Is Harp Hard to Learn?

Is it easy or difficult to learn to play the harp? In this video I break down why the harp is really easy in some ways, and why it also takes some effort. *Spoiler alert* although can feel hard at times, it's SO addictive and worth it!

❓ Question of the day ❓
Do YOU think it is easy or hard to play the harp? What would you say to someone who is considering starting to learn?

👇 Let us know in the comments below 👇

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5) LET’S CONNECT!

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[amityblight]

Why am I here? I have homework due in 5 minutes. I don't even OWN a harp!

[kpunkt.klaviermusik]

From my experience as a piano player learning harp I can tell: it's one of the strangest things I could imagine ^^ At the piano we have to "attack" the keys and then keep them down, if we want the sound to go on (or use the pedal which leads to other problems). Harp is like a piano with the pedal pressed down all the time: you have to leave the strings for getting a sound. On the piano the fingers 4 and 5 are playing the high notes (in most cases the melody), at the harp the 1st finger plays the highest notes. When you have some sort of color blindness like me, it's quite tricky to distinguish the C's and F's. On the other side scales are much easier than on the piano: same fingering in any key!

But besides all these little obstacles: harp is such a wonderful instrument and the sound is so beautiful! It really pays out to overcome these hurdles with continuous practise and some helpful instructions :-)

[karenknapp]

It is easy to play the harp, but hard to play the harp well.

[janedoe]

It helps to have a music background. I don't think learning the harp is difficult but it does require practice, hand repetition, challenging (for me) finger positioning, and diligence. Loving the harp makes it easier to expand on knowledge and tackling problems to become the best harpist you can be. (Even when I make mistakes my family enjoys the sound of my harp and my dedication.)

[tranquilelm]

Learning good finger technique is a bit challenging when you're teaching yourself but I know it will be worth the effort!

[sarahwaterfall]

I think it depends on your motivation for playing in the first place; if it's something you just really want to do, you don't put yourself under undue pressure, accept it will be a learning journey and commit to that, then it will never feel hard - with practice, of course. If you approach learning any new skill without patience, it will always become frustrating. The harp really lends itself to enjoyment, so just go with it and notice all the small improvements - there will be lots of them!

[leratouk]

Coming from a singing and playing recorder background I find it hard to let my two hands do different things at the same time. Having said that, as long as you manage to pluck the right string harp tends to sound good at a very early stage. But there's always scope for improvement. That's what I love about such a devilish 'simple' instrument!

[muteacher]

You have convinced me that I absolutely can do this. I looked at a couple of other teachers but your enthusiasm, energy, and the way you explain and teach is extremely encouraging and engaging. I am an elementary music teacher and am getting ready to retire. You have convinced me that I CAN DO THIS! I am now learning the guitar after several attempts but finally got serious after I had to teach ukulele to my Kg & 1 students. I am excited to take my piano skills and transfer them into strings. I look forward to coming back to your pages once I have purchased my harp and am ready to begin! 😊

[deedeedray]

When I started learning to play, almost four years ago, I had already studied piano, and played piano badly. However, I had learned that in order to improve, I had to practice. It turned out that I was right in believing that this also applied to the harp. Being a very late beginner, my progress was slow, but enjoyable, and at the beginning of my third year I could see a real difference. I am still taking lessons, still practising, and still loving it.

[lindaswope]

It's not easy but it's so worth practicing. SO relaxing. You're doing a great job, Christy-Lyn!

[DavidHarpist]

I started about 2 months ago with virtually no knowledge or experience, except playing around with a cheap lyre I got late last year.
I'd agree with everything you've said, at least based on my very limited ability. But even in such a short time I have improved simply by applying some of the correct techniques. Not that I do it well but am seeing progress.

[chandlerfoster]

I've been studying harp for almost 4 months now and it is satisfying, however, there are times when your hands have to do the most unnatural The feeling is similar to riding a bicycle with the pedals at a 90 degree angle. :) And yet, we persevere, knowing that in time, all things will fall into place Is it frustrating? but certainly not worth throwing up your hands and walking away forever. It has become a personal challenge to me to force my hands into submission....

[charlesthomason]

Having played guitar for many years and understanding how chords work, the main thing for me is learning good technique. I don’t read music but learn songs by ear. There are some excellent resources online and every teacher seems to have a real joy about playing their harp. Christy-Lyn is a real ray of sunshine and even if I’m having a ‘bad’’ day I always feel happier and inspired after watching her. So is it easy or hard to learn to play the harp? Depends on your reason for wanting to do it and how much you’re prepared to practice. It is a lovely community to be part of though!

[SamanthaBallard]

Totally agree with everything in this video! You are doing such good work Christy-Lyn!

[justjade]

I've had that childhood dream of wanting to try playing the harp; I have lots of experience actually playing flute though, which is a totally different instrument, but maybe in the future once I'm able to get one, I'll try learning how to play one.

[gorelowjeff]

Man I'd be thrilled if I could just play the first five seconds of this video

[LearningtheHarp]

❓ Question of the day ❓
Do YOU think it is easy or hard to play the harp? What would you say to someone who is considering starting to learn?
👇 Let us know in the comments below 👇

[caitlinnaomi]

I'm getting my harp next Monday and I'm so so thrilled!! Thank you so much for your videos

[simonbelmont]

Anything is easy if you place your heart into it ☺️

[jacomiententeije]

It gives so much joy, worth it the hard work.