Responding to Rude Comments and Talking Harp Technique

[@russellfrohberg2736]

Don’t you dare comment anything rude to Emily or she’ll make a whole video about it

[@emilyharpist]

LMFAOOOO

[@DaveXXX]

Sorry Russell you just lost a subscriber

[@emilyharpist]

@@DaveXXX Russell just lost TWO!

[@FruitsAreTheBestFood]

Dang Russell, not a very nice jesture of you.

[@paulthompson9668]

@@emilyharpist You look beautiful in green!

[@ArmageddonNerd]

I love that you left the green screen suit on for the entire rest of the video lmao

[@emilyharpist]

HAHAHA it was too hard to get out of

[@Osmone_Everony]

I was a guitarist for 21 years. Now I'm old and my fingers don't want anymore (sigh). Anyway, I know how it's like to be in the flow and people who make fun about our weird body movements and facial expressions while we play, just don't have a clue. Your hair? I couldn't care less. I'm here for your music and pedal demos. 🙂💚

[@AcousticHeaven.]

Hey i love that geisha outfit! You're doing good Emily. Don't listen to them

[@binface9]

Me too. It's what I imagine all harpists should wear.

[@emilyharpist]

❤️ ❤️

[@murlthesquir]

"I'm a professional." ❤🤪😂

[@emilyharpist]

😂♡ Hope you caught your nice comment in the beginning of the video!! Your kind words always make me smile! :)

[@murlthesquir]

@@emilyharpist You Rock!!

[@emilyharpist]

@@murlthesquir No, you!!!

[@BWP-u3y]

🤣 I'm going to steal this attitude, and strongly make use of it randomly throughout the day. Thanks for this!

[@travisnorman]

I'm new to your channel, I subscribed so I could leave positive comments and support an artist whose work I enjoy. So cut your hair, wave your hands, wear anything you damn well please, do gear demos, do anything! This is YOUR channel. We support it all because we support YOU! 😊

[@emilyharpist]

♡♡♡ Thanks so much for your awesome comments and for being here :) More to come soon :)

[@CavemanThings]

You dropped this Travis 👑

[@walrtbstudios5430]

Not just a professional, you have The Right Attitude.

[@emilyharpist]

😊🥰 thank you so much!!!

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

I don't understand why a woman's appearance matters so much to some people. As an adult male human, I have literally gotten lost in the moment while playing guitar live on camera to the point of drooling on myself and no comments were made.

[@emilyharpist]

HAHA I know right?!? 😂😂😂

[@enoodle]

facts. lmao

[@codexnecro]

I like that you specified you are human :D

[@antsinmyeyes]

@@codexnecro It's a fair thing to say, most guitarists are not human.

[@millone3393]

I'm sorry but is part of the joke you saying "guitar"? You know that's a harp.

[@HarpWellness]

You have been killing it with your videos! I am always pleasantly surprised to see how many similarities our harp lives have. Both of us hitting our 20 year harperversaries around the same time, and now finding out that we both learned Salzedo first and then French technique later on! Glad you're finding humor in the haters' comments. Your short hair is beautiful and so is your playing!

[@emilyharpist]

Ahhh thank you so much!!! Thank you for the kind words ♡♡♡ Happy 20 year harperversary!! I feel like it happened so quickly for me 😂 I'm so glad to hear that you had a similar experience; I think it really helped learning Salzedo first, and then Grandjany later, because I learned to add more relaxation to my playing during my later years after developing a solid foundation in my earlier years

[@sleepyfinger]

I have slowly and steadily fallen madly in love with your clips. You appear to be a smart, kind and funny human. And a wonderful, authentic artist.

[@Plutonium_2_3_9]

I love what you do. I never played an instrument, I don't know anything about it, but I do love making playlists and end up digging deep into "similar artists/songs" rabbit hole while making my playlists. It's interesting what all the plugins you use on your harps to make different sounds and it blows my mind how much more we're missing different sounds on music. Also, I love the way you dress, the way you do your hair, your glasses and the way you smile. I'm glad I found this channel weeks ago.

