Learning To Play The Harp With Rajiv Surendra

[@ranji8084]

Your passion of learning anything and everything truly a gift Rajiv. You not only wanting to do something, you make the time and effort to achieve it. Which is truly an amazing quality to have. 👏🙏❤️ only a limited people in the world who puts the mind to work at it’s full potential. Bravo Rajiv. 🙇‍♂️

[@Rositasparks]

My Ukrainian father in law ( born and raised in Argentina) played the harp ( he played it at our wedding reception) he was SELF taught ( he also played piano, accordion , guitar and spoke 7 languages and held no formal degree) He always used a beautiful folkloric harp, hand made in Paraguay ( where I lived for 8 years) Go listen to some traditional folkloric harp music from Paraguay 🇵🇾 sometime, you will be inspired…thanks for the great video today ❤

[@susanjacquier5358]

Here in Australia, I was a Palliative care volunteer. I went to a conference where we learned so much about supporting the dying and their families. One amazing thing I learned, was that was a harpist that often played at a hospice here in Adelaide. He would often be asked to play for a family member ( not in their room, but nearby mostly). One of the most moving times, was when a teenager ( who usually liked heavy metal) asked for him to play. Yes the music of angels❤.

[@sharonnocera3083]

I love watching your videos Rajiv!!! Watching you writing your titles on the chalkboard made me think. Has Rajiv done a video on how to write cursive ? Please do! It’s beautiful.

[@niguwinslow2744]

It is hard when everyone is watching and playing with your hands and your eyes keeping watch at the book is another level of challenging. But practice makes perfect. You are doing a good effort in your practice.

[@solsticesummer982]

No need to feel nervous playing for us. You’re learning something I’ll never be able to do, let alone judge. I love seeing you immerse yourself in your interests, and bring us along. 🙂🤓💜 This is simply beautiful

[@trishc8311]

Didn’t know what I didn’t know about the pedal harp until I watched this wonderful video. I went to Kristi Shade’s website and was stunned to see that she will be the harpist for the Brahms Requiem concert I will be singing in October 2023 as a member of the New Choral Society!! Hope I can stop fangirling long enough to remember to sing 😀

[@allyson--]

^_^ that's so neat!

[@guywolff]

I loved the look at the three different tones of the strings ..Love the depth of warmth in the mid range, the power in the bass, and the brightness on top .. This is a great look at not letting the process of practicing getting away from the reality of what you are going for ..Going back and slowing down to get the attack even and in time with a metronome says a lot on how one gets to the finished piece ..Once your fingers have the memory in them you can go on to the story telling of the music itself ... The magic of the tone of that harp in that room is unforgettable in person :) Thanks for sharing this one Rajiv .I know how vulnerable one is during the process of getting the music into ones hands .. YOu are always a brave man .. See you soon , Guy

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks so much, Master Wolff. This was a hard one for me to shoot because I don't like showing my mistakes and how green I am with this instrument...but I felt it would ultimately be good for people to see how challenging this task is. You know that you are one of the few people in my life that inspires me musically, your proficiency with the banjo, always makes me want to be more disciplined and play cleanly, beautifully.

[@kimkerley4218]

This is so relaxing ❤ Absolutely beautiful 😍 Thank you 😊

[@mandyb6088]

I own a Style 30 that I heard played in the USA international harp competition, while sick in bed with the Flu in New Zealand! Kristi has a beautiful calm, patient presence, which is so important as a teacher.

[@betsylindsay8480]

Nothing less than heavenly music from semi-angelic Rajiv. A magical, transcendent, experience. TY

[@linaD08]

What a blessing Rajiv, your commitment to learning your craft and to have such an experienced and knowledgeable teacher. Thank you for sharing this lesson with us and for being so humble in allowing us to see that it takes real work and practice to become good at any “thing”.

