What you don't realize about your harp technique

The height of your harp can have a huge effect on your technique! Such a simple change can make a huge difference... a really helpful harp technique hack!
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[@robertowarren7007]

Wow that floor harp is beautiful. Looks like a Lyon & Healy ❤

[@plumplumi]

I learned the harp at 6 with a first great teacher and a second horrible one who made me cry each week. I quit it after a year and now, almost 30 years later, I'm starting again self-teaching myself. I just found this channel and this video in particular and my mind is blown. I always had troubles with my arms being too close to my body and now I know why ! This channel is going to be a tremendous help in my journey, thank you so so so so much.

[@lowcountryhooper]

Yes! This video is important. When I started I put my lap harp in my lap because, well, it’s a “lap” harp. I could not play with proper technique. I looked again at the book I was using and it had a page on the finding the proper height for playing. I tried holding it between my calves (not recommended by the book, I was just experimenting) and I was able to use proper technique, but I was completely hunched over. I then went around the house until I found a footstool at the proper height and I keep it in my practice space. It’s cloth covered and the little bit of padding on the stool helps anchor the harp to keep it from slipping. I plan to rig up my own adjustable harp stand at some point since there isn’t always a choice of seat height when playing outside of the house.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Sounds like you’re a creative thinker. Great work! 👍🏻

[@lowcountryhooper]

Christy-Lyn's music Thanks. I’m just lucky mom really likes foot stools. You’ll get to see my chosen one at some point, I just joined the virtual harp circle. Looking forward to meeting everyone next month. Thanks for everything you do for us beginners.

[@SharonCullenArt]

This was so helpful because even on my little bitty harp I felt awkward with my hands and now that explains it.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Great! SO glad it helped!!

[@ursulabrowning6663]

Thank you, very helpful and I appreciated you saying that we should not copy someone else but find our own comfortable situation.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Pleasure! I’m glad it was encouraging 😊 Do you find it comfortable to play your harp?

[@ursulabrowning6663]

Mostly I am, but I have moments when I wonder if I am sitting too high or too low. So I keep changing every few weeks.... I do have a wonderful harp teacher here in Stroud, England but sometimes I need to hear the same thing but from a different person, if that makes sense.

[@paullyle3461]

Christy its a great video, Ive three different Harps and youve givin some good advice, Im 79 years old and have alot of problema with my bones, I think your advice is good even for me thanks for sharing.🎶😉🎶

[@jennhill8708]

I'm so excited... My harp is being built! She should arrive within the next few months. I'm trying to think longer, so I'm delighted when she comes earlier!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Let me know when she arrives!! 😃😃😃

[@NurseJamu]

Very informative

[@lindawinn2568]

Thank you so much for this video. It's helped me so much in realising that I don't have to try to exactly copy an accomplished harpists technique. I can now concentrate on the music and play in the way that is most comfortable for me personally.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks for the comment, Linda! I also have to remind myself often - technique is ultimately a means to an end, and everyone’s body is slightly different. Keep it up! ❤️

[@suetalley2508]

Extremely valuable-thank you so much!

[@XxKerryEllxX]

Thanks for this. It totally makes sense and I am going to try making sure my harp is at the correct level. Quite a lot of the time I play it too high.

[@realitycheck1870]

Very helpful! To find out that the whole body is affected by the wrong height, and finger positions are affected. Helpful to know that some things work better for our different body types and physical abilities. Thank you!

[@bortasha]

Thank you. I have a harpsicle and it appears I have have been playing with it up too high. This should help a great deal. I love your videos!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Let me know how it goes!! Hope it helps ❤️

[@zS39SBT4fe5Zp8Q]

Great instructional video. Thanks!

[@kallyneab1558]

The position of the harp sounds silly but it does make difference when playing! I was the one curling fingers because of the lap harp often was leaning forward, so I was in a bad posture to not lean forward as well, or playing on the floor or with the harp stand without problem. Now with the big harp, I don't have problems unless there is a high chair.

[@LearningtheHarp]

So true! It’s good to hear that you have an easier time with posture now. Did you ever manage to figure out your posture with the lap harp too?

[@julz2096]

I love you channel and you music

[@denniserrolhawley2762]

Thicky Nikki I DO TOO!!!!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Thanks Nikki (and Dennis), that’s so good to hear!

[@videotapeses]

These videos are so helpful I can't even explain. I have an ogden with feet (not the little legs) and I'm 5'8 and sit very straight. I haven't found a comfortable way to sit at my harp but I'm going to keep trying and find a way that works for me

[@heididiederich2040]

Thank you this was very helpful!

[@ursulabrowning6663]

Just what I needed to hear , thank you

[@Derek-qn3fy]

I was wondering if plucking into the palm of your hand is just as important for a 5x7 cross strung harp? I've really struggled with doing that, but as you said, it's important in the long run.

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

Ooh! Do "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert! :)

[@nervousharpist]

Interesting! I wonder if my harp is the right height? I'll ask my teacher to check when we finally get an in person lesson, and not a zoom one

[@Killytilly]

How many strings does your harp have? I recently acquired a 30 string Irish harp and I kinda dig it!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Mine has 34 strings. I’m glad you’re digging yours! 😆👍🏻 What Music do you aspire to play?

[@moirbasso7051]

Excellent explanations. Brava. Do you ever come to the USA for a Harp event- concert, seminar?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi there. I visited in 2019 and hope to come back someday soon!