[@nathanbell5282]

This was the classiest and most elegant “um actually” ever.

[@emilyharpist]

Hahaha thank you Nathan!!

The perfect response to people who don't deserve one. I

[@emilyharpist]

Hahah thank you so much, Mike!! :) thanks for being here

[@Theroadaxe]

I never knew there was such a thing as an electric harp. The effects you experiment with is fascinating. I also find your humble personality refreshing. Don't worry about the trolls. Haters gonna hate. Rise above them and you just be you. Don't feel you need to respond to them. After all, 174K subscribers can't be wrong!

[@DelmarToad]

You’re the best harpist on the internet, hands down. Or elbows up or any hand gestures you need to keep making that beautiful music! Tune out the haters and let’s hear music! pump up the volume.

[@docjoesweeney]

I love the fact you clearly love what you do and you are being exactly who you are. You don't need to respond to negative comments, but in this case, I am glad you did. I learned something today. And that is what makes life beautiful.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much Joe ❤️ I really appreciate you! I absolutely love harp, and this video makes it more evident than ever 😂

[@Murry_in_Arizona]

You made a grumpy old man smile and have a chuckle or two. Thanks Doll!

[@seazenbones6945]

It’s rare to see such humility in this world full of narcissism. Thank you from a guitarist. I can’t think of a better test to see if a pedal is any good, than your harp playing. Many thanks.

[@AndrewEldridge]

That closing statement caught me: “I’m a professional.” 😂 You’re doing great. Love the videos.

[@emilyharpist]

Hahaha thank you so much Andrew!!

[@denisemayosky1955]

And right before that, the music kinda sounds like something out of a sci-fi show. The "green screen" suit gives off a definite "We come in peace!" vibe.😁

[@SS-gx7tg]

I am so glad I found your channel. You have such a calming presence

[@emilyharpist]

That means so much to me. Thank you 🖤🖤🖤

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

You have such a radiant smile and positive attitude. Keep rocking Emily, you’re super fun to watch!

[@SamanthaBallard]

Lol queen I guess I’m technically like, 4th generation Salzedo?! But even Judy Loman doesn’t do his technique strictly, and since her influence is so widespread in Canada I feel like a lot of harpists up here have a sort of pseudo-salzedo technique. These days I mostly use my ears and listen to my body to hear and feel what is good, lol! But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a professional that had no hand gesture. It’s part of playing the harp, some people will jus do more or less than others.

[@emilyharpist]

My first harp teacher, Jeanne Goldstein, was a student of Salzedo himself -- I never thought about it before but does that make me 3rd gen Salzedo?! (watered down, of course, because now I mix it with Grandjany's technique, too). I feel like I do the same thing as you because I do what feels comfortable for me and I don't sweat the small stuff anymore... but SAME I've never seen a *professional* play without any hand gestures at all. I'm so glad you understand! Sometimes I overthink it and I'm like, "man, I hope my hand position looks okay on camera" 😂😂😂

[@AJRAJRAJR]

THIS. I'm third generation Salzedo? A student of Judy's students. She has told me Salzedo himself didn't play like this. I'm pretty sure it comes from the diagrams in the method for harp book by Lucile Lawrence and Salzedo. Judy has told me that she doesn't understand why he used those photos for the book...

[@fallenshallrise]

The hand raising thing is a cool technique to bring to the picking hand on guitar to let notes or phrases breathe but until now I've never really thought about doing it that way or had a name for it. Some of us have been told to focus on our breathing and pretend to be singing to get a more vocal-like phrasing but that never worked for me. Raising your arms on a harp like Emily or raising your picking hand over your head like Jimmy Page or Pete Townsend seems like a way better technique and also looks way cooler.

[@stormingelysium1996]

It's really discouraging how many horrible people feel the need to dump on others for just enjoying themselves. It's awesome that you had such a great response to the jerks leaving lame comments.

[@Letstidytogether]

This is everything! Plus, I love when you talk harp technique!