[@cynthia2233]

She's fabulous and such a calming soul to have as a teacher; you are truly blessed to have her. I'm not certain that I've ever seen you when you do not have your gold bracelets on. I'm certain they would scratch and bang against the sound board and trim on the edges. I thought maybe they were affixed to your wrists. You've never told us the story/history or tradition of them. They're beautiful! I recently met a young man that likes to do all sorts of handcrafting. I told him about your channel and said, like Kristi, that you are a renaissance man.

[@cynthia2233]

What was omitted was what the Red and Blue strings were for. I looked it up!

[@stevcowb4610]

The moment you mentioned Florence, i got so deeply excited for the rest of this video, you know what’s up, Rajiv

[@streetphotographersuniteyo6583]

Your video has me in tears-everything about it is beautiful-and the music you share with your teacher is magical as well as meaningful. It feels like an act of love and I empathise with your shyness as a newbie to the piano. I so rarely make it to the end of the piece when others are listening. But I have started and with my mother’s favourite-a piece she played when I was small enough to sit beside her on the piano stool (and on the year she died sadly). Now at twice her age, having overcome all obstacles, I have finally got on with it-starting with a piano. Not a baby grand like hers but a 1930s Art Deco Upright cloaked in walnut on which I play the piece she played to me, a piece loved and played by millions: Fur Elise If you happen to cross the Pond to England one September, please consider coming along to the adorable harp festival on the Isle of Wight. It is a small but sparkling gem of an event off the South coast-a unique celebration of harp playing and creativity from around the globe. It has something of the spirit of Rajiv Surendra about it :) “Harp people” have beautiful souls, it seems to me. It would certainly be a great honour to host you if you make it over one day! www.harponwight.co.uk

[@streetphotographersuniteyo6583]

Oops apologies! The harp festival across the Pond I have shared is every year but in October! From perfect classical to wildly individual, the variety of harp players and musical styles seen at Harp on Wight is just incredible!

[@wondergupta]

Bravo - even for me as a musician of many years it's great to revisit this fundamental advice, so I've found this inspiring to watch. Fantastic teacher and I'm impressed at your steady progress Rajiv, well done!

[@pamelavans5116]

Absolutely exquisite. If everyone played an instrument, and tended plants, I have to imagine that the world would be a much less aggressive, violent and toxic place to strive and thrive in.

[@ritabutler1951]

How did you hook up with Christy as a teacher? What a gift. She has such a wonderful peaceful presence.

[@claudiamann7111]

You are so lucky to have such a wonderful teacher. Her piece was beautiful and it's so nice to hear the harp by itself once. They often get lost in an entire orchestra. Thank you so much for sharing. You have no reason to be nervous Rajiv - you play beautifully.

[@user-pe9gz8si8k]

I started learning the harp 2 years ago. The more I practice the more I want to. This has never happened with any other instrument I’ve tried. Although it takes discipline, I find improvement every day.

[@maggiesanmiguel7278]

You're one of my favorite ways to start a day! Thank you, Rajiv.❤

[@CSG97]

Rajiv, I studied concert percussion for ten years and when performing (not necessarily practicing) a piece of music like this that starts slow and speeds up (due to faster rhythms, tempo, or playing it “with emotion”) it’s very helpful to consider how fast you can play, and how fast the fastest section of music is. That way you know how slow you need to start the work so that when the music gets fast you can keep up. Sounds great! Life has kept me from playing Marimba for almost five years now but I think I’m going to pick up the piano while I wait to get back to my instrument! Be blessed!

[@Kathleen-p8b]

I had a ballet teacher that used to tell us to practice with "aplomb," so even the warmup at the barre we had to imagine our audience was in front, and it was part of the performance. The more one practices, the layers will come off. Great effort on your part, and that Debussy piece was beautiful. :) Kathleen

[@amandareynolds3108]

Love this video. Learning the harp improved my violin playing in ways I could never have imagined! It’s an awesome instrument. Harp youtubers like Josh Layne, Anne Crosby Geudrot and Stephanie Clausen were super inspirational too.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

How beautiful this is. Thank you for sharing this video. I admire your determination to learn this instrument.

