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Victoria,
A brilliant teacher of my acquaintance was once asked by her student, “When Will I know I am ready to teach?” Her answer was “You are ready when some one asks you. You may yourself be only at an early stage, but you can have a lot of fun learning together!”
It has always puzzled me that there seems to be an aura around the harp in some circles, viz. the notion that one must start as a child with ambitions to becoming a professional in an orchestra. That is as misguided as the idea that one must be capable of competing in Le Mans in order to drive a car.
It is true that one will benefit from a teacher’s guidance until technique has been understood, and learning basic music theory is essential. And of course if the dream of playing harp is motivated by the wish to achieve the level of, let us say a Frank Voltz, Sunita Stanislaw, or Yolanda Kondonassis it will be a long road. Some may also be intimidated by thinking that they must shell out $15,000 or more for a pedal instrument.
Whoa, hold on a minute! Let’s remember that the harp is probably the most ancient of all stringed instruments, people in virtually all cultures were playing it in one form or another for thousands of years before Sebastein Erard or Carlos Salzedo came on the scene. Let’s address the issues that prospective beginners often encounter:
Teachers – some now give lessons via Skype or similar via internet, and there are many excellent DVDs and books available if no teachers live nearby.
Conferences etc – at least two excellent players have started to offer on-line conferences; there are several internet forums – besides the Harp Column the Harplist, Virtual Harp Circle, The Wire Harp Group if one is so inclined, not to mention a number of societies.
Expense – One can buy an excellent lever harp for anything from $2,000 to $6,000.
Age – as many here have mentioned they began at a more advanced age than your friend. Progress is only limited by willingness to practice.
Personally I think that the harp is one of the easiest instruments to learn – there is nothing between you and the music except the strings. No bows, no picks, no white and black keys, just the harp and your hands.
I began some 10+ years ago around age 55 by making them, first on a whim, and then became fascinated enough to learn to play. I will never be a professional and do not want to be, but the harp brings me endless joy. There is always more to learn.
A few suggestions, then for your friend:
First and foremost do the research – different kinds of harps besides the pedal instrument – single and double strung, cross strung, wire strung and so on just to see how many varieties exist.
It would probably be best to start with a good economical single such as the Dusty Strings Ravenna, Camac Hermine, Boulding Olladion, or Musicmakers Jolie or Voyageur.
Avoid poorly made instruments – if the harp is cheap it is probably poorly made and nothing is so discouraging as trying to learn on a bad instrument. Stick with established harp makers.
Second, look into on-line teachers and join societies the Harplist, Virtual Harp Circle, International Society of Harpers and Craftsmen, American Harp Society. Ask lots of questions, members will be delighted to help.
Finally, check out what is offered on Youtube for inspiration; one of my favorites is History of the Harp by Catrin Finch.
Best wishes,
Biagio
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