Is Harp Difficult to Learn? 🤷‍♀️

I know the Harp can seem like a rather complex instrument, but is it actually difficult to learn? Let’s chat about a few potentially intimidating aspects and break them down, so that you feel comfortable and ready to learn it yourself! 🤗

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THE HARPS IN THIS VIDEO:

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Learning the harp and want to stay inspired? Here are some next steps:

4) LET’S CONNECT!
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[mr_moss]

As a harp player myself I have this to say:
Learning the harp is by no means difficult, but I wouldn't call it easy either. Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

The main thing, other then good technique, is making getting your fingers acquaint with plucking the string.
Playing the harp loudly and clearly takes strength and stamina, something you build up by practicing a lot.

Playing too much can indeed be harmful to your fingers, so never overdo it.
Don't be intimidated by this because I promise playing the harp is a lot of fun, no matter what kind of music you might play on it!

[rebeccasims]

I'm 68 and started out slowly playing the harp as a senior learner with no musical background. Christy-Lyn's "Learning the Harp" website and tutorials are, in my opinion, exceptionally well done.

I started on a Fullsicle, made by Harpsicle, with 26 strings. I rented it through Vermont Violins. I enjoyed it so much I bought a Salvi Titan 38 string.

Cost is always a factor. My husband arranged our budget to allow us to pay monthly. Though I can't really justify the purchase - I'm not going to make money as a harpist - but it is an enjoyable activity and it keeps my arthritic hands nibble.

The tutorials are excellent and I recommend taking advantage of the trial offer "after" you rent a harp - it can take a few weeks to receive your harp. I think it's worth it.

[wendy]

As a left hander I experienced some difficulty in the first few months since my strongest hand was not playing the melody but bass and the accompaniment was simple, compared to melody line. However as I've progressed my dexterity with both hands has evened out, because I can play a few arrangements which use chord "runs" in either bass or melody or both.( I've had no formal music training except LTH courses.I taught myself the first 8 months to play 3 pieces by ear as I had no music & no harp teachers nearby. Hardly anyone I talk to has ever heard a solo harp live before either Downunder. I found LTH when I desired to improve and grow and started watching professional harpists on line- very daunting, but I was hooked. LTH is a godsend ❤

[cassieescobar]

Thank you for making this video, Carrie! It was nice to see your whole person! (you know what I mean, we only see the top half of you on video courses!) and nice to see your husband! I've heard a lot about pickleball, especially from friends in Hawaii - looks fun and thank you for telling us about your new hobby! I love your video courses at Learning the Harp - you play beautifully and teach the courses very well!

[antje]

as a violon player and harp beginner i can tell, playing harp is a lot easyer than playing the violin ;-)

[TrinityDivineMozart]

It is absolutely hard to play harp, but it can be easy for some folks if they practice and sing to the music a lot. 😇💛🎼

[SheilaMcLean]

I grew up playing the piano. Harp is easier, especially a lever harp - and a lot of fun!

[nikikranz]

It's easier playing than carrying a harp 😂 - joke aside, I think learning an instrument is like learning languages: you need to invest your time and it's really rewarding at any level or stage. Thanks for your great video lessons!

[nikkihutchison]

I've been wanting to learn the harp since I was a little kid, but I've been scared to take the leap in case I don’t stick with it (I live rurally, and there are no teachers, and I would have to buy one straight up). In the meantime, I watch these videos to get my harp fix. ❤

[mevmevmev]

If you want to feel confused, try the harp after playing fingerstyle guitar for years. On guitar the thumb plays the low notes, so everything is backwards your fingers will naturally start scales and arpeggios at the wrong end. I actually tried playing the harp sitting at the wrong end and found it easier, but it makes it hard to reach the high notes and the levers are on the wrong side... I plan to learn it the normal way, but it was an interesting experiment.

[denisemayosky]

Harp is easy to pick up and play simple songs and make it sound good, but the more you go along and start learning more difficult pieces where you have to learn more about coordinating the hands, then it does get more difficult. I admit I'm getting better at technique, but I am one of those "eager beavers". I probably should have someone check me to make sure I'm not developing bad habits.

[TooSickToDressVictorian]

Question: Is it possible to sing along with a harp, similar to the way one would sing around a campfire with a guitar? Harps always sound so quiet, so I‘m not sure if one could even hear it over singing.

[wholovesyababy]

Coming from the guitar, there’s only one answer: EASY!

[victoriax]

Do you suggest pedal harp or lever harp for a beginner who eventually wants to learn pedal harp?

[organist]

All excellent points! By the way, has CL had her baby?

[jmvcollections]

How i wish
We will meet in personal..