[@r.l.howard8459]

Rajiv, your videos are so sincere, elegant, and informative. Thank you for sharing your beautiful curiosity with us!!!

[@trishc8311]

I had never stopped to consider how notes are sharped or flatted on the harp. Learning that alone was worth watching this video. I was interested in learning more about your teacher and went to her website, only to discover that one of her upcoming appearances is with … me! Well, not me alone but with New Choral Society. Lucky me!

[@leigilmore]

15 minutes in and fascinated 🧐😍

[@joseguimaraes1094]

My God, Rajiv, thank you! I'm speechless! Thank you and Kristy (i'm sorry if i'm not writing correctly the name of your teacher), so much! Thank you!

[@starsrhi2335]

GOOD MORNING FROM TEXAS - Wow and Wow !!! This was a grand lesson for all of us. You have the best of teachers, she is excellent to say the least. She is the harp she plays, and her heart is in it - you can see that with every stroke she takes. I was taken in by the video, and listened to every word she said.....saying, this is the best of show for you this summer. May you be blessed while you learn not to focus on yourself, but the music from heaven set before you. Thank you for your time, thank you for letting us see your "Grand Teacher" .

[@rosea570]

I am learning tapestry weaving. I have no talent for music, but the harp would my instrument of choice if it were. I love the visual similarities of these pieces, their history, and their complexity. I really appreciate you sharing your lesson with us.

[@sandrinedurand3203]

For some reason I feel as I am back in Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and it's wonderful.

[@joanoneill381]

That was joyful…and delightful to watch the process. The harp has such pure, dulcet sounds. I always imagined it is one of the more difficult instruments to learn. Impressive progress! Thank you for presenting your journey of learning.

[@lazyjazzymusic]

Screwing up beside a person is a thing and screwing up while being recorded is another thing:)

[@ritabutler1951]

I once had the great experience of seeing a concert with 5, five! Harpists on stage. It was lovely beyond description. I started guitar lessons at the age of 68 and I am now 70..

[@andreajgunn]

You made beautiful music. There is something to stopping and correcting when you’ve made a mistake. The stopping and correcting literally changes the grey matter in your brain…which is when you get better.

[@timothyj1966]

As a Pianist - I cannot wrap my head around which string to pluck!? And ---is there ANYTHING you can't do!?? Geesh! Sounds great!

[@Tea_and_Crafts]

Literally the exact same as whichever white key you'd play for the note you wanted. The setup is exactly the same but vertical or rather harps came first and got laid horizontal in a box. Sharps and flats involve moving parts rather than playing a different key so that's distinctly different. You'd find playing a concert pedal harp to be really easy in terms of finding notes, the hard part would be mastery of the physical hand movements and placement.

Best. Video. EVER. I admire you so much!

[@Cloudsandcrystalz]

Awww this video made me cry at the end (from being heart warmed). I always wanted to learn the harp and it’s my goal to purchase one and start lessons before the end of next year. I play viola and piano but harp has always been the dream 🥲

[@MyCheryl1988]

Wow, it is so much fun to see someone else from India playing the harp as there are so few of us.

[@flaxholmelis5996]

It was wonderful to watch this, Rajiv. I play bass guitar in a couple of bands and also have regular lessons. I know so well the effort that goes into learning all those triads and arpeggios, plus the way it all seems to go backwards as soon as the tutor is watching!!😆😜 Thank you for showing the reality behind learning a musical instrument.

[@bustedkeaton]

Wow, started learning harp at not even 3 years old...

[@42apprentice]

This was lovely, too hear the pupil and the master play the same piece, and to watch the admiration of the pupil & the patience & encouragement of the teacher was really touching. I’m dyslexic & could relate to the learning it of by heart bit, I think it is trait of the self taught and a hard one to break. I think music, like languages, when learned young build such a foundation before all self doubt of adulthood creeps in. You really are a polymath Rajiv.

