by Elizabeth Ely

Created on: April 20, 2010

I have met a lot of people who have always wished to play the harp. I understand that desire; there's something so soothing and yet compelling about plucking the strings of this gentle instrument. My mother is an incredible player and teacher, and I was playing the harp even before I have memories. Over the years, I have studied with a number of teachers and have learned a lot about what to do, but perhaps more importantly, what not to do.

There are a lot of ‘teach yourself to play the folk harp’ books available these days. The problem is that you can get into trouble very easily if you don't get a really solid foundation in the beginning. Many of these books introduce new steps and techniques too quickly. It's very easy for a beginner to get overwhelmed and frustrated as a result, not to mention the risk of poor hand position and technique mistakes.

It's so much harder to unlearn something later that needs fixing, than it is to learn it the right way the first time. If at all possible, I strongly recommend having at least a few regular lessons with a qualified teacher. If you have other musical experience, you may then be able to work more on your own, depending on what your goals are.

One really nice benefit of the harp is that it's virtually impossible to make a bad sound on it. Just brushing your fingertips along the strings is called a glissando. This simple and easy movement makes that ethereal sound harps are famous for. It can be great fun to just play around and experiment with different glisses. Slide up and down, with just the fingertips, just the fingernails, with one or both hands alternating, just about any combination you can think of.

There are many different types of harps to choose from. Most people start with the lever harp that's also known as the folk, Celtic, or Irish harp. These smaller harps offer many advantages for the beginning harpist. They are easier to find, less expensive, can often be rented, and are much more portable than the larger pedal harp, often referred to as the Concert Grand or orchestral harp. A great bonus to all harps is that the technique learned on one is almost immediately transferable. Some people stay with the lever harp, others may want a fuller, less folk-like sound, and move to the pedal harp. Either way, the finger movements are very similar.

In the beginning, the most important thing is to get your fingers moving on the strings. Relaxation is really important as plucking each string involves just a moment of tension as you press into and pluck the string, followed by immediate relaxation. Shoulder and neck tension must be avoided as well. It's so easy to tense up with concentration. Nothing should ever hurt or strain. If it does, stop. Playing the harp should never hurt, aside from a few tender fingertips if you play too much too soon before your skin has a chance to get used to this new activity.

There's a lot more music available now to the beginning harpist. At one time, adult beginners began with things like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Hot Cross Buns” but now there are a lot more choices. Many great classical and popular pieces have been arranged and published for novice harpists. A good harp teacher will also be able to arrange special favourites for you as well. And one day, you will be able to adapt music to the harp yourself. Playing the music you want to play, the way it moves you.

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