps and Harpists by Roslyn Rensch, or just for fun, A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond.

Splurge on a new harp accessory. Sometimes a little something new can give your energy a boost. Choose an accessory, something other than a piece of music, that will help you in your harp studies.  Maybe you need a new tuner or tuning key, a new practice journal, a new pencil, a new metronome, or even a new harp bag. We have many items in our shop at Harp Mastery® if you need some ideas.

Enjoy the company of new harp friends. Are you part of a harp group or harp circle? If you are, be sure to get involved so you can reconnect with your old friends and make new ones too. If you don’t have a harp group, look for an American Harp Society chapter in your town, or perhaps there is a group class or a harp ensemble you could join. Being with other harpists is energizing and it keeps the fun in harp playing.

Have a happy new season of harping!