[@moirbasso7051]

@@LearningtheHarp Please do. I'd very much like to attend a class.

[@cackleberrycottage2340]

Hi Christy. What about your pedal harp? Do you raise your bench up? I have my harp up on a stool and I am thinking I should lower it as I have a lot of problems keeping my left arm away from my body. Perhaps I have it too high now. It is always something isn't it?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes, there’s always something to consider and improve when it comes to technique 😆 I do play with my seat pretty high when I play the pedal harp, higher than most pedal harpists. I think it’s because I’m a lever harpist at heart 😉

[@smworswick]

Christy should my harp be placed on the floor far enough away from my body so the strings are perfectly perpendicular to the floor and not on an angle?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi Susanne! It’s more about finding the balance point of your harp, and less about the angle of the strings. Do you know how to find the balance point? 😊

[@suetalley2508]

Learning the Harp with Christy-Lyn! GREAT FOR FREQUENT CHECKUPS!!!

[@heartflute]

helpful

[@vadimchevvie]

Hi Christy! I will be taking my probing first harp lesson soon and wanted to ask you a couple of questions. 1) I am a decent middle eastern and Mediterranean percussionist and have an intuitive approach to melodic music - I played the piano in my childhood for a few years but forgot everything music theory-wise. Would I be able to play the harp well and decently (let's say, middle class compared to amateur class) by playing just by ear? I have high respect for Celtic music and improv within scales. 2) You say in the description that your harp in the video is Lyon & Healy Ogden, but it's a second big pedal one. What is the name of the first smaller harp? Thanks.

[@LearningtheHarp]

1) Playing by ear is not a problem; some celtic harp teachers teach this way all the time! But you also need to learn a solid foundation of harp technique so that you don’t limit your progress. I have played other instruments before and I would say harp is an instrument where technique can REALLY make or break your potential to progress beyond a certain point. 2) The first harp in this video is a Harpsicle Harp. All the best with your first harp lesson. Very exciting!! 😃😃

[@vadimchevvie]

@@LearningtheHarp Thank you Christy!

[@joandshelbie]

I adjusted my harp height and my hand position improved a lot, but now my harp is at an angle - the strings are not vertical. Is this a problem?

[@standominguez8172]

Christy, I notice that you have what looks like a harness around your waist. Are you using it to hold up the harp. If so, I need something like that. I have a 19 string Roosebeck harp and find that I am having difficulty positioning my harp in a way that is comfortable. Can you suggest something that can help me. Thank you

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes, it’s actually just a guitar strap, which Harpsicle sells with their harps. There needs to be a little knob on your harp to attach it, but perhaps you could email the Harpsicle people to ask their advice about adding this to your harp?

[@lauracrevel6078]

Hi Christy, thank you for that very helpful video. I have severe chronic pain on my right shoulder due to lyme deases, also playing with the harp resting on my right shoulder isnt possible. Do you think I can achieve good position with the harp resting on the floor only (me being on neutreal position) ? Thank you very much ! Also, what harp are you playing on that video please ? Is it electro acoustic ? Thank you so much !

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi Laura. Sorry about the chronic pain in your shoulder. Yes it is possible to play without the harp resting on your shoulder; some harps are actually designed to be played that way. For example Heartland harps. Their harps are made from carbon fiber, so it might not be what you are looking for, but you should definitely email or call them and see if they can recommend something to suit you! Also, Lauren Riley has a nice wooden harp stand for lap harps that positions a small harp so that it doesn’t rest back in your shoulder. So if you get a small harp that could work for you!

[@LearningtheHarp]

In this video I’m playing a Harpsicle, which is an acoustic harp. But it does have a pickup installed, so it ends up being electro acoustic, yes! 😃👌🏻

[@lauracrevel6078]

@@LearningtheHarp thank you very much Christy ! I play on an Ravenna 26 that I rent for the moment, and play it resting on the floor how I can. I will check those harps. Thank you

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

Severe rheumatoid arthritis has put an end to my amateur violin & viola playing. My hands are in chronic agony.

[@jenborn5358]

I have watched this video a few times now and I’m still concerned about my positioning 😔 The harp that I bought is an Ogden, but it only came with 8” feet and I feel like my chair is getting too high for my feet. I also feel like I am putting too much weight of the harp on me, but that’s a good height...help 😩

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aw Jen, don’t worry this can be fixed! Do you know how to find the balance point of your harp? That will help with too much weight on your shoulder. For your feet to be on the floor, make sure you are sitting near the edge of your chair. You can also put something under your feet if you are very short and your feet aren’t reaching the floor properly. If you are still struggling, you can get a once-off lesson (even online through Zoom) with a teacher or harp ergonomist like Susan Vaughan to help you with positioning 😊

[@jenborn5358]

@@LearningtheHarp Thank you Christy-Lyn! 😊 I was able to just use the regular “feet” on the floor and it’s way better now 😊 I have vulvodynia and it was not a good week for sitting for long periods of time, so I’m sure that exacerbated the issues I was having. I’m good now 😁 And I’m half way through your video lesson: After the Rain 🤩 I’m getting it, but you make it look so easy - my fingers hurt 😂😉🌼

[@benf41]

You are so beautiful women and the mucic thanks you are van Ben fastenau Middelburg Holland

[@yotubayotuba3963]

You waffle too much !! You are inefficient.