[@42apprentice]

to*

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thank you Rajiv, awesome video.

[@lisanester3338]

And I sat and listened to the angels playing…. That is what listening to the harp is like for me. Beautiful.

[@sarojm893]

Absolutely beautiful to listen to. Thank you Rajiv for giving us a close up of how the harp is played. Enjoyed watching you both play. This was feast for the eyes and ears.❤

[@Tregnier52]

I started learning the harp last year. It’s gorgeous and challenging! Thank you for discussing the discipline required to learn it and the importance of finding a skilled teacher.

[@paulinemegson8519]

The harp is a very special instrument to learn. And yeah, like you said, the great thing about harps is that even mistakes sound delightful lol. Back when I was working, I started to learn to play the lever harp. I had a rented instrument and loved it so much. It really hurt when I had to give it up because I could no longer afford it. I miss it still but given that I finally had to give up work after trying many, many variations of part time, semi part time and casual work hours to no avail because i just wasn’t able to manage it, mainly due to mobility issues caused by arthritis in my back and hips(not helped by what I now understand is probably undiagnosed ADHD) I cannot see any way to return to it. Yes that was probably THE clumsiest sentence ever lol. One thing tho, the lever harp is meant for playing in casual settings, in the home or at a get together, the pedal harp is an orchestral instrument, and not necessary unless you want to play a lot of classical pieces or in an orchestra. Gut strings btw, have a mellow tone that can’t be replicated with any other material, not only on harps but guitars, ouds, mandolins and a myriad of other stringed instruments. The payoff ofc is that gut strings are more work. They fall out of tune and react much more to ambient humidity than other materials, but those who use them find that’s a small price to pay.

[@allyson--]

love this comment

[@UndinesOcean]

I am not learning to play the harp, but this comment (as the whole video) was so elegant and informative and made me realise how before I did not know anything about this lovely instrument... Thank you! ❤

[@floraluxla]

I knew we were kindred spirits. Floral arranging, lace making, and now the harp? You're a bonified angel. Thanks for another gorgeous video, Rajiv.

[@tmdavidson1478]

She's right Rajiv, you are a Renaissance man. Thank you for this wonderful session ❤

[@MatthewParrella]

I’ve recently also been curious about starting to learn the harp! When I was in high school I did international piano competitions and now I’m studying the organ in college, but neither of the instruments are very portable. I’m thinking that when I graduate college I’ll try starting the harp so can still play something in a little apartment, we’ll see if harps magically become affordable in 2 years 😂

[@amandareynolds3108]

Harpsicles are great starter harps and super lightweight, I’d recommend to go for a full set of levers because it will open more options for music as your progress

[@ifetayodavidson-cade5613]

@@amandareynolds3108 I played folk harp for a few years and 100% agree on buying or renting a harp with a FULL set of levers.

[@helenmcnair4284]

well, that was rather fabulous!😊🥰

[@annahui9919]

Thank you for your video & your fantastic teacher Christy who played a such beautiful piece. Please come to play again teacher. Thank you so much.. ❤😊 from 🇨🇦

[@rosy_ranirani4865]

Rajiv YOU ARE JUST AMAZING !! LACE MAKING ,COOKING ,PAINTING ,MUSIC ETC ARE AMONG YOUR SEVERAL LOVES ❤❤❤❤❤❤ YOU ARE MIND BLOWING !!

[@kaybrown4010]

So true: 10,000 hours of practice is meaningless, and maybe harmful, if you’re without a mentor to guide your way. Knowing how to practice is key.

[@EP-sv2ur]

"harmful" might be excessive when it comes to learning to play musical instruments ... this mindset can be very discouraging for people (esp. beginners) who cannot afford instructors or are otherwise isolated

[@AngelaNewcomb]

Officially shopping online for a harp for my 4 year old. Thank you and great job!

