The Harp in Jane Austen’s Novels

by Elizabeth on June 22, 2010

A member of one of the harp-related Yahoo groups I am on just posted a link to this very interesting article about the position the harp plays in the novels of Jane Austen.

Here is a link:

http://www.janeausten.co.uk/magazine/page.ihtml?pid=405&step=4

Enjoy!

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The Power of Music

by Elizabeth on April 23, 2010

I just watched a wonderful short video and wanted to share it with you all.  It is about a 101-year old woman who is still mentally very sharp, physically in good health, and who still plays piano for two hours, twice a week at a local restaurant. She loves to party and to drink but does things in moderation.

I can personally attest to how important attitude is as people grow older. My father will be 98 next month, and he is one of the most positive and agreeable people you could ever meet. He is appreciative. He does not complain. He does not dwell on his physical aches and pains (although there are some). He has a positive, loving attitude and does not criticize or nit-pick. It takes a LOT to get him to say a negative word about anyone or anything.

As long as I can keep playing the harp and work on improving my health and my mental/emotional outlook, I should be okay for another 49 years (at least!), if this lady is any indicator of how long you can keep going.

[click to continue…]

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Spring is here!

March 28, 2010

I am thinking about taking my harp outside for a lesson this morning!  It is just too gorgeous to be inside. We don’t get very many really enjoyable days here in Houston (unless you really like heat and humidity), so I try to take full advantage when I have them.
I don’t really have anything harp [...]

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Videos from recital

February 24, 2010

The Gulf Coast Harpers Assocation (our local ISFHC chapter), of which I am currently secretary, had its 5th Annual Recital this past Saturday at Westbury Baptist Church here in Houston, and a friend of mine videod my performance of “O’Carolan’s Quarrel with the Landlady” (written by T. O’Carolan and arranged by Sue Richards) and “Interlude” [...]

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Harp Inspiration

February 23, 2010

I frequently look around on YouTube for videos of pieces that my students are working on so they can watch other harpists play and hear what their pieces are supposed to sound like.
One of my favorite harpists on YouTube is Xavier de Maestre.  This young man is an absolutely brilliant harpist in every way.  His [...]

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Romantic Harp Music!

February 14, 2010

In honor of Valentine’s Day, and to give us plenty of time to learn new pieces for next year, I wanted to start a little poll of sorts and find out what everyone’s favorite romantic pieces are to play on the harp (lever, pedal, cross, etc.).
Love songs, show tunes, movie themes, music from the Romantic [...]

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Jazz Harp Concert in Houston

January 15, 2010

Rizpah, a very talented young jazz harpist will present a concert in Houston, Texas on January 31st. You can learn more about her at www.rizpah.net.
Please plan to attend this great concert presented by the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Harp Society.
Please note the new location for this concert at Houston Piano Company.
Sunday, January 31, [...]

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Harpy New Year!

December 31, 2009

Yeah, that’s corny, but I couldn’t resist!
As the first day of a new year rapidly approaches, I think it is inevitable that we tend to mentally review the year that is ending and think about what we would like to have happen in the new year. New Years always seems to be a hopeful time [...]

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The Benefits of Studying Music

December 26, 2009

Here is a list of quotes from various sources regarding how important the study of music is.  I borrowed this from www.houstonmusicteacher.com.
If you wanted some good reasons to start your son or daughter (or yourself!) on harp lessons, here they are!
Music Students Are Scoring. Music students are outperforming non-music students on the Scholastic Aptitude Test [...]

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Very unusual instrument!

November 30, 2009

It’s a Guitar! It’s a Harp! It’s a Harpolyre!
I have never seen anything like this before, but it sure is cool!
Fernando Sor music on Harpolyre

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