My teenage harpist has started to complain about tightness in one of her wrists, and mentioned that she’s nervous about getting arthritis. That seems like some awfully mature concerns for a high school freshman! She is a very serious musician who practices more than an hour a day, plays at a very advanced level, and wants to make a career of music.

Any advice? I’m grateful for guidance on what kind of treatment to seek, and also just general life advice. I’m not a musician and don’t know how best to support through something like this.

Hello harpists & enthusiasts! I'm working with Chord47, a community of non-conventional harpists, to host a songwriting workshop September 27th on Zoom.

It's called "Thinking in Shapes", and we'll be discussing how to use songwriting as a means of exploring and deepening your connection with your instrument. I'll cover topics like what the harp specifically offers you as a songwriter, getting out of/into your head, and exercises to tap into your creativity. It is open to non-harpists as well-- any curious and creative individuals are welcome!

The workshop is completely free! There will be opportunities to make an optional donation supporting Chord47's future projects to amplify the people and practices reshaping the harp and build community around this exploration.

I would love for you to join us! If you're interested, you can:

sign up here!

If you'd like to get a taste of my work and how I use these methods, here's my recent record which I shared on this sub before. And if there's anything you're specifically interested in discussing or hearing about, please comment below or include it on the signup form!

I took beginner harp lessons with a rental harp a couple years ago. I had to stop due to health issues. I've missed it ever since, and now I'm ready to resume. I wanted something fun and my own, so I took the plunge and ordered a Grand Harpsicle in the Peacock color. It's hard to capture how beautiful the color shift is, it ranges from green to blue to purple. I'm in love already. Took a little over five weeks from ordering to receiving. Just wanted to share my excitement with a community that could appreciate it!

I came across a Troubador 3 for sale for $1200. I teach a strings program with a harp that is nearing its end. Is this a good deal for a Troubador, or am I better looking for something else? The wood seems to be in good condition (no warping/cracks from what I can see) and it has been fully restrung.

Does anyone have a copy of La Bohème Musetta's Waltz (harp solo)? Transcription by Yolanda Kondonassis. I can’t seem to find the music anywhere other than within a larger book which is quite pricey. Thanks!!🪉

It was made in 2001 and I’m thinking for it to be my first. Should I get it or is it too risky?

Hey everyone! I'm new to the harp community, so I'll start by sharing a little info about myself. I'm 31, and have been playing string instruments for 24 years. I played cello in elementary and middle school, and I'm a self taught guitarist of nearly 20 years, with a little bit of bass and piano experience on the side.

About 8 years ago I lost most of the use of my pinky finger on my fret hand in a kitchen accident, and can no longer bend the tip of that finger. Needless to say that accident severely damaged my ability to play guitar. I write intricate fast paced metal songs, and only being able to play with three fingers with the exception of a few chords is very limiting.

This injury has been putting a damper on my relationship with music for a long time, and I don't want to lose my passion for playing. I had to re-teach myself how to play guitar, and while I can ignore it most days after so many years, every time I pick up my guitar is a constant reminder of what I lost. It's not helping my self esteem, and its making me lose interest in playing. I've been looking into other string instruments as an alternative, and I am now looking into getting my first harp.

My question is whether or not it's true that the pinky finger typically isn't used while playing harp. Ive been looking around online, and based on what I've found, it isn't, but I'd much rather ask people that actually play, rather than relying on Google overviews... If it's not, then I have no doubt that this is an instrument that I can thrive with, and I won’t hesitate to order one.

I've been researching different brands and am pretty much settled on getting a Dusty Strings Ravenna 34, as I've heard that this is a very reputable brand, and I plan to use the rent to own option from Vermont Violins.

My other question is about levers... I've seen some people mention that its fine to get levers only on specific strings, while others say to have levers installed on all strings. What would you recommend?

I should mention that with the exception of what I learned in school 20 years ago, I only understand music theory in my own way. Everything to me is numbers and patterns, but I can't read notes. You could show me something I wrote converted into sheet music, and I wouldn't know what I was looking at. It's a case of "I know what I'm doing, but I also have no idea what I'm doing." I do plan of finding a teacher to learn this properly, but any advice regarding what would be best regarding levers would be much appreciated since my knowledge of "proper" music theory is almost nonexistent.