[@riverbeachbeads]

I so look forward to your videos dropping!

[@mduftube]

1:18 she’s right. Renaissance man. A very cute one

[@ritabutler1951]

Knowing how to practice! Yes. Sometimes even after 2 years, I feel like I am starting all over with a new piece. It’s like arghhh what are my hands supposed to do.

[@DJKBrooklyn]

What can't this man do? Delightful.

[@marjorie8648]

I SO enjoyed this video. Thank you Rajiv and Kristi. Inspiring both!

[@gayathrigirijathmajan970]

Hi Rajiv.. love ur videos.. can u please make one where u show us how u organize ur space and store all the stuff related to ur many many hobbies.. i m sure it will be useful and inspiring..😊

[@mariannetracy4248]

Having spun a wee bit, the Rouet felt like a sublime expression of being in the flow of spinning. Tapping multiple threads of the harp to express the composition of threads at the wheel is brilliant. Thank you!

[@kirsteneasdale5707]

I’ve always loved the Harp and the Clarsach. I remember when I was about 8 years old, being asked what instrument I would like to play and I said ‘a harp’. I was a bit disappointed to be given violin lessons instead . I think the reason was that my dad (who taught piano and voice) didn’t fancy having to lug a harp around everywhere for me. He figured I should be able to carry my own instrument 😂 Anyway, I gave up the fiddle and became a professional singer instead. I do have a small therapy harp (no levers) sitting in my bedroom which I’ve hardly touched since I bought it about 6 years ago. Your video has inspired me to think about picking it up again.

[@gjalameda6686]

I've taken up calligraphy from watching you Rajiv. You are an inspiration that gives me the excitement to go back to things I cherish as well as explore thi gs Ive never done.

[@spotterofgold]

Best teacher I ever came across for dealing with music performance nerves (for all instruments): *Soprano On Her Head* by the late Eloise Ristad. Thank you for the ongoing quality content!

[@MichealKlapper]

This is reality good, took band in high school, it was good place to start, at times I wished I would of stayed with it, lately been thinking of getting a harp, this gives me an idea what it like, and like anything the work that goes into it

[@sandradbecker4078]

.... and I stand up and applaud you! Bis! Bis! An amazing video. The master and the student. Both so connected with the exquisite sound of the harp. The reason such a beautiful moment is seen and heard. Bravo! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@audeboutet6059]

I dream of a duet with Natalie Wynn (Contrapoints). She just bought a harspicord.

[@Bezz_Jeens]

I don't think you'll see this Rajiv, but you've really made huge progress in your interviewing style. We still get lots of the Rajiv knowledge, excitement, and energy, but you stop to ask questions and lead your subject well, when you were asking about the gut strings you were basically just saying what you knew, but kept referring back to Kristi to confirm and acknowledge, it was very skillful. Your MoMA interview on tweed was a nice video, but your interviewing skills were not great. Awesome to see the crazy progress that you've made since then.

[@marionandrews176]

I could listen to Kristi play all day. What a beautiful instrument. I hope you make another video in a year or so, so we can hear how much you have improved!

[@KasSommers]

How can I watch someone have a harp lesson for an hour? That's what I thought. And then I watched it. Very relevant to anyone learning anything, really. I sing and have to learn new pieces all the time. I have no musical education, so I'm learning music theory too. Just a bit of knowledge really aids in learning a new piece of music.

[@utahdan231]

Easily.

[@carmaela2689]

I've always wanted to know how to play the harp. It's expensive to get a really good quality harp but it's a dream of mine.You play beautifully.

[@aprilnoriega7345]

This was so enjoyable! As someone who is trying to learn several instruments as an adult. I can now see the benefits of learning from a teacher!

[@tulipchu4852]

the music is very soothing. i m cuddling with my bunny to watch ur video. she enjoys it too.

