Starter Pathway
Congratulations on your decision to start learning the harp! If you are brand new to the harp then this pathway is for you. This pathway will help complete beginners, or anyone looking to brush up on their essential foundations. You can work through any module at your own pace. We do suggest working through the modules in order to ensure that you are building good foundations and habits as you go. Enjoy!
1. YouTube Complete Harp Beginners Series - Session 1 to 7
These sessions can be found on the Heather Downie Harpist Youtube Channel.
1A. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 1: How Does A Harp Work?
Learn the complete anatomy of the harp, from the levers to pedals and strings.
1B. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 2: How To Tune a Harp
In this comprehensive video, you'll get step-by-step instructions for tuning a harp.
1C. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 3: How To Sit At Your Harp Correctly
This video will show you exactly how to sit at your harp with the correct body alignment that works for you.
1D. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 4: Hand & Arm Position
Learn the fundamentals of positioning your hands and arms in a relaxed, natural way for better harping.
1E. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 5: How To Place Your Fingers on a Harp
Learn how to avoid developing bad habits with finger placement and hand position.
1F. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 6: How to Pluck Harp Strings
Learn the proper plucking techniques for bringing out the rich, resonant sound of the harp strings.
1G. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 7: How to pluck with your thumb
Dive deep into the fundamentals of using your thumb on the strings.
2. How To Harp ‘Starter’ Course
Join in with the next starter course! These are run every 3/4 months live. You can find last recording of the 6 week starter course in the membership, but following along live will give you the opportunity to meet other harpists, ask questions and generally engage on a deeper level. Check the calendar to find out when the next course is due, or email [email protected].
2A. Session 1 : Positions Using the 2nd Finger
Exercise: 2nd Finger Warm Up
Tune: It’s All In the Colours
2B. Session 2 : Placing 2 Fingers
Exercise: 2nd Finger and Thumb Warm Up
Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
2D. Session 4 : 2 and 3 Fingers
Exercise: 2 and 3 Finger Warm Up
Tune: Little Waterfall
2E. Session 5 : Placing 4 Fingers
Exercise: Individual Fingers Part 1 Warm Up
Tune: The Peppercorn Polka
2F. Session 6 : Stretching The Hand
Exercise: Individual Fingers Part 2 Warm Up
Tune: Morning Stretch
3. YouTube Complete Harp Beginners Series: Sessions 8 - 10
These sessions can be found on the Heather Downie Harpist Youtube Channel.
You are now ready to complete sessions 8 - 10
3A. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 8: Learn Your First Harp Tune - ‘First Steps’
Learn your first tune written especially for this series by Heather, "First Steps". This tune uses shapes and colours to make it really easy for you find to way.
3B. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 9: Troubleshooting
Learn how to avoid the most common issues new harpists face in their early days of learning.
3C. COMPLETE HARP BEGINNER Session 10: Learn ‘Three’s A Crowd’
Learn a little tune called 'Three's A Crowd' and we play hands together for the first time.
3D. STRETCH YOUR LEARNING
Think about your harp learning routine.
When is the best time for you to play the harp? How can you begin to make it a habit to find time at the harp?
4. Developing Your Technique
Consolidate your learning and develop excellent harp technique by going over these foundations from the Harp Made Easy Course.
5. Inspiration
5A. WORKSHOP: Wendy Stewart In the Snow Where The Deers Are - ‘easy part’
The wonderful Wendy Stewart teaches her much loved composition 'In The Snow Where The Deers Are'. She brings different levels so there is something here for everyone!!
5B. CONCERT SERIES: Heather Downie in Concert
To get more inspireation from our guest artist, feel free to watch our concert series available in your dashboard. You will find them under Events & Extras, and in Concerts & Social Events.