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.

[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.