A new hobby for the new year?

[kumir_k9]

Last weekend I had the opportunity to try out an instrument I had never tried before. My friend Bren owns a harp. It's alternatively known as a lap harp, travel harp, Celtic harp or lever harp. I was actually quite taken with it in just the 30 minutes or so that I had to play with it, during which time I was also roleplaying with the owner, so I didn't focus on it as much as I might have liked.

I have decided that I am going to learn how to play it. Because I don't have to hold down strings, which is the bane of my instrumental existance on such instruments as guitar, violin and cello, I think I might actually be able to play it. I have already done a fair amount of research. I've subscribed to a discussion forum and started reading some past posts. I've begun seeking out people for advice and even looked at some instruments on-line.

If anyone out there knows some harp teachers in the SW CT area, please let me know.

Comments

[vanora27.livejournal.com]

I totally fell in love with the lap harp at Pennsic this past summer but budget and lack of time to dedicate to finding an instrument, taking lessons and practicing have kept me from picking one up..so far anyway!

Keep me posted on your search for an instrument...I'm so jealous!

[stableyr.livejournal.com]

It seems like a lot of fun! An NPC character came out with one in a spring? session of Madrigal (it may have been the Gaping Maw) and was encouraging people to play with it. I was rather timid, but I was able to coax some nice sounds from it.

[kumir-k9.livejournal.com]

Budget is the only real concern to me, but I won't let that stop me. As far as I'm concerned with anything I want to do, I will make time for it. Of course, that could be why I'm always so damned busy and strapped for time. ;-)

[kumir-k9.livejournal.com]

Thin red-head named Gretchen who played Dame Vile as well? I didn't see that, but it sounds like her. I think Madrigal is the primary driving force behind this. It would be a grand venue for such an instrument.

[jjmarika.livejournal.com]

That was Gretchen, she had/has a really nice one and was pretty good at playing it.

[kumir-k9.livejournal.com]

Yup. She had talked with me at one point of doing some flute/harp work. I even got music for that combination and then she stopped coming. :-(

[ga-the-impaler.livejournal.com]

You totally need a ring flute. I mean it.

http://ringflute.com/

And I want to hear you play the lute.
I'll keep my ears open for the harp teacher. I only know one who is SOOOO far from you, it's ridiculous. I'll see if he knows anyone, though, who might be in your area.

[kumir-k9.livejournal.com]

I'd love to hear me play the lute too. That would be really cool. I have one (sort of), but me and necked, stringed instruments don't really get along all that well. It has to do with the weak, double jointed thumb that can't really hold the hand position. :-(

[ga-the-impaler.livejournal.com]

Your lyin' son said you play. Dang him and his lying ways!! :)

[kumir-k9.livejournal.com]

Well, it's not exactly a lie. I am capable of playing, just very poorly. I am not proficient, as I am on the flute. Monique is the guitarist in our family. I am a poor imitation of a guitarist.

[vanora27.livejournal.com]

She's the person who got me hooked at Pennsic. I'm sure she'd love to help, answer your questions and point you in the right direction to find an instrument. Email me and I will give you what you need to get in contact with her. She also gave me the name and contact info of a teacher here in MA which I will gladly pass along as well.