Anyone in this forum play the celtic harp? I finally broke down and ordered one, a Rosewood celtic harp with 22 strings and 34" levers. It's a good little "starter" harp. I'm looking forward to learning how to play it.

On a related note--I wonder how many people here actively play a musical instrument? I imagine there are several musically-oriented folks in this forum.

Cheers,
Donna

I actually play the harp, although it's not a smaller celtic one. Mine is a Lyon and Healy Folk Harp, thirty four strings and levers. I've been playing for three or four years now, actually.
It shouldn't be a surprise that Loreena was the one to inspire me to play when I was eight years old, and finally, a few years ago, my parents bought a harp for me and I've been playing ever since. In my Independent Music Study class at school I'm teaching myself new songs. It's rather difficult without a harp teacher showing me what to do, but the lessons that I've had have given me good wings. I'd say I'm taking off at a glide.
I'm hoping to aquire some sheet music of Loreena's that I can play either on the piano or my harp...I would love Stolen Child. Once I get some money I'll try to get it. Heehee.

I think that the harp is a beautiful instrument, and it's not difficult to play at all. Even "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" sounds gorgeous on a harp!

Good luck to those learning, I hope you'll let me know how you progress.

I would love to play the Celtic Harp. It is such a beautiful sounding and looking instrument. I tought myself to play the Mountain Dulcimer by ear and have gotten to where I can play it quite well, but I am trying to find time to actually learn how to read music. I am considering saving up to buy a harp, I would love to be able to play it too. However, playing an instrument well (which is how I want to play it) requires lots of practice, and I'm not sure I have the time. But, in the end I don't think I shall be able to resist it's siren call. I'll probably end up getting one, one way or another.

I get a rent-to-own program for $50 a month, with a $200 start-up fee that covers the first four months. Everything you pay goes towards the over all purchasing of the harp, and you can choose from a wide selection of sizes and types.
I rent my harp from The Harp Connection in Salem, Massachusetts, and it's been wonderful. The instrument is fabulous, the processing of the deal was quick and easy, and I didn't have to sell my house to afford it.
You can probably find something like this in your area. The Harp Connection had a showroom in Salem where you could go and try out the harps, so you could probably find something like this, too, if you were unsure what to get.
I was thinking of starting with a lap-harp, but was warned away from them because the larger sized (mine's a 27 string) is easier to begin with.
There are lots of very helpful forums and websites that you can go to for more information, as well. One is "The Harp Mall" (google it!) where they have a "notice board" where people post harps for selling and "Wanted"s...

Good luck to you--


Fedelma

I've also been wanting to learn the harp, but found them to be extremely expensive for someone being a beginner. I found Harpsicle Harps which vary in price range from around $250 to $600 US if I remember correctly, but seem to be good enough for a beginner judging by the reviews. It's hard though, because if I wanted to purchase or rent a harp, I'd want to test one out first.

Well fiddle differs from violin in the way is played...

Fiddle is more traditional, classic is...classic ...

I have been playing some traditional island greek music but then I realised that I am much closer to classic violin although my origin is from greek island...

Mihalis

Do you play Irish fiddle, or something else?

Aside from the harp, two of my favorite instruments are the violin and the pennywhistle, because these three all seem to capture the sound of Ireland like nothing else...

I would love to play that beautiful instrument one day! I've been playing the fiddle for 8 years now and I love it. I also play the Alto Saxophone in the school's band and the clarinet in my music class. They are all so fun! I hope I'll be able to play the harp one day...

It IS easier to learn if you have previous musical knowledge, perhaps yes. One of the first questions my teacher asked me when I started was whether or not I had played the piano. Before playing the harp I haven't had any experience playing a musical instrument or music theory. Personally I think the trick is to not let the weight of the project ahead appear difficult, but to approach it without references, so that you have an open mind and heart that will allow you to learn easily.

Good luck to all beginners, those who want to play; and cheers to those who already do!


F

Good luck with this God's instrument!

Mihalis

I Have played the Celtic harp for about 15 years now. I mostly play and sing Irish & Celtic material. I have found it to be a very rewarding instrument to play but it does require a lot of practice and some dedication. It is easier if you have played other instruments before and have a basic understanding of the chord structures etc. However, having said that, because of the way it is tuned into a single key it is also fun just to play around with even if you do not have any knowledge.
I have a 36 string Salvi Livia harp which is quite big & has a great sound but I did start with a smaller 26 string one which I still keep as it is easier to carry around to sessions & parties.
I found a book called ' Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp' by Sylvia Woods was very useful and it now comes with a DVD which shows you hand positions etc (alas in my day it was just the book). You can get it from her web site at www.harpcenter.com and this is a good site for everything connected to harps.
Good Luck with your playing & have fun!

Also, Avalon-- don't let the cost get to you! I got my harp through a rent-to-own program, so there's a bit of up-front, but then it's just a low monthly rate that all adds up to the overall purchasing. If you really want to play, I suggest you look into this kind of program...


F

I've played the Celtic harp for just over two months now. I have a 27 string full-lever Allegro by Dusty Strings.
It's such a beautiful instrument, I'm very happy that you got one for yourself. Good luck with your playing-- every moment of playing it is worth everything to me, and I hope you get the same pleasure from it!


Fedelma

Recently I listened to Derek Bell's celtic harp..

So smoothing and relaxing ....

I would love to play the harp and was fortunate enough to get to know a great harpist; Bronn Journey who can jam on his bright blue harp. I taught myself the recorder (how hard is that? ), I had one year of piano that didn't get me very far, then my heart yearned to drum. I play the dunbek also spelled dumbec or dumbec, hope you got the picture and also play the frame drum. It is easier to carry the frame drum up the mountain trails and play by the Skykomish River then my ceramic arabic drum. Not to mention the tamborine and rattles.