[@ShiningEyeBrigade]

Re: hand / gestures gestures that reduce tension: this is an amazing nugget of wisdom for me. I’m a mostly self-taught guitarist whose struggled with neck, back, forearm, wrist, and hand pain for the last 10. I’m not a showy performer, but discovered different hand and arm movements that really help with tone (which some folks may think are more for show) and some really help me get into the music and play better, but it NEVER occurred to me that some can also help reduce the muscle tension. But can easily see how it can be the case. A new path to try!

[@zebulonswearingen4607]

Taking the trash comments and recycling them into the awesome talented harpist’s creativity matrix via the community guidewires. I like it.

[@brynm2701]

So, I was taught primarily Salzedo technique. My teacher didn’t think highly of the French technique, so I t’s nice to hear from someone who’s done both and recognizes the good points of both.

[@1saregare1]

I was hoping there were more rude comments because YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL and I could not imagine sending a rude comment to a great harpist. Handled like a pro.

[@fleecefoxes6471]

The ending! hahah! You are a professional at making the lives of your subscribers better and more wholesome

[@emilyharpist]

😊 ❤️

[@bryanscott8675]

It makes me really happy to hear you play, I really hope the positivity outweighs the negative stuff. ❤️

[@ashleywells5171]

Hey Emily! I'm also a harpist who was trained in the Salzedo style. People have made the same comment about the raising, asking why I do it. As a harpist, the raising looks completely normal to me, but I guess to non-harpists it must look strange? I don't know. Just want you to know you're not alone! People can be so rude and presumptuous on the internet. It's kind of laughable when someone who doesn't play harp and likely doesn't even play an instrument attempts to provide a critique on how the instrument should be played. I think you responded to the comment with compassion and kindness. I also ended up blending Grandjany techique with Salzedo later on after an injury. It's a lot easier for me to play with my right hand resting on the soundboard. Love your channel! Thanks for being a guide to other harpists looking to use effects pedals. I learn so much from you :)

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Came for the Kermit getup, stayed for the Thermae magic. You rock and screw the haters.

[@DivineZeal]

Thanks for explaining both playing styles. And my goal with harp is to do some type of experimental jazz type hybrid . Like your background music...something just angelically out there 🙏🏿🌞

[@andrewbrown1970]

It sucks that people have nothing better to do than pick on you Emily :( I love your playing and reviews ❤

[@masscrusher]

Girl, screw them trolls. You do you and live your best life. They are just envious.

[@JC_Denton_Lives]

You're the best. The world needs more people like you : )

[@emilyharpist]

thank you so much!! I really, really appreciate that! thanks for being here 🥰❤️

[@oldmetalhippyoldmetalhippy1971]

Some people are rude. Just a fact of Life. Ignore them. I'm new to your videos and I absolutely LOVE every one I have watched, probably a dozen so far. Focus on the positive, ignore the ones who try to snag you and suck you down to their level of self hatred. I have a homemade harp that my wife's grandfather made. It's really quite beautiful. It looks about half the size of the ones that you usually play. It's really old, like 40 or more years. Thank you for your totally awesome videos ! 🙏🙏

[@jimbarefoot7458]

Just found this channel recently. Never fails to make me feel happy. Thank You!

[@Diogenes425]

Emily, don’t pay attention to negative comments. If you were no good like the creatures sending ugly comments THEY WOULDN’T BE COMMENTING AT ALL. Envy & resentment always generates negativity. You have put a lot of time & energy developing a wonderful skill & talent. They are also envious of the cutest harpist I’ve ever seen!

[@sonusancti]

More power to you Emily. The harp is very uplifting and strikes my spiritual strings as it were. The instrument was made very popular in the 80s by Tadao Hayashi who did covers of popular songs on it. His uptempo Finger Trip is a classic. Then came Andreas Vollenweider, Deborah Henson Conant, now you. Cheers and God bless!

[@aalvarez3980]

I was trained in the Salzado method but I would love to learn more about the more relaxed french method. I just love you! Keep up the awesomeness. Oh and my daughter says to tell you that she she loves your video too.

