FAQ
All you want to know about the Concert Grand Harp
Q: What is a “concert grand” harp?A: The typical types of classical pedal harps have classification names. The main criterion for classification is the number of strings. The modern harps, used for stage perfprmance in Europe, USA and other countries, have between 40 (called “Petite”) and 47 strings (called “Concert Grand”).
Q: What are the measurements of the harp?A: The hight ranges between 64” (162 cm) and 75” (190 cm) and the weight is usually between 60 lb(28kg) and 85 lb (40kg)
Q: What are the pedals for and how do they work?A: The harp has seven pedals. Not like the piano pedals that are for creating sound effects of mufled or resonating sound, the harp pedals are controling the actual pitches. The pedals are connected with metal rods that go through the column of the harp to the top section that is called the “Neck”. Each pedal is controling the pitch of a group of strings. For instance a C pedal is connected to all the C strings and is able to make them simultaneously into C-flat, C-natural or C-sharp. And so on for each of the seven pedals that corresponds with each note of the scale.
Q: How often do you have to tune the harp?A: The strings and wood of the harp are very sensitive to temperature and humidity change. Usually a harp needs to be tuned before every practice unless the temperature in its environment has been extreemly steady. Tuning could be necessary a few times during playing especially if there are some new strings, as those need to get used to the stretch. When transporting a harp, especially in cold weather, it needs some time to get used to the temperature at the new location and often needs to be tuned a few times until it holds the tuning well again.
Q: How do you tune it?A: The tuning only takes a few minutes for a skilled harpist. We use a tuning key and a little machine called “tuner” that has a pickup and that indicates the tuning for each pitch. Each string has to be stretched or loosen down by rotating the peg at the top of the string with the tuning key. and this way 47 times… It is not as bad as it sounds.
Q: Why do the strings have colors?A: The colors are necessary for the orientation of the harpist and are patrioticaly colored in Red white and Blue. The C strings are red and the F strings are dark blue, the rest is clear or white. Since the spacing of the strings is not changing throughout the scale, there are no other “landmarks” to help locate the pitches.
Q: How often does a string break?A: Strings can break without any warning at any moment, starting from the first time they are being stretched in case of a diffective string. Usually strings start getting worn out and breaking after a year or two, depends on the usage load and the frequency of transporting the instrument. For this reason, it is advised by harp makers and regulators to change the entire set of strings and have the harp regulated every two years. The string set costs over $300 and the regulation starts from $200... Not everyone can afford such luctury every two years, so often this event is delayed until it is already unavoidable. It is much better to change a set of strings at the same time, as their condition stays similar rather then having a few new ones next to a couple old ones etc. By maintaining the harp and changing the string set in the correct way and frequency we are reducing the odds of one string breaking in the middle of a performance.
Q: what happens if a string breaks in the middle of a performance?A: A performing harpist should always have an entire set of strings close by the stage. It is not a common event but it does happen a few times in a career of a harpist that a string pops at the worst moment. We all have a few tales about strings and other on stage and off stage “tragedies”. We use our best judgment fo the situation and the moment. If it happens during a solo performance, we try to finish the piece and then take a “flat tire” moment. Sometimes the string is crutial for the certain piece and we chose to replace it and start the piece over. From that moment on we need to be constantly aware of the new string and keep tuning it up in every chance of silence during and in between piecces.
Q: What are the strings made of?A: For best sound results we use 3 types of strings on the harp. The Bass strings are made of wire, the middle register sounds best with gut strings and the top two octaves usually have nylon strings. Nylon strings are more practical as they are less sensitive to temperature change, last longer and are much cheeper! However the sound and feel is noticably different if the gut strings are replaced by nylon. For a professional harpist this is not a place for compromise.
Q: What other harps exist?A: There are many types of harps in the world, most are used for folk music of their country or region. Celtic harps and paraguaian harps are among the common ones. They are smaller, have fewer strings and they do not have pedals. Instead some of them have mechanisms for altering the litch level using levers, special tools or the hands.