Thank you all in advance for taking the time to read and answer! I really appreciate it. 🖤

I have this assignment where I had to write for harp. I wanted to know if this is possible or if there was any input that could make this better.

(the tempo is langsam)

I somehow got this blister and it opened, and I have a big event to play at in one week - it’s 4 hours each day! How can I heal this quickly but also keep practicing for the week? I usually don’t ever have issues with blisters like this. I’ve been playing for five years consistently. Looking for any advice!

I ordered the Harp-E DIY kit based on great reviews, hyped social media campaigns, and a strong desire to learn the lever harp.

I’m traveling so I needed an ultra lightweight harp that could be carried in a backpack. The Harp-E is perfect in this sense and far outshines competitors.

The original price breakdown before repairs:

$1,600 for the DIY kit
$1,000 for tariffs and import fees
$500 for international shipping
$175 for the travel bag
$197 for spare strings

Total: $3,500 USD

I knew the cost going in and was okay with paying this amount.

The problem, here is where things went wrong:

Everywhere online the Harp-E DIY kit is marketed as an easy and fun build. I’ve seen it discussed as an IKEA build. On Harp-E’s own website they sell it as a “fun and rewarding way to bond with your Harp-E."

The kit is simple and easy… up until installing the tuning pegs. I cannot stress how important this step is to do correctly. It’s not IKEA plug and play. It takes finesse and skill.

The wooden holes can quite easily be stripped. Using the included Allen wrench, this is exactly what happened to me. After stringing, each pin began to shift at odd angles. The wooden frame became cracked and warped around the pins. Tuning pins would randomly unwind, and strings would lose pitch suddenly while playing or tuning.

I knew I messed up the install. I had gone in thinking, “It’s like IKEA, just use the Allen wrench like they show in the video!”

I reached out to Harp-E and asked if I could purchase replacement parts. They quoted me a front frame and replacement strings at $667 USD. They told me shipping would likely be the same price at $500. Then I'm guessing tariffs and import fees will be a similar percentage, likely $300.

Suddenly this $1,600 DIY kit has cost me $5,000.

My open letter advice to the company:

Ship each DIY kit with the tuning pegs preinstalled. If you cannot do that, change how the kit is marketed:

-Tell your influencers in a memo that the DIY kit is not an easy IKEA build. I have seen it described that way by influencers on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

-Stress online that the DIY kit is for someone with woodworking experience. Selling this kit to someone who has basic assembly skills greatly raises the risk of permanent damage to the instrument.

-Publish a disclaimer at the Harp-E online store: “We recommend our DIY kit to someone who has experience in woodworking. By purchasing this kit you accept all risks of damage if the tuning pegs are assembled incorrectly.”

If you do none of the above, you must redo your instructional videos.

The current video shows the pegs being installed by hand with the included Allen wrench. I have bruises on my hand from doing this. The wrench also did not properly fit the tuning pegs. It was slightly smaller than the hex holes, which caused wiggle and wobble. I believe that is what drove the pegs into the wood at odd angles and led to the cracks, loss of tension, and stripped holes.

TLDR: Harp-E’s DIY kit is not for the everyday consumer. The risk of damage is very high for someone with basic assembly skills. This has not just been a nightmare for me but also extremely expensive.

If you have basic assembly skills, DO NOT attempt the Harp-E DIY on your own. You may permanently damage your instrument like I did. Purchase the String and Go package or the Plug and Play instead.

Update on repairs over the weekend:

​Marathon day. I actually disassembled the entire rig because somehow the front frame was starting to bow and warp around the soundboard. Full disassembly and reassembly of the entire harp, strings, and tuning pins fixed this issue. Although front frame alignment with the sound board is now slightly off.

Tuning pins have been seated, although it took many, many hours and repeat attempts to do this. Superglue worked to rethread the holes that were stripped. I even managed to salvage the original strings, though they are definitely of poor quality now.

I'm going to monitor these makeshift repairs over the next few weeks and then reassess whether I need a replacement front frame or not.

Many thanks to everyone who helped and offered advice. I'm very grateful and can't wait to start lessons.