[@ameliareaganwright2758]

Rajiv, Thank you for all your videos. They push us forward, bettering ourselves.

[@saolairde396]

Fabulous! I’m checking out my first lever harp next week, a local harp maker in Ireland. I’m a complete beginner with piano background and dying to connect with the harp. I saw one of your videos months back where you said you were committed to learning it was really inspiring. Also harp therapy is a real benefit for people who are both physically and mentally ill, so your instincts are correct about your mood & connection when playing. Please post updates I would love to see how you are getting in ❤

[@saolairde396]

She’s a wonderful teacher ❤

[@ArieruChan]

Really enjoyed this episode. Kristi is such a wonderful teacher and your playing was so impressive Rajiv! Brava! 👏

[@pvltergeist]

Wow, her performance made me tear up!! So so beautiful. Your videos are so inspiring Rajiv, always love watching you share your passions with us!

[@MsLouisVee]

This beautiful video makes me grateful for KZbin. Truly magical. Thank you. ❤

[@borge2014]

So beautiful, thank you Rajiv, and Kristi. Always wanted to know how the harp is played, and such a delight to watch your video and learn as a viewer. You play very well, it can also be seen you feel it, can't wait to see you post more of your practicing.

[@allyson--]

omg she seems like the coolest person ever -- what a joy it must be to play @ Wicked & Sweeney Todd for the summer!

[@parisiano3680]

Thank you so much for this Rajiv and Kristi! 😊

[@mpalmer8449]

I can only dream of such beautiful music. Beautiful just beautiful!!!!!!!😂

[@comfortableskin1]

Thank you for sharing your music lesson with us Rajiv. Music is not an easy skill to learn and yes, tuition and practice are key. Reading and understanding music is a challenge in itself, but a skill you will never forget. It's definitely worth the effort and frustration and I believe, gives you a much deeper understanding of what you are playing and then you can put your own nuances into the piece once you've mastered it.. You seem to get a handle on anything you put your mind and passion to, so it won't be long before you're whipping us up the Harp Concerto in B Flat Major.... Please keep us updated on your journey.. PS: The door behind you is absolutely stunning... Have a magical, musical, sun-shiney day...

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you for these kind words of support! they really help encourage me to keep going!

[@steamerSama]

She is a great teacher...

[@yesalphabeta]

A beautiful instrument.

[@leticiafaxas6069]

Harp music is so pretty. Thank you for sharing.

[@hemikaislam3303]

Your videos are so uplifting and soothing ❤ Thank you for the good times. I wish I grew up knowing you as a kid.

[@sarahchaprobin32]

Wonderful timing for me as I just had my first harp lesson this week! Thank you both.

[@quinnb3109]

This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing Rajiv!!!!

[@evavillarreal9753]

How beautiful Rajiv, always so inspiring! I wish I was there sitting in first row and listening to the the class. What a beautiful moment of music with Debussy ( I feel so proud that you have that Oaxaca pillow in your sofa) Greetings from Mexico!

[@madavies1952]

......wow......just beautiful....made me cry....😘

[@starc7691]

This was so beautiful to watch. I now want to learn to play the harp.

[@abigailh4109]

I enjoyed this video so much. Your teacher is wonderful . You are doing Great!!!!

[@fitzy7735]

The piece you are practicing reminds me of Saint seans aquarium with the chord structures

[@taomeng06]

Thank you so much of the video. I have been taking harp lessons for some time now and can relate so much of you discussed. Keep practicing.

[@melissarhea149]

I absolutely love your channel. I am an old lady and you have taught me some very helpful and amazing things. Thank you! ❤ But your background music is toooooooo loud and distracting. I am very interested in what you and your guest are saying but can't hear you clearly. It's rather frustrating. 😔

[@Idahadleyart]

I so enjoyed this video. What an amazing teacher you have ❤

[@boreduser1583]

That was soo pleasant!🥰

[@brittneylamar9864]

Beautiful! I'm learning the lever harp