Q: Are there more modern harps?A: Yes. Among the modern inventions are the electro acoustic harps, that look like the grand concert harps. The difference is that those harps have pickups at the bottom of each string that allows it to be amlified. The other difference is that they uisually come in cool colors like marin blue or deep green. The pedal mechanism and other criteria are the same as the standard grand harp. Those harps are used mostly by the Jazz and some giging harpists. Some smaller harps are also produced as electronic by the harp factory upon requests of costomers.
A: Another very recent invention is the Computerized Grand non-pedal harp. The production of this mechanism was motivated by a harpist who lost the ability to use her legs, but still had a strong passion for playing the grand harp. The pedal mechanism is controlled entirely by a computer programed in advance to follow the certain piece and its pedal movement.
All you want to know about the Harpist
Q: Why do you like the harp so much to make it your profession?A: I LOVE the harp, it is what I do. I think the harp is a unique and fascinating instrument and the more I learned about it the more I grew to like it. I believe that the better you get in any certain thing, the more you get absorbed in it and the more you appreciate the details and art in it. The harp is capable of being a solo and accompaniment - "a one man band" as they say, just like the piano, but more complicated and interesting. Since I started studying it, I couldn't see my life without it. I want to transmit my passion for this instrument to many others and that is why I love teaching and performing.
Q: When and why did you start the harp?A: I started when I was 12 after getting captivated by seeing and hearing the instrument in a symphonic orchestra. The more I studied it the more I grew to like it and appreciate the beauty and magic of the harp. I thought it was the most gorgeous instrument of all, and the 6 years of piano surely made it easier to understand and propelled me foreward on the musical and theoretical understanding.
Q: How much do you need to practice?A: There is no definite answer on how much one needs to practice, each person is different and what takes one an hour might take another a week. The important thing is the learning experience and the passion for music one is accumulating through the learning process. For a performing musician practice takes the most of the time and energy. Each one has its own strategies for most efficient practice, as many things can affect the result like phsycal and mental condition. Practice can range from a couple hours a day to a day long practice with breaks for food and the necessary rest of the muscles and mind. Sure thing is that nothing happens by itself and no results are going to show without steady practice routine.
Q: Do your fingers get sore?A: It is very common for the harpist to have caluses and sometimes blisters. It depends on the sensitivity of the person’s skin and on the habits of practice. Usually blisters occure as a result of incorrect or uncareful (sometimes unavoidable) changes in practice schedule, such as a sudden load of practicing after a long break. It is necessary to keep a steady practice routine to avoid painful blisters and other, more serious inguries. Before an important performance sometimes it is wise to replace a few hours of physical practice by mental work, to save the fingers and hands from overworking.
Q: Do you play with the nails?A: The standard sound production on the pedal harp is actually with the cussions of the fingers and not with the nails. The nails are indeed used sometimes, bu tonly as a special sound effect. The Paraguayan Harp for instance played mostly with the nails.
Q: Why you don’t use the pinky finger?A: Because I am not good enough… Just joking! Actually because of the way the harp strings are plucked and the anatomy of the human hands the fifth finger (or the pinky) turnes out to be too short to be used effectively. Therefore we only use 4 fingers when playing the harp!
Q: How long does it take to become a professional harpist?A: Like for any art or sport, becoming proficient and skillful takes years of traning. Everyone have their own pase, and knowledge of a related subject or skill can certainly affect the speed of learning. Talent is also important, but it will not do the work for you. One needs passion and dedication for the learned subject to have the patience for the necessary work input. Depends on the level of professionalism one wishes to reach, learning can take from a few years to a life time period. Obviously a few years of slacking will not advance one too much and on the contrary hard work can bring amazing results. That is why achievement is not measured by years but rather by results. We keep learning as we go, even in the most advanced levels, that is what makes it intersting.
Q: How do you transport a harp… in t-h-a-t four door sedan?!A: This is one of the most impressive parts of each performance, the grand finale stunt at the complition of each performance used to be manuvering the harp through the back door to fit into the most ordinary car. It is much easier done now that I own a van, but truth is that once my harp is inside a four door car it is very secure and I can be sure it will not slide or move anywhere. I know it doesn’t look or sound possible given the dimentions of a harp, but believe me, it does fit in there without a scratch and it fits into much smaller cars too!
