1. Usually, how are lessons organized?
Harp lessons entail exercises to master harp techniques and practice scales so as to make the muscles of your hands suppler. You will have some great pieces to prepare, whatever your level. I think it is important that each lesson include some music theory, solfege or musical dictation.
2. Are lessons given privately or in group?
Since each student is at a different level, lessons are only given privately. This way I can give you all of my attention and enable you to advance at your own pace.
3. How much time do I have to practice every day?
I suggest you practice between 30 to 60 minutes per day. This will allow you to improve and will encourage you to do better.
4. What are the prerequisites for playing the harp?
The only prerequisite is your interest in learning and music. No basic skills are required.
5. At what age should a child start learning the harp?
The harp is an instrument that requires fine motor skills, which young children have not yet developed. I think starting at the age of seven or eight is just about right.
6. Can you give lessons at students’ home?
Lessons are given at my place because all the necessary equipment is within reach. And you don’t even have to bring your own musical instrument since I already have three types of harp.
7. Can we take lessons every two weeks?
My experience is that taking lessons every two weeks or from time to time will not allow a beginner to learn the harp’s complex techniques. A weekly follow-up is necessary if the student wants to make some progress, and it is also more motivating.
8. Is it true that we must keep our nails short, and that our fingers can get rough because of the pick?
Long hours of practice can thicken the skin of the fingers, but it is hard to see. It is true though that short fingernails are a must; otherwise fingernails will get caught in the strings, something you do not want to happen.
9. If I want to buy a harp how many strings should it have?
A Celtic harp has between 22 and 38 strings compared to 40 to 47 for the pedal harp. If you get Celtic harp, my suggestion is that it have 34 strings; this way you will not to be limited in your choice of pieces and will afford you an interesting note range.
I also consider it important for the harp to have hooks (or levers) on each string. It is they which make accidentals (flats and sharps) possible and allow you to reach different scales.
10. What is the difference between the Celtic and the pedal harp?
The way to make accidentals (flats and sharps) is the main thing that distinguishes these two types of harps. The Celtic harp has hooks that are manually activated whereas in the grand harp accidentals are achieved by using your feet to activate the pedals.
Price is another factor. A quality Celtic harp is relatively affordable (around $ 3,000) compared to a pedal harp (starting price $ 15,000). The Celtic harp is also smaller and lighter and thus easier to carry. Although professionals use it too, it is ideal for beginners for these reasons. The pedal harp is usually used by musicians playing in orchestras or in concert. It also has a higher note range.
The sound of the Celtic harp is light and sparkling whereas the sound box of the pedal harp offers a warmer, deeper and more powerful sound.
11. Can we take part in a concert?
Yes, you can, twice a year, before Christmas and during summer holidays. My colleague MariÈve Lauzon and I organize a concert for our transverse flute, piano and harp students. This allows for a more varied programme and enables us to form ensembles.
