Technical Exercises for Lever Harp with Ailie Robertson: Harp Toolbox

[@jaymil51]

Ugh... I can hear the passion and electricity in her voice when she talks a about finding those sticky moments and pushing through them. It's so inspiring.

[@TalkingHarps]

Pushing through to breakthrough makes all the difference...those are some of the best moments in our practice rooms! And it makes it fun to find a new area to work on when you know you can get to the other side of the challenge. You've got this! - Angela

[@canadianharpmusic8397]

This is a goldmine of material. Thank you for taking time to prepare this material. It would have helped if you had shown left hand techniques as well.

[@ingemp1212]

Ailie is exactly describing my stage in learning the harp. Intermediate level and playing fast is very difficult. I just downloaded the pdf’s and started 😊. Very wel explained, ladies!

[@TalkingHarps]

It is so empowering when you find a tool to support you exactly where you need it! I'm sure you will see the positive impact of engaging with this book! Enjoy! - Angela

[@mahritotten751]

I came across this video just as I was feeling that I was needing technique instruction in order to advance my playing! Ordered the book and am so eager to get working on these exercises, so love Celtic harp playing. Thanks for making this book possible and best wishes in all you do, cheers!

[@TalkingHarps]

Hi Mahri! I'm so glad you found this video and that you've ordered the book. Ailie is a fantastic teacher and I'm sure as you engage with the material you will see a difference in your playing! Enjoy the journey and happy harping! - Angela

[@shannonmccoy9103]

I just ordered a copy! I am that student that Allie mentioned. I have never progressed beyond an intermediate level. I blame it on my age, 65, and that my fingers are a little arthritic, but I am inspired by this video to work on pushing myself to achieve a new level. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@TalkingHarps]

We are so excited to hear how this has inspired you, Shannon! I am sure you will enjoy this book and the progress it can help you build ~ Angela

[@schmi3089]

Brilliant

[@Maris-W]

I absolutely LOVE this book. The instructions to say each inversion while playing was the most helpful for me and my fingers just fall into place now.

[@TalkingHarps]

Ailie is such a wonderful teacher! There are so many gems in this books. It's wonderful that you are seeing progress from using this tool, Maris! - Angela

[@tonyquintero2203]

1:00 Minor inaccuracy here: the fingers themselves don’t have muscles, only tendons and ligaments. The muscles that control the fingers are in the hand and forearm. My harp teacher explained this when she was talking about injury prevention.

[@connieLo87365]

Your book covers exactly what self taught people miss out on. Missing this important part of harping is why most beginners drop out before intermediate. They mis the speed too. Thank you. Unfortunately the reason why they miss out, is because they don’t have patience to read music (or can’t). I hope there is a visual with each page.

[@carpenanne]

I believe learning to read is foundational…otherwise we are relying on memory primarily, thats hard I find. The technical exercises look like fun 🙂

[@HarmonieZvuku-harfy-kalimby]

​@@carpenanneI can "read" but Im not use to that, it is so slow for me that I rather learn from online or love courses =) But I know it would help me if I forgot something...

[@carpenanne]

Very helpful and grounding. Appreciate and acknowledge all the “behind the scenes” work that contributes to playing beautifully. I played traditional whistle and flute for years but only by ear and I realise how limiting that was….fun but so much music was inaccessible as a result. These days Im putting a-lot of time into learning to read. Its slow going but I think worth the energy and investment of time.

[@TalkingHarps]

Do you have the book Anne? It's so helpful to see exactly how Ailie intends for the harp player to use her book! We are so glad this episode was a help to you! ~Angela

[@carpenanne]

@@TalkingHarps yes I’ve got it.

[@connieLo87365]

Ailie, many adult beginners who have no musical back ground, that are unable to read music, purchase great books but don’t get used or appear complicated because of all the dots on the paper. They resort to just learning by video. Doing these exercises are so crucial to future harping. If there were tutorials along with the book to see that all those dots are only chord hand placements they would be more likely to follow and succeed. I know when I first started and I opened my first technical book, I backed away because of the dots and not knowing hand tech. If there would have been a visual guide or video with each maneuver, I may have progressed faster.

[@wholovesyababy5574]

Hi Connie. Time to learn to read music! This was a year ago. Perhaps you have. Eileen

[@wholovesyababy5574]

I just bought this one, and since I was paying for shipping already, I added two more! Oh, dear. More books!

[@TalkingHarps]

I am sure you won't be disappointed. This is one of those books you can have on your music stand every day so great value. ~Angela

[@HarmonieZvuku-harfy-kalimby]

This was reaaaly good, thank you for this talk, Im putting this to my practise immediately =) Tomáš

[@TalkingHarps]

Yay Tomáš! Have fun working through this book! I'm sure it will make a big difference to your playing - Angela

[@HarmonieZvuku-harfy-kalimby]

@@TalkingHarps I think I have plenty work just with little content from talk =D its great! I already shared it to my harp circle...

[@wholovesyababy5574]

Oh, no! Another book to buy!

[@TalkingHarps]

Haha the struggle is real. - Angela

[@harpmad1]

its such a great technique book - I love it!!

[@TalkingHarps]

I do too, Anna! - Angela

[@kristinasterling815]

Ailie, I just reordered this book thinking I didnt have it but I do! This was a few hours ago! Can you cancel it?

[@TalkingHarps]

Hi @kristinasterling815 Did you manage to get hold of Ailie? I'm not sure she would check the comments here so may be best to email her directly?- Angela

[@margiebekoff5096]

I'm concerned about buzzing strings. Does anyone have experience with this book and improvement in buzzing?

[@TalkingHarps]

Hi Margie! This book deals with playing technique and not directly on how to prevent buzzing. That said, in my experience confident placing, finger dexterity helps minimise buzzes so using this book can definitely indirectly help with these. We do also have a short Harp Hub episode on our Talking Harps KZbin channel where Elizabeth Volpé Bligh specifically talks about avoiding Bumps and Buzzes which may be helpful to you too. All the best! ~ Angela