All you want to know about Lessons
Q: What is the earliest age one can start taking harp lessons?A: There are various opinions about that and teachers have their own approaches for the best strategies for the beginner. Some start from the smaller harps, following the teachers ideology or the fulness of the pocket, while others start right away on the Grand concert harp. It is possible, even for a 5 year old to start on the grand harp, barely reaching the strings or the pedals. It is very good to have traning in piano and some music theory prior to the harp. Because the composition of the harp and the invisability of the pedals and their mechanism create a magical world of accidentals, rather then the visual clarity one can get on the piano.
Q: Do you teach adults?A: I have been teaching since 2000 and love working with all ages. Sometimes the parents takes lessons parallel to the children, since there is already a harp at home, and enjoy learning from each other and playing duets together. Any age is welcomed, but adults have to pack extra patience when they decide to take lessons, and prepare for things not to work from fist try just because they're older and "they can do this".
Q: What kinds of music do you teach?A: It is a fascinating learning process for any age and my goal is to make it be enjoyable for all. Therefore, I am happy to adjust the music to the personal taste and preferences of the students. No matter if its country, folk, rock or classic, the fundamentals can be taught equally effective on Bach or Metallica, whatever makes you happy.
Q: Do I need to have previous musical experience?A: Yes, previous musical experience (preferably at least 1 year of piano lessons) is strongly recommended. The way the harp is constructed the black keys become "invisible", as those are created by "magically" changing the pedals with the feet. Therefore, it is much harder to grasp the organization of pitches within scales and harmonies starting directly on the harp. Lessons do include instruction on music theory and harmony and other things tailored to the individual needs of each student.
Q: How can I take lessons with you?A: There are a few options as I teach privately and at the University. There are many convenient and affordable ways you can enroll for harp lessons at UNR (harp ensemble is mandatory in this program) and pay per credit, while 1CR equals half hour per week. Some high school students can also enroll for college level credits, ask for more details at the Music Department. If you don't need the credits you can take private lessons, either at my Studio (located near HWY 395 and N. McCarran) or at your home.
Q: Do I need to have an instrument of my own?A: Students are required to rent/own a suitable instrument. Rating rates are approximately $50-$200 per month, while purchasing a harp will require at least $500 for a small harp. Purchasing a new harp can be done from Lyon and Healy, the best harp factory in the world, located in Chicago. The models can be seen online at www.lyonhealy.com and the prices range from $20K and up, for a Brand new Concert Grand Harp, and lower for smaller size instruments. The other option is buying a used instrument from a store or a person and the pricing will be somewhere in between the first two options. There are also some rent-to-own programs offered by harp providers, details to which can be found on the web. One example is www.vanderbiltmusic.com, one of the biggest harp supply stores.
Q: Do I get to perform?A: Performing chances are given to the students, while they are strongly encouraged to use those opportunities. However it is not mandatory, so if you have terrible stage fright and this is really something you don't want to do - Don't worry about it. Just make sure to be a dedicated and supportive audience for the brave ones. There is also an option to participate in harp ensemble with students of similar level, weather you are taking lessons through UNR or privately. Please see charges below.
Q: How much do you charge for Lessons?A: In teacher's studio
˝ hr lesson (for young beginners) $30
˝ hr lessons x 2/week (recommended) $55
1 hr lesson (for inter.-adv. / adults) $50
Harp ensemble participation $30 (duration 1-2 hours, 1-2 meetings / month)
In student's home
Add $5-20/lesson (depends on distance)
At UNR
Pay per credit, subsidized by the school. 2CR= 1hr / week.
Participation in Harp Ensemble is required in addition to lessons.
Ensemble meets 1-2 times each month (For a minimum of 6 meetings each semester).
All you want to know about Booking an event
Q: What is the booking procedure?A: First contact me through the online form or any other way to see if I am available. If so, I will email or mail you a reservation form that you will need to complete and return to me. This is the contract for the event that secures both sides for the engagement. Following this we stay in touch to discuss any further details and closer to the event date we shall get in touch again to make sure everything is going as planned.
Q: How early or late can the booking be done?A: I generally accept bookings for up to a year in advance. While commonly booking is made 5-7 months prior to the big event, often there is a change of plans in the last moment and one ends up looking for a musician a week before the occasion. I do accept last moment reservations if I am available on that date, however you must understand that specific musical requests might not be possible on a late notice (less then a month). Use the check availability form even if you think there is probably no chance. There is always a chance and I will do my best to help you.