[@emilyharpist]

hahah THANK YOU I LOVE YOU BOTH!! Thank you so much for listening and for being here, it means a lot to me!! :) ♡

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

It's not more relaxed! That's a myth. They don't understand Salzedo technique and because it is so superior and awesome, they have to make up b.s. about it to make themselves seem good. Salzedo WAS French! He improved harp playing light years beyond "traditional French playing," which is weak, wimpy, attacks the strings, and is full of TENSION! Stick with Salzedo method, except, if you had a REAL Salzedo teacher, you would never mis-spell his name!

[@debw2635]

Thank you for explaining these techniques, for a harpist its important, for anyone else to comment on expression of playing, in a negative tone, that is a reflection on the person sharing negativity, mastering the harp is a difficult business , succeeding is a huge accomplishment, that should be the focus of anyone's comment.

[@MrBrombomb]

I’m a drummer who really enjoys your videos especially the one featuring the distortion pedal where it sounded like your were playing “ Live From The Stage “ by Team Sleep. The fart pedal video was hysterical. I also like how you demonstrate different pedals as well. I also live in NJ & work at a Cafe named, Missy’s Main Street Cafe, where we are unconventional, have awesome food, either play an instrument and / or love music, and also love & welcome people like you with open arms. The owner’s wife is a drummer as well as our one cook, prep guy, & me of course. That all being said, you will never get rude or mean comments from me.

[@cameronjohnson148]

I just found your channel last week and I'm really happy that I did. I think your music is wonderful and the sound experimentation and equipment demos are fascinating.

[@Mister006]

OMG I love your hair to start this video! 0:14 I never saw you with the long blonde hair before. I'm here for the pedals and the skillz. You're a beautiful artist and presenter inside and out. Don't change from changing every day!

[@StephenMcLeod]

Sometimes it feels great to clap back. Love it.

[@nylonshredder]

Keep doing what you do. As a guitar player I started watching for the pedal demos, now its your playing and your personality that comes through your interactions as well as your expressive harp.

[@fd9987]

My limited harp studies were Salzedo and I do lift, mostly because it feels right as a follow through to the tension. I’ve never had bad comments, but I’ve been a church organist for decades. You wouldn’t believe the hateful nasty things said to me. I’d never take up the organ again. Churches are horrible places to work.

[@HollowiiMarz]

My favorite outfit is your neon green teletubbie ensemble. Glorious!

[@TAMMpON]

You know you made it when people start hating for odd nonsensical things as they know they can’t talk about the beautiful music you play!

[@emilyharpist]

🥰💖

[@lowkeyd34d63]

Ppl on youtube always seem to think they know more than the content creators smh, if they knew anything close to making music they'd make content for themselves. Keep going and pls don't ever listen to 'em :)) I rly like ur vids

[@emilyharpist]

hahah for real!! thank you so much for being here and thanks for the kind words :) ♡♡♡

[@ReeseDee]

I just stumbled across your channel, this is such a treat! Like thinking you ate all the cookies then you go to wash the jar and there's like 3 left!!!!

[@hoover11ful]

This is the first video I have seen of yours and after the green suit I can tell you are awesome! Also, I grew up learning things by Salzado and Grandjany and never learned about the differences in technique! Thank you for that information!

[@nicotravaini]

I discovered your channel like a couple of days ago and I immediatly loved it ! And I believe that in the end is like the saying says, haters gonna hate, and I guess that if you start to get a few of those comments it's because you're doing it right!

[@Baghdadbatterymusic]

Love your videos, Emily! Haters are just mad they aren't insanely talented + great content creators like you.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much Jack!! I openly invite more haters so I can get more video ideas from them 😂

[@chameleon-dream-band-official]

As a guitarist there are a few similar (but perhaps not as precise as harp) techniques for playing, like left thumb placement on the neck and picking hand shape. The reality is none of that really matters. Some of the best guitarists I know have an unconventional style. All that matters is the noise coming from your instrument and how express yourself through it. Keep doing what your're doing. This channel is awesome.

[@TheLittleMister]

Thanks for explaining those harp techniques, I'm not at all familiar with the harpist ways so it was really interesting to learn 😁 also love to see your eyes sparkle when you smile!!

