Harp Books For Beginners? The 230 Detailed Answer

Although the harp and guitar are both stringed instruments, they have most things in common.

Guitars usually only have 6 strings while the harp has up to 47 strings and they are shaped quite differently. The guitar has great mobility while the harp is stationary.

But still, knowing the differences and similarities of an instrument is interesting and enlightening.

What is the difference between harp and guitar?

Guitars usually only have six strings, i.e. six different gauges.

Most harps are usually gut-strung, and a typical concert harp will in all likelihood have an arrangement of strings, wire wound underneath, and then 47-string gut strings.

Many of them use nylon in their upper octaves.

Guitars are usually completely single or otherwise, covered with nylon or metal.

Difference between harp strings and guitar strings

The strings on a harp are color-coded, so you can identify the string for each note. The Cs are red in color while the Fs are black blue or purple (most of them use blue).

Guitar gauges are made for guitars, while harp gauges are made for harps, and different harps may have exact need for gauges.

On guitars, you might be able to get away with switching to a multi-gauge string without much complexity.

Harps have many more strings than guitars

Is the harp easier to learn than the guitar?

The harp is among the easiest to play than the guitar, and not just in the guitar but in the stringed instrument realm.

Harps have tolerated it, being easy to get hold of and friendly to even the most elementary performers.

As with most things, the more effort and dedication you put into the harp, the more fluid and compelling the resulting music will be.

The special joy that comes with learning to play the harp over the guitar is that even a simple piece of music, whether played by a learner, sounds beautiful.

If the harp is going to be the first musical instrument you have ever played in your life, you will find that it is easy to get your hands on.

People who know the piano usually pluck two-handed melodies the first time.

Guitarists find that the strings aren’t annoying or choppy hand positions, no pick-offs, no hammer-ons, and the performance is much smoother.

The guitar is a little harder. The musical tonal patterns are very difficult to learn, as are the scales.

Learning the harp is quite convenient than learning the guitar and violin, contrary to popular misconception.

The guitar and also the violin require at least several weeks of practice before you can start getting a beautiful tone, while the harp sounds incredible from the start.

New musical tones are both obvious and straightforward, and no chord chart is needed! The only difficulty is that a harp is slightly more expensive and there are far fewer lessons on harps compared to guitars.

Which ones should you learn first?

It’s better to learn harp first before learning guitar because you get more theory with harp than with guitar.

You don’t have to learn it at a high level, although if you only get to the third grade level it will make almost any instrument a lot easier to handle.

It’s very easy to learn the basics of the harp quickly and not burden your family for years, but the details that require good playing can be kind of tricky!

Harps can also be quite expensive depending on which one you get. If you are interested, here are the best beginner harps.

Therefore, whatever instrument you choose depends on whether you just want to jam with your friends or play at a high level!

Conclusion

Whichever instrument you choose, the old phrase “practice makes perfect” usually fits perfectly.

You must spend your time both playing and listening on a daily basis, and you will find yourself getting better and better at it. It also comes self-propelled, you can get them all at once if you’re determined to know how each of them work.

There’s a pride that comes with being able to play quite a few instruments.

They bring challenging details into your life that, if you capture them, will stay with you for eternity.

These are the basic tools that you will have to overcome first, then the rest will be easy to learn since you only need the basics and everything else will come automatically without much struggle.

frequently asked Questions

Here are some questions and answers I am frequently asked about playing and learning the harp.

Is harp harder than piano?

About the same, maybe a little easier.

Piano uses all 10 fingers and harp only 8. With the piano, you need to understand more theory about when to use the black keys than with the harp, which uses levers or pedals, which often don’t change throughout an entire song.

Both instruments require you to use two hands to play two sets of notes. Usually your right hand is the melody and your left hand is the accompaniment. This is a different concept than using one hand to place notes and the other to play, like on the guitar or violin, or placing notes with both hands while your breath plays them, like on the flute or clarinet.