Q: How long can you hold my reservation date?A: Your date is technically reserved only after I accept the performance and send you the performer contract. You then have up to two weeks to return the signed reservation form. If in close proximity of your inquiry another request for the same date comes up, your reservation has the first priority. I will make sure to confirm with you for your intention before I reply to the new inquiry. Your initial inquiry of availability does not hold the date for you until I have acknowledged my availability.
Q: Is there a deposit to hold my reservation?A: Yes, typically the deposit is approximately %50. However, it shall not go over $300. It should be returned to me with the "performer's contract" form. This secures your reservation and my time.
Q: What happens if the event is canceled?A: In case of cancellation on the client's part the deposit stays with me to compensate for holding the date. In case of a very unlikely cancellation on my part, it is under my responsibility to find a qualified substitute for the event under the originally agreed upon contract.
Q: I am not sure yet how much music will we need, but I am sure about having you for our event. Can we still make a contract without specifics?A: It is acceptable to sign a non detailed contract with the available information and the minimum deposit. In case another inquiry is made for the same date I will contact you and ask you to decide the timing of my performance to determine my availability for another event.
Q: What if the event is planned outside?A: It is not a problem to play outside in comfortable weather, however harps are very expensive and sensitive instruments and cannot be exposed to extreme temperatures. Things to consider are direct sun with high temperatures and the other extreme of rain or cold winds. In case of high heat, it is necessary to have a shade arrangement big enough to protect the instrument. If there is any chance of rain it is always good to have an inside location as plan B, or at least a big enough tent or roof arrangement. The instrument cannot be exposed to the rain or to extremely high humidity. In other words it cannot be placed near the breaking sea waves or next to a splashing fountain, etc.
Q: What kind of surface is necessary for your instrument?A: A dry, flat and sturdy surface is needed for placing the harp, bench and the music stand, with the minimum size of 2.5 x 4 ft. A Harp cannot be placed near sand or loose gravel, or directly on grass and similar surfaces. I always have a neutral color, good size carpet in my van, just in case the surface is not smooth or dirty. If you are still not sure please ask me about this.
Q: How difficult it is to move the harp?A: Often the reception is just a couple minute walk away from the ceremony location. Harp easily travels over pavement and similar surfaces using a special harp cart, handled by the harpist. If there are stairs or if the surface is not suitable, the harp can be easily carried by two persons. I will have to use a few minutes to check the tuning again in the new location. For any farther destination, the harp can be loaded back into my car or almost any vehicle under my supervision.
Q: What kind of music do you play?A: I have a large repertoire of pieces ranging from early tunes and dances to modern, popular and Jazzy. You can visit the repertoire page to get the idea of the pieces I play.
Q: Can you learn a piece not on your list?A: Yes, I am always happy to find or arrange a piece you love, as this is how I keep my repertoire growing. Not every piece can sound good on the harp, and sometimes they are actually impossible. Obviously this gets more difficult the shorter the notice, so please try to get your requests early on.
Q: I am thinking of having a harp in combination with another instrument, what are the options?A: There are plenty of options. There can be beautiful duet combinations of harp with keyboard, a string instrument, flute, voice or other desired melody instrument. If you want something even more special a harp duet is a great choice. If you want to nock them of their feet a harp trio or quartet is also available. Please see photo gallery to see the visuals from such performances. If your nephew wants to sing a song accompanied by the harp it's not a problem, just give me the music in advance and allow one run through before the performance. Any other ideas? -shoot.
Q: Do you need Amplification?A: Normally the harp carries through to a decent crowd of people even on an outdoor event. However, sometimes it is just not strong enough. If it is a big event, or outdoor event on a windy day, it is recommended to have some amplification so that everyone can enjoy the music, even in the far corners. If there is no DJ on the event that can arrange the sound, I will provide a decent sound system. There is a symbolic $10 charge for that service, to gradually cover the cost of the equipment.