[@MrArcher0]

I found your channel due to Rob Scalion and his videos. I have never watched a harpist play to any length until seeing you play with Rob. If I knew nothing else about you but your personality you would still be an amazing individual. But your playing is on a whole new level. It is both fascinating and ingenious. If you ever play a wedding and they want you to use the fart box, please let me know so I can crash that wedding, cause that is going to be epic!

[@ashleyabbott6904]

[@emilyharpist]

Haha thank you!!! And yes! That’s a big part of why I made the video, I don’t think a lot of people realize that!

[@danielmosely4188]

Taking someone's pointlessly rude comment and turning it into an opportunity to educate: legendary.

[@emilyharpist]

😊 ❤️ thank you!

[@younglightworkerschannel9008]

I, too was taught the Salzedo method but after nearly 40 years of playing for 4 hours gigs in hotels, restaurants or golf clubs, I HAD to relax my style. In my opinion, Salzedo method could even cause Carpel Tunnel Syndrome? Not based on any scientific evidence, just my own perception. I adore you, no matter how you wear your hair!

[@morrinsville23]

Ive only just found this channel and i really appreciate your playfulness with sound and your beautiful technique!! Thank you for making this!!

[@aharkness5657]

None of those seem terribly rude. I would have expected much worse, given what people are like. I hope you keep making videos your way looking however you want to look. Hearing about the techniques and not just your sound experiments was interesting since I know practically nothing about harps. Your videos are really beautifully shot and funny, too. I'll definitely stay subscribed :)

[@melisasv]

I just discovered you ! I learned the Salzedo technique from my teacher, who studied with her teacher who was a student of Salzedo. In the last many years she has started using somewhat of a blended technique too. I like the blended technique myself. I think your playing is wonderful, great tone and I also love that you use electronic devices for distortion. I’ve totally enjoyed watching. You have a new fan. Love the costumes, the hair , the harps. and the enthusiasm.

[@reillytennesen8558]

Not only is your content top notch, but you're such a beautiful wholesome person. I honestly can't imagine why someone would leave nasty comments on your videos

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much, Reilly!! I guess there really are mean comments everywhere!!! The hard part is learning how to not let them get to you!!!

[@schan263]

I learned the Salzedo technique from my harp teacher but she also mentioned the Grandjany technique to me. I used to play with my elbows down because it was more effort to play to have my elbows up. I noticed if I don't keep my elbows up, it's more likely for me to grab the wrong strings. It's more important now that I am learning more challenging pieces. So now I try to play with my elbows up. I am curious about the Grandjany technique so maybe one day I will learn more about it one day from a different teacher.

[@chrisreese7142]

It is so sad that you have to explain yourself. You do an awesome job.

[@kristad5210]

Love you and hello from Canada! Been a lurker but finally commenting :) I studied primarily Grandjany (my teacher actually learned from him!) but learned a bit of Salzedo later on from a different teacher!

[@emilyharpist]

Hi Krista! Thanks so much for being here, and thank you for the kind words! :) That's so funny -- that's basically the reverse of my experience!! My first teacher learned directly from Salzedo, too!! 😂

[@on_idyl]

Thank you for the great, interesting work! I very much enjoy your videos. As a guitarist deeply into the pedal scene, it's wonderful to see pedals being used for other instruments. Of course "guitar" pedals can be used on the harp!

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much 😊 I really appreciate you being here!!

[@guitars4ever176]

Don’t sweat it Emily, you are as beautiful as you are musical. Criticism is easy / ART is difficult. From a fan !

[@poco_a_poco_music]

I'm a multi-instrumentalist with his eye on a harp. Yours is the only harp content I've found. I love the gear reviews, the covers, the style. F the haters.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much Kelsey! That means a lot. More fun stuff coming soon :)

[@ShiningEyeBrigade]

So glad Emily’s deeply playful, exploratory, and shining spirit is undampened by such ignorant comments. To think of all the goodies we’d all be missing if that had happened.