A better question might be, “Is it harder than the flute or the violin?” The initial answer to that is no, because the harp sounds good right away, while the violin or the flute aren’t as inviting.

We can find out how easy you think it is to play notes with both hands.

Do I have to learn the piano before I can play the harp?

no

If you’ve played the piano before, you’ll have experience playing notes with both hands and reading the main staff. This will give you a leg up, but is certainly not required to start playing the harp.

Do I get calluses?

Not really.

I’ve gotten some small calluses playing pedal harps, which generally have more string tension than lever harps, causing more abrasion. These calluses were barely noticeable.

Since I’ve been playing the lever harp, I haven’t developed any more calluses.

Do you need to get someone to hire?

You tune it yourself.

Strings will go out of tune when the temperature changes, when they are new, when the harp is new, or when the harp is not well made.

You probably don’t have to tune it every time you play.

How long will it take until I’m well?

Somewhere between now and never.

I can show you in a lesson how to impress your friends – after all, you have chosen an impressive instrument.

But usually, if people want to be “kinda good,” they want to be a virtuoso. And sometimes even virtuosos are not “good enough” in their opinion.

I’ll help you choose music that you like and that’s easy enough for you to play well. I’ll help you overcome stage fright. I will teach you to maximize your practice time. I give you techniques to work through trouble spots and improvise a memory blockade.

Adults usually think they should be making progress much faster than they will because as an adult you feel like you should be able to get things done faster. Learning an instrument is a new skill. How long did it take you to get “good” at penmanship, skiing or cooking? You didn’t start off perfectly, but you pushed through and eventually became “good enough.”

Do I need to study theory/read music/memorize songs?

no

I’m a big fan of knowing why you’re learning what your teacher is trying to teach you. I don’t teach things just because they are in some method or because my teacher taught me that. I teach what you need to achieve your goals.

If you don’t have goals that can be achieved by studying theory or reading music or memorizing, then I won’t let you learn them.

Learn more about setting your music goals.

Do I need to buy/rent a harp?

You have to be able to practice.

I’m not asking you to practice much. Try for 5 minutes a day. If you don’t have a harp available, this becomes difficult. The more difficult it is for you to get hold of the harp, the less likely it is that you will practice today. Instead, put it off until tomorrow. Suddenly there’s class tomorrow and you haven’t practiced.

Renting is easier than you think. Find out more about renting or buying a harp.

Do I have to cut my nails?

Maybe…

The technique I use and know how to teach uses the fingertips, which can only be achieved by clipping your nails all the way down. If you don’t want to cut your nails, you have two options for learning the nail game: do it while we join in, or learn from an instructor who teaches the nail game technique.

Nails are used on the Paraguayan harp (right hand), in the wire string technique, and in some Celtic and ancient music techniques. If you stay with me I will do my best to help you maintain a comfortable hand position, but I have no experience teaching or playing with nails.

Is a two-string harp like a two-string guitar?

no

A double-stringed guitar has every string that a regular guitar has, paired with the same notes an octave higher. A two-string harp has exactly the same strings on both sides.

When you play “the G string” on a two-string guitar, you’re strumming both the normal and higher octaves at the same time. On a two-string harp, you use a different hand for each row of strings, sometimes playing the exact same note on both strings, sometimes not.

Learn more about the two-string harp.

Ready to contact me? Get some tips on stretching and exercise. Discover more harp resources.

frequently asked Questions

How much does a harp cost?

The average price of a lever harp ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, while a full size pedal harp ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. We sell a wide range of new and used harps and offer a variety of financing options. Please contact us for more information.

How much do harp lessons cost?

According to Harp Column magazine, the national average price for a private harp lesson is $54 per hour, depending on location and teacher. We have several harp teachers in our two showrooms or we can connect you with harp teachers in your area.

Can I rent a harp?