All you want to know about Rgulation and Harp Care
Q: Why do harps need to be regulated?A: Like occasional piano tuning, harp regulation is needed every couple years to maintain the instrument and prevent problems. However, it requires more technical work then "just tuning". The structure of the harp consists of multiple types of wood and around two thousand metal parts that control the pedal mechanism. This massive metal structure is attached to the curved neck of the harp and together with the stretched strings applies an immense tension on the wooden frame. Therefore with time the wood keeps adjusting and dislocating little by little, causing changes in the harps regulation. There are other factors involved that affect the harp, read next paragraph.
Q: What factors determine how soon my harp would need regulation?A: A few things are important factors affecting the instrument's performance:
1) Frequency and level of playing
2) Frequency of moving the harp
3) Climate stability and humidity control
4) Type of harp (lever / pedal)
A: A few things are targeted in a standard regulation:
1) Pedal mechanism, changing felts
2) Noise elimination / reduction
3) Correcting intonation problems
4) Checking overall condition
A: I completed all my higher education at Indiana University, Bloomington, including a class on harp regulation with a Lyon & Healy trained specialist. Since then I have been regulating my own harps, colleague's harps and servicing harps back in my home country Israel, when I go there in the summer. Since I'm not an official LH technician I charge less (see charges below), but I do the job just as well.
Q: How long does a regulation session last?A: Regulation typically takes a few hours. For your convenience you can leave the harp in the studio for those few hours or for a few days. Replacing a whole set of strings takes 3-5 days, replacing wires only can be done during regulation (see charges below). I can help you transport the harp if you do not own a big enough vehicle. If your home is located in a place that makes it difficult to transport, I can come you the location of the instrument for an additional charge. However, it is always preferable having the harp brought to my studio.
Q: Why do I need to change strings before regulation?A: Strings must be in good condition in order for the regulation to be worth while, as often regulation problems occur because of old/faulty strings. Strings need to be replaced every 1-5 years, depends on the climate, usage, and desired quality of sound. Don't ruin new strings by putting them wrong, ask me for tips/help.
Q: How do I know if my strings are still good or need to be changed?A: If you have not replaced strings in the last 4 years... you are overdue for a new set of strings. Upper two octaves have to be changed every 2 years. If you plan to put a full new set of strings please do it about 2 weeks before scheduled regulation. Type of strings depends on your local climate and desired sound. Typically the top one or two octaves are nylon, middle octaves are gut and basses are tarnish-resistant wire strings. For a more durable alternative to the very expensive gut strings, especially for very dry climates, Savarez strings are a good option. Please ask for more details.
Q: How do I change strings?A: You don't want to ruin new strings by putting them wrong! If you don't know the proper way of changing strings I can change them before regulation. Replacing a whole set takes a few days and costs $100 for the work. Replacement of wire strings only can be done during regulation and costs $30. You can purchase a set in advance or acquire a set from me for their store value plus delivery cost.
Q: How much does it cost?A: Standard Regulation - In studio
$200 Pedal harp / $80 Lever harp
(at your home: add $5-50 based on distance)
$100 replacing whole string set*
$30 replacing wire strings only*
Strings / Special parts (if needed) will cost the factory value plus shipping costs**.
*Please read about strings above.
**Please contact me early on if you need a set of new strings or other special parts like
broken discs, worn out rubber pedal caps etc. If a pedal is not working it might be that
a pedal rod is broken and I would need to order one from the factory.
A: -It is very important to keep constant healthy humidity and temperature level in the room. A humidifier and a humidity gage are a must in the harp room, with the level being between 50-55% all year round.
-Always put you pedal in FLATS at the end of practice. The strings will wear out faster in the touching point of the discs if you forget to do so, thus anticipating the need for changing the string.
-If at any occasion you have to take the harp outside, always have a complete transport cover on it (including base cover), especially in the winter when the drastic temperature change can damage the harp. When you transport it, always make sure the exposed disc/lever mechanism on the harp's neck is facing UP, not to put unnecessary pressure on the sensitive parts and not to loose any on the way.
-Know the people who are moving your harp, or do not be afraid to say "NO!" "Thank you, but this is not the way to move it" "It's my way, or no way". Every little slip or drop of the harp can seriously damage the regulation and overall condition of the instrument.
-If you're not sure about how to do something ask for a professional advice. It is better to be sure then making (sometimes wrong) assumptions.