There’s something undeniably magical about the harp!!! Its elegant frame and celestial sound evoke images of tranquility and beauty! This was my way of relaxing & staying healthy because I had to walk to Blair all the time. What started as a class assignment became my favorite hobby.
link to my video: https://youtu.be/hWo3zhoeVA4!
Who knew that learning the harp would double as a full-body workout? Between lugging it around to lessons and perfecting my pedal footwork, I’ve built muscles and patience. Plus, there's something zen about tuning 47 strings—well, once you’ve accepted that they’re all going out of tune again tomorrow.
Having a bad day? There’s nothing like strumming a harp to make you feel like an angel descending from the heavens (or at least like someone who’s temporarily forgotten their to-do list). It’s my ultimate stress-buster and the perfect way to unwind.
It all began with a desire to step out of my comfort zone. Life had become a blur of screens, deadlines, and routines, and I wanted something that could add meaning and creativity to my days. The harp seemed like the perfect challenge—it’s an instrument with a steep learning curve but unmatched rewards.
I chose this focus area not just to learn music, but also to cultivate discipline, patience, and balance in my life. I wanted to see how the process of learning something completely new could impact my approach to personal and professional growth.
Picture this: I confidently sat down to play in front of my teacher, only to realize mid-piece that I forgot to adjust the pedals. Cue the sound of unintentional jazz. But hey, mistakes are part of the fun—and they make the victories even sweeter.
August 28: Started harp lessons and chose my first piece, Canon in D.
September 5: Mastered basic scales and learned how to tune the harp.
September 15: Successfully coordinated hand and pedal movements for the first time.
October 1: Played my first full practice piece without interruptions.
October 15: Overcame challenges in learning complex finger patterns.
November 1: Played Canon in D flawlessly during practice.
November 15: Began planning to join a local ensemble or group to share my music
Youtube Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDZySzpYw0g&pp=ygUMaGFycCBsZXNzb25z
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iuNdV0nh0s&pp=ygUMaGFycCBsZXNzb25z
The first step was finding a teacher who could guide me through the basics. Professional lessons were key in building a strong foundation, as the harp is an intricate instrument. It’s not just about plucking strings; it’s about posture, finger placement, and even footwork, as the pedals play a crucial role in changing the pitch of the strings.
I quickly realized that the harp demands more than just physical coordination—it requires mental focus and emotional connection. My teacher, an experienced harpist, emphasized the importance of not just playing the notes but feeling the music. Those lessons became my anchor in this journey, providing structure and encouragement as I navigated the challenges.
To say the harp is a challenge would be an understatement. From learning how to tune the strings to mastering basic scales, each step felt like a small mountain to climb. I spent hours practicing simple exercises, gradually building the muscle memory and dexterity needed to play.
One of the most significant hurdles was mastering the instrument’s pedals. Each of the seven pedals corresponds to a specific note and allows the harpist to change the pitch of that note across all octaves. Coordinating my feet and hands felt like trying to rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time—but with practice, it slowly became second nature.
Despite the challenges, there were moments of pure joy. One of my favorite parts of this journey was mastering my first full piece: Canon in D. It’s a timeless classic and a piece I’ve always admired. Playing it on the harp felt like a dream come true.
I remember the day I finally played it all the way through without mistakes. The notes flowed effortlessly, and for the first time, I felt truly connected to the music. It was a moment of triumph that reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
Because life is too short to play it safe! Whether you’re chasing serenity, a new hobby, or an excuse to casually tell people, “I play the harp,” this instrument has something for everyone.
My journey with the harp is far from over. I plan to continue learning new pieces and exploring the instrument’s vast repertoire. I’m also considering joining a local ensemble or harp group to share music with others and push myself to improve.