[@jigglypuff8711]

This channel NEVER fails to make me laugh out loud. Thank you

[@DAVEDigitalandVinylExpert]

You never have to explain why you do what you do to morons. Unfortunately we all get these comments but they mean nothing. You are a talented musician who decides to share it with us so thank you.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you Dave!!! You’re so kind; I really appreciate that

[@DAVEDigitalandVinylExpert]

@@emilyharpist I’ve had my fair share as well so I know how much it sucks but they’re simply not worth the thought.

[@emilyharpist]

I know. Some days are harder than others with the mean comments, but I love what I do and I try to remind myself that there will always be SOMEONE out there who wants to say mean things and ruin your day, no matter what. We can’t let them bring us down! ❤️🎶

[@Silvermoonscorpion]

Emily, please don't change a thing!! Unless ya want to. You're fabulous! I love guitars and learn so much from you even tho you're playing a harp instead. I've learned being silly is really important. You bring me laughter. Thank you. 💚

[@LesterMahogany]

No clue why KZbin recommended this channel but here I am. (I am guessing her guitar pedal reviews) I always assumed harpists did the hand thing as a way to keep time/keep the tension out of your arms and I am thrilled to learn I was correct. Guitarists, and other string instrument players do similar gestures that I suppose aren't so obvious to most people. Harp is a very beautiful instrument. Thank you.

[@johnmcternan404]

Good on you for addressing the haters and I'm glad you recognise them for being just that. Your videos show a different side to what effects units can do (which is invaluable when you're about to drop a week's pay on a pedal you've only heard an electric guitar through) and your playing/performance/style are great. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you John! I really appreciate that. Doing pedal demos is like my favorite thing to do; I’m so glad it resonates with people :)

[@marieandresen4060]

😂😂 You've got such a great sense of humor, I love it! And I love the green screen outfit! Also love watching you play, either technique! ❤️❤️🌹🌹🐧🐧

[@emilyharpist]

Hahaha thank you so much for the kind words!! It means a lot to me 🥰🥰🥰 I need to find some other uses for that green screen outfit (future Halloween costume for SURE! 😂)

[@marieandresen4060]

@@emilyharpist The Lean Green Scream Machine! It's you! 🤣🐧

[@emilyharpist]

@@marieandresen4060 😆

[@RuthBennettHarpist]

You’re hilarious Emily! So grateful for this video - thanks for addressing this with grace and humor! I also started with Salzedo technique as my grandmother, my first teacher, was a student of his. My teachers in college were mainly Grandjany technique players and I eventually found that it suited me better.. just my two cents!

[@SuburbanDon]

You're uniqueness and smile are all that matter. Don't ever defend yourself. I think you're great.

[@angelapianomusicstudio3816]

Im not a harpist. Piano and woodwinds for me. Learned quite a bit in your two minute video. Love your work!

[@Davisjryoung]

I love your hair, I love your play style and I think you’re incredibly talented. Thank you for rising above the trolls in the most low key savage way possible. Keep up the great work. 🖤

[@emilyharpist]

Honestly this commend really made me smile. Thank you so much! 🖤 🖤 🖤

[@Kissfan96dr]

thanks for the green screen suit. I put a dominatrix costume on you. Harp playing has never been so bad ass!

[@emilyharpist]

LMAOOO

[@TDRKB]

Such grace and humility! I must admit when I see those gestures which are similar to classical pianists, I find it odd. I play keys and do do not play that way. I always thought there was a technique at play. You are such a delight to watch and I never thought I would see a harpist using guitar pedals. You are awesome!

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much, Kevin!! I appreiate you :) I get so many comments about my hand motions, I had to make a video about it!! Hahaha. More guitar pedals and fun harp videos coming soon, as always!!!

[@RandomButtonPusher]

Thanks for the lesson in harp hand technique, and sorry you have to suffer fools. Your channel and your playing, with or without pedals, are fascinating.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much!!! That means a lot :) All the nice comments make it all worth it!

[@elroyfudbucker6806]

She doesn't look like she's suffering too much. Tolerating maybe, but not suffering.

