harpcolumn

How to Play Music You Hate

How to Play Music You Hate

I don't like starting a blog post with such a negative title, but I might as well admit it;  sometimes we have to play music we just don't like. You can probably instantly bring to mind that one piece of music you really can't stand. Maybe it's a holiday carol you've...

Harp and Vibraphone

Some time ago there was a post here from someone looking for music for harp with vibraphone (or marimba). I found a program that a friend sent me, from a performance of the duo"Harp and Vibes" which was played in Carson City, Nevada. I was amazed by their repertoire...

Recital review: Princeton Harp Festival – Addi & Jacq

Recital review: Princeton Harp Festival – Addi & Jacq

Let me begin by saying that I am a HUGE Addi & Jacq fan... I came across their music before the 2015 Battle of the Boroughs win (click the link to see their award winning performance!) and have been musically obsessed with them since that time.  I was so excited...

Recital review: Princeton Harp Festival – François Pernel

Recital review: Princeton Harp Festival – François Pernel

Day 1 of the Princeton Harp Festival is done... and boy did they end the first day with a BANG! The 8pm recital by François Pernel was unlike any recital I have ever attended.  I think it is in the nature of lever/celtic harp for the atmosphere to be more intimate......

Harp Bits #5 – Camac Memory Harp

Harp Bits #5 – Camac Memory Harp

In the past Bi-Weekly harp bits we have spoken a lot about French Harp makers and the importance of France in the development of the instrument.  It is certainly true that without the influence of Marie Antoinette and the harpists/harp makers of the harp would likely...

Freelance Chronicles Episode 7 – Biting off more than you can chew

Freelance Chronicles Episode 7 – Biting off more than you can chew

Imagine the most delicious looking cookie.  You know it is slightly too big for your mouth... but you just can't help yourself, and you pop it in!  Now, instead of enjoying the cookie you're more focused on simply keeping things together inside your mouth. Now that...

Boston Harp Festival 2015

Boston Harp Festival 2015

written by Gretchen Sheetz and Amber Mecke, photo credit: Gretchen Sheetz On September 26th, 27th, and 28th, The Boston Conservatory Harp Department co-hosted the 2015 Boston Harp Festival with TBC extension programs. The festival was founded in 2010 by TBC Harp...

Hip Hop Harp at the Hollywood Bowl

Hip Hop Harp at the Hollywood Bowl

Where it all began: about ten years ago, I got a call for a gig that turned my career on a path I never expected and allowed me to coin the phrase "hip hop harp". I might not have been the first, but it was certainly uncommon. It was Live8 Philadelphia and the artist...

Harp Bits #4 – The crazy lives of harpists

Harp Bits #4 – The crazy lives of harpists

I am incredibly stubborn when it comes to my instrument.  I think that as harpists we have to be... there are certain things that we require as musicians (an appropriate bench, safe set-up location, suitable pay for work, respect from employers and colleagues, just to...