Learning To Play The Harp With Rajiv Surendra

Practicing music is an important part of Rajiv's life and his harp is his most cherished instrument. Sitting down and practicing every day is a task that Rajiv tries to work into his schedule, but having a teacher and regular lessons is vital to constructive practice. Today Rajiv is joined by his teacher, Kristi Shade, who introduces us to the mechanics of a concert grand harp and shares an approach to learning music that can be applied to any instrument.
For more information on harps, and particularly Rajiv's Style 30 Harp, visit
www.lyonhealy.com
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★ TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
• 1:12 Introducing Kristi Shade Who Plays The Harp On Broadway In Wicked, Camelot, And Sweeney Todd
• 2:50 Played with Florence and the Machine at the Met Gala (small demo)
• 5:40 A Harpist’s Career
• 7:00 Know How To Practice
• 9:30 The Pedal Harp
• 10:24 The Pedal Harp Overview
• 11:27 Pedals Used for Flat, Natural, Sharp For The 47 Strings
• 13:30 Brief History Of The Harp And What The Strings Are Made Out Of
• 16:12 Materials Of The Harp
• 18:00 Rajiv’s Lesson And The Basic Harp Warmup
• 25:00 Connecting Your Brain To What You Are Playing Harmonically Idea
• 26:34 The Arpeggio Warmup
• 30:17 Practice To Fix Mantra
• 33:00 Pre-Setting Pedals And Marking Pedal Changes For Practice
• 42:00 It’s Very Hard To Play With All Of You Watching!
• 45:00 Kristi Shade's Harp Interpretation
• 48:00 Playing something To Inspire And Claude Debussy's First Arabesque Harp Interpretation
💡 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 💡
• Practice With Purpose To play It Properly
• Achieving Rhythmic Integrity
• Metronome Harp Practice
• Pedal Harp Overview
• Difference Between Pedal and Lever Harps
• Troubadour Harp Lever Harp and Pedal Harp Differences
• You Have To Work Like The Devil To Play Like An Angel
• Flat Natural or Sharp Positions For Pedals
• Harp Music Theory To Practice Scales and Triads
• Harp Hand Positions
• 3 Strings Create 3 Different Instruments Inside The Harp
• A Standard Harp Lesson
• Playing For Inspiration
• Harp Interpretation Of Claude Debussy's First Arabesque
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🔴 ** ABOUT THIS CHANNEL **
Welcome to my KZbin Channel! I've been immersed in the creative and domestic arts for all my life and its a real honor to be sharing my interests with you.
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🔎 HASHTAGS
#Rajiv
#Rajivsurendra
#harp
#playingtheharp
#Harplesson

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@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.

[@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❤.

[@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

[@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!

[@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”.

[@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!

[@maggiesanmiguel7278]

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

[@barbaracarlson1331]

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

[@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-bj4un6ss6j]

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.

[@ritabutler1951]

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

[@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!

[@r.l.howard8459]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@stevcowb4610]

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

[@leigilmore]

15 minutes in and fascinated 🧐😍

[@lazyjazzymusic]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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*

[@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.

[@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.❤

[@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!

[@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! ❤

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

[@MyCheryl1988]

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

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thank you Rajiv, awesome video.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@JackrabbitCrafts]

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.

[@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 🥲

[@helenmcnair4284]

well, that was rather fabulous!😊🥰

[@bustedkeaton]

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

[@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.

[@marjorie8648]

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

[@riverbeachbeads]

I so look forward to your videos dropping!

[@sandrinedurand3203]

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

[@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..

[@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.

[@AngelaNewcomb]

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

[@ameliareaganwright2758]

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

[@MsLouisVee]

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

[@leticiafaxas6069]

Harp music is so pretty. Thank you for sharing.

[@audeboutet6059]

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

[@boreduser1583]

That was soo pleasant!🥰

[@lisanester3338]

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

[@rosy_ranirani4865]

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

[@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..😊

[@quinnb3109]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@yesalphabeta]

A beautiful instrument.

[@parisiano3680]

Thank you so much for this Rajiv and Kristi! 😊

[@zacharylebwohl4834]

you need to do a full rendition of that Florence and the machine song! Kristi that was a beautiful cover of debussy at the end

[@DJKBrooklyn]

What can't this man do? Delightful.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@madavies1952]

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

[@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!

[@steamerSama]

She is a great teacher...

[@mpalmer8449]

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

[@MagisterialVoyager]

50+ MINUTES??? Yes.

[@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! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@margretherandall5689]

Blissful! Thank you for sharing.❤❤

[@dannie4983]

I love this video. So peaceful and informative.

[@abigailh4109]

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

[@user-sm5fj3ii2h]

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

[@brittneylamar9864]

Beautiful! I'm learning the lever harp

[@Idahadleyart]

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

[@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!

[@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 🇨🇦

[@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.

[@mrsgingernoisette]

This is a blessing..

[@ArieruChan]

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

[@tmdavidson1478]

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

[@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. 😔

[@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.

[@sarahchaprobin32]

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

[@hemikaislam3303]

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

[@francineschnereger8246]

Omg , Wonderful!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mduftube]

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

[@starc7691]

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

[@Rashmik1]

Beautiful !!