[@omardogknifemartinez2751]

You kindly smashed these fools with knowledge and grace!

[@adde65]

The negative comments are a sign that your channel is getting a lot of good attention. People commenting on hair styles - seriously??? You're an excellent musician, and I'm enjoying the pedal demos a lot too.

[@emilyharpist]

You’re right!! It happens more and more as my channel grows. Thank you so much Andy ❤️ more to come soon 😊

[@Rotteg]

You responded to ignorance with intelligence and a broader understanding. The way you play is awesome and I'm glad you don't let them get to you. Keep being the awesome person you always have been and I'm sure I'm not the only one who looks forward to the next musical experience you share with us🙂

[@Rotteg]

Also, seeing you posing in that green screen suit being goofy made me laugh harder than I should have lol.

[@JP-----]

Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from. Do your thing Em. Thats what most of us are here for.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much J P!!!

[@matts1246]

My teacher is emphasizing a Salzedo-style technique. It is a bit disheartening now and then when my elbows droop too low and I have to readjust, and I am trying to get the back posture right for it. I also have some high mobility in my wrist and fingers, so there's a lot of emphasis on not collapsing my joints when I begin to apply tension in the hand and to release tension when the fingers fall into the palm.

[@emilyharpist]

YES!! I had a lot of trouble learning the Salzedo technique when I was first starting out, but in hindsight I'm glad I started with it, because when I incorporated more of the Grandjany technique later on I already had a super strict basis of playing that needed a bit more relaxation to really solidify my style. My first harp teacher was CONSTANTLY reminding me: "shoulders down, elbows up!" Don't get discouraged; we've all been there!! 😂♡

[@AJRAJRAJR]

The elbows up thing is actually bogus. It's not helpful in sound production, which is what playing the harp is about. Emphasize relaxation and control. The absolutely horizontal hand position is also bogus. I've studied with Judy Loman, who is one of his best known students and she doesn't play like this. Try keeping the Salzedo hand shape but turning it down towards the soundboard, have your wrist in line with your hand and follow it down to your elbow.

[@brynm2701]

@@AJRAJRAJR Thanks for sharing this tip! I have a lot of pain when I play the traditional Salzedo way so maybe dropping the elbows will help

[@AJRAJRAJR]

@@brynm2701 *Absolutely* bring up pain with your teacher. Playing the harp should never hurt. Relax from the tip of your fingers, through your palm, into your wrist, down to your elbow, up to your shoulder and armpit, through your back and into your glutes. You will injure yourself in no time! I gave myself awful tendonitis for years until I switched teachers and abandoned this rigidity.

[@thesuccVEVO]

You inspire me to be a better musician. Thank you Emily!!

[@emilyharpist]

that means so much to me!!! thank YOU for being here with us!! 🥰❤️

[@eduardosalas2640]

You do you. We love that person! I know nothing of music, harp or otherwise, but I love what I hear! Rock on Emily Hopkins rock on!! O, btw, as a retired hairdresser, I love your short hair cuts!! Even the real short one!

[@Bobert-Rob]

"I'm a professional!" Yes you are! :D

[@kennyraicherter1264]

You just be yourself ,and keep on keeping on ,and thank you for explaining technique,but poo on them ,love the green suit ,ripppettt😂

[@BobbySpiessVienna]

You are wonderful like all the music you play. Thanx for sharing your passion ❤

[@TheHappyKamper]

I love the "Put whatever TF hair on me you want" attitude, and schooling people on your technique.

[@charpnatl]

Emily, I think you are AWESOME! I studied the French technique however lots of my friends studied Salzedo technique I picked up a few of their gestures and learned a lot of the extended techniques for creating various sound effects on the harp. THEN I took up the chromatic cross strung harp and it was a little bit different but kind of the same.

[@binface9]

Those are the little bits of your videos that I particularly love. God forbid; you're a strong woman with a personality!

[@emilyharpist]

❤️ thanks so much

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

Your vids are awesome! And an actual harp with effects! Badass!

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you Izzy!!!! ❤️