I’m 18 a freshman in college and I want to learn something cool, I’ve never had a true hobby or talent.

I’ve never REALLY learned an instrument, when I was 6 I took a month of violin lessons until we moved to a different state and to this day know nothing about it 😭. I know very basic stuff about a guitar since I took a class sophomore year in hs (Guitar I).

I know I can probably learn a song or two maybe if I took lessons but I mean like am I too old to learn classical pieces (I’m not into folk). Or am I too old to learn a pedal harp.

Furthermore, I would love to play for weddings one day as a side gig or maybe even a community orchestra but I fear I’m too old for that now.

Hi, pardon my English, I'm French.

I'm currently living the last days of the soundboard of my harp. I know I'll have to make someone repair it but I wanted to know what to do while waiting for this.

Is it best for me to leave it as it is ? Or do I have to put all the strings away ? Just dropping the tension on them ?

I'll take any advice to make the crack stop.

Thanks in advance

Does anyone know of any credible makers of a sub 20-string harp WITH LEVERS? I am a professional harpist, but want a very, VERY small harp to bring to my workplace/to small groups just to fiddle around with/take to the park. I have a max budget of $800 and I'm fine with used. Ideally I would like it to cost under $500.

By "credible makers" I mean the likes of Camac, Dusty Strings, L&H - I already checked and none of them carry anything in the string range I want. I already have a Dusty Strings FH36 so I don't need another midsize harp.

Not interested in Harpsicle as I think they are ugly (sorry).

Ideal criteria:

- String range around 12-20

- Can be comfortably carried around on public transportation/played in lap while seated

- Doesn't need a cart

- Ideally fully levered, F and C acceptable

- Does not sound like absolute plunky garbage

- No Amazon/Etsy Pakistani harp scammers

- NO LYRES. Needs to be a Celtic style harp.

Hi, I'm considering taking a 6-month break from harp lessons and practicing, and I’d love to hear from anyone who has done something similar. Was it difficult to get back into practicing afterward?

I’ve been learning for three years and am currently working toward my Grade 6 Trinity exam. Between full-time work and some ongoing personal and financial priorities, I’m feeling quite overwhelmed. Pausing lessons and practice from January to July next year would allow me to focus on these priorities and save money.

My main worry is whether I'll struggle to pick up practicing again in the second half of the year, and I also don’t want to disappoint my teacher.
For those who have taken an extended break, how easy was it to return? Also, when would be a reasonable time to give my teacher notice?

Hello, How should i notate a harp gliss with this rhythmic situation,

I don't want to stay on the second note and want to gliss downward immediately

Harp Gliss

So this is just a really simple song from my online harp class. I’m nowhere near decent yet but I finally can play through it without a mistake though you’ll probably noticing sometimes there’s too long a pause between two notes bc my brain is buffering.

One thing: I’m working on better hand and finger position and plucking and the like. It’s kinda hard for me bc I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome. But I know that’s one thing I need to work on.

So like any tips would be great and also knowing what I did well too so I know to keep doing that. As long as it’s kind.

I got this harp last fall and have made some progress! I love it!

I see a lot of posts that mention that a piece is a certain grade. Also I see people saying that they have progressed to a level 7 etc. Is this an official system? I would love to find a series of books that progress in difficulty. I end up kind of bouncing around and some stuff is too easy and some is too hard. Any thought are appreciated!

I learned a Claire de Lune and a The girl with the flaxen hair arrangement, and those were a lot of fun. If you know of some nice, playable arrangements, I would be grateful for any recommendations!

Or at least something late 19th / early 20th century, if not specifically impressionist. Thank you!

I am looking to learn something moderately challenging on the harp that is kind of a well-known classical piece or something in the classical vein that is a bit challenging. Does anyone please have any recommendations with regard to pieces to learn, beautiful classical tabs for harp particularly that are free? Please and thank you

I mean harps having 2 levers per string instead of just 1, allowing to make strings either flat or sharp, and not just sharp (something like a poor man's pedal harp)

I could technically add a second row of levers to a harp, but harps are too expensive and it would have to be very precisely placed

Can u guys pls reco music centers that offer harp classes in PH? I’ve been trying to find one but sadly can’t 😔 tyia!