Frequently Asked Questions about hiring a harpist for an event:
Does the harp require amplification? The full sized harp is much louder than most people expect because of its extended sound board. The harp is usually not amplified during performances with a full orchestra and it is rarely necessary to amplify the harp during a wedding or dinner party.
Do you attend the dress rehearsal for a wedding? I do not generally attend the dress rehearsal. I will meet with you before the wedding to choose all of the music and discuss the details of your ceremony. I will also arrive early on the day of the wedding to discuss final details and cues with your wedding director.
Can I have harp at my outdoor wedding or event? The harp is fine outside as long as the weather is nice. Because the harp is made of wood, it can't be exposed to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or precipitation. The rule of thumb that I like to use is this: if the conditions outside will be too difficult for an elderly relative then it will be too much for a harp and shade may be required. It is also very important that you have a plan in case it should rain since the harp will have to be covered or moved inside.
What will a harpist need when she arrives at my event? The harp will need to be placed on a solid surface. If your event is going to be out on the grass then the harp will either need to be placed on a nearby sidewalk or a platform will need to be arranged. I bring my own stand and bench.
Can you play Free Bird?! No. I can play many other popular tunes on the harp including Stairway to Heaven, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and From this Moment On. If you have a special request I am happy to try to arrange it for the harp. Some popular pieces sound great on the harp and others just don't sound like the original once they are transcribed for the harp. Please contact me for further information.
How far in advance should I book you? I begin booking weddings for the months of April-October about a year in advance. I also book very quickly for the month of December because of holiday parties and church events. It is best to book your event as far in advance as possible. You may also reserve a lower rate by booking before rates go up for the next year.
Questions about harp lessons:
What is the best age to learn the harp? In my opinion it is never too early or too late to begin harp lessons. The youngest age to start harp is around 7 or 8, but depending on the attention level of the child he/she may be able to start even younger. Also, harp is a great instrument for the adult beginner and unlike the violin or cello, the harp sounds great from the very first lesson. No one can make a harp sound bad, I promise!
I want to learn the harp but it's so expensive! What are my options?
I have a few harps that I rent to beginning students. This is a great way for students to try the harp out to see if they will enjoy it without making a huge initial investment. Once the student is ready to purchase a harp there are many affordable options such as rent to own programs available through http://www.vanderbiltmusic.com/ or used harps which are available through http://www.harpconnection.com/ or http://www.harpmall.com/
Do I have play another instrument first? No! The harp is a great first instrument. If you don't already read music it is no problem. You will learn to read bass and treble clef quickly and easily.
What is the duration of a lesson? Lessons are 1 hour long and preferably held once a week.
Where are lessons held? Lessons are held in my in home studio. If you are just starting out on a small harp you will bring your harp with you. If you have advanced to a larger harp you may have your lesson on my harp.
Other Questions about the harp:
How much does a harp cost? Harps range in price depending on the size, make, and model. There is a line of lap harps designed for beginners called "harpsicle harps". They are made by William Reese (http://www.harpsicleharps.com/). They come in fun colors and have a decent sound for small inexpensive harps. They start around $500. Pedal harps start around $10,000 and a quality new pedal harp will start around $20,000.
How many strings does a harp have? A small harp may have as few as 22 strings, but the full size pedal harp has 47 strings.
Why are the strings different colors? The red strings are C, the black strings are F. The colors serve as markers to the harpist sort of like frets on a guitar or the black keys on the piano.
How much does the harp weigh? The full sized harp weighs around 80 lbs.
How do you transport a pedal harp? The harp is moved on a cart just like a refrigerator! The seats in my Toyota Matrix fold down in the back and the harp lays on its side. I am able to move my harp by myself, but help is always appreciated especially when there are stairs involved!
What do the pedals do? There are 7 pedals on the harp, one for each note in the scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. There are 3 positions for each pedal: flat, natural, and sharp. When I move a pedal from the flat to natural position, the disc for that string tightens the string and raises the pitch by a half step.
Is harp like the guitar? Harp is actually most similar to the piano because the strings are arranged in a scale. Guitar completely eludes me!
No comments:
Post a Comment