Yes! We offer an extensive rent-to-own program for new and used hooked harps. Our flexible and affordable rental program allows you to swap instruments while keeping your rental credit, and we also offer generous swap options should you decide to purchase a pedal harp. A limited number of pedal harps for hire are also available. Credit approval and contract required.

Do you offer financing?

Yes! We offer financing through Allegro Acceptance, a company solely focused on helping customers purchase the musical instrument of their dreams. Affordable monthly installments of up to 120 months are provided after a 10% deposit and there is no prepayment penalty. Credit approval and contract required.

Can you ship a harp?

Yes! We use reliable ground freight for domestic shipments and air freight for international shipments. Extreme temperatures may delay shipping for the safety of your instrument. The safest way to ship a harp is in a heavy-duty cardboard container with tight-fitting foam liners.

Can I trade in my harp?

We offer a generous trade-in program that allows you to trade in your lever harp for the purchase price of a new or used pedal harp. While we honor the Lyon & Healy Bounty Program, the Virginia Harp Center allows you to trade in a pedal harp made by a different manufacturer than your lever harp. Please contact us for more information.

Do you sell my used harp?

Yes, we can sell your lever or pedal harp through our consignment program which offers full exposure in our showroom and online presence and a hassle-free way to sell your harp. Each consignment harp is carefully assessed to enable us to determine the best price and carry out any necessary maintenance such as re-stringing or adjustment before it is offered for sale. We act on your behalf to set a fair price, promote and sell your instrument in a timely manner. Contact us for shipping charges and more information.

What is your return policy?

harp purchases

For unseen purchases, you can return an instrument within 7 days of receiving the harp, but you will be responsible for postage, insurance and a 10% restocking fee. Harps tried on and purchased in the showroom cannot be returned unless a manufacturing defect is found. If a manufacturing defect is found, the harp may be repaired or replaced, at the manufacturer’s discretion, in accordance with the terms of the warranty. Buyer is responsible for shipping both ways on returned harps. Special orders and consignment harps cannot be returned.

Music, strings and accessories

All sales are final. If a new string breaks within 14 days of purchase, we will replace it at no additional cost.

Can you reserve a harp for me?

Yes! We will reserve a harp for you for 14 days against a deposit of EUR 250 for pedal harps and EUR 100 for lever harps. The deposit is non-refundable but counts toward the purchase price of the harp. Harps without a confirmed deposit can unfortunately be sold at any time.

What music can you play on the harp?

The harp is a versatile instrument used for classical, celtic, folk, bluegrass, pop, rock, jazz and world fusion music. Modern technological advances in the instrument have allowed the harp to expand to far-reaching venues and blend seamlessly into any style of music.

What are harp strings made of?

Depending on the instrument, harp strings are typically made from natural cow gut, nylon, steel bass wires, or fluorocarbon. Different types of harps use a variety of materials for the strings to deliver an authentic sound with the ideal string tension.

If you want to be the best harpist you can be, at some point you have to own your instrument. This way you can invest as much practice time as you need, whenever you want. But here comes the million dollar question – how much do harps cost?

Due to the “exotic” and intricate nature of the harp, their prices tend to be high. This is especially true when you compare the prices of the harp to other instruments.

But before you hit the panic button, not all harps are insanely expensive. In other words, you can own a harp without breaking the bank or emptying your wallets. yes we said so Harps can vary greatly in prices and we will tell you all about it.

In this blog post you will learn everything you need to know about the cost of harps in the market today. In addition, we give you an insight into the various factors that can influence the prices of harps. But first, let’s share some of the benefits you’ll enjoy in owning your harp.

Benefits of Owning Your Harp

You can still hesitate to buy your harp for various reasons. But there are several advantages to having a harp to call your own when it matters most. Here are some of the benefits of buying a harp for yourself:

You have an easily accessible harp whenever you need to practice or work on a task.

You don’t have to worry about renting a harp.

It is more cost-effective because you save on rental costs in the long term.

You don’t have to queue for a harp in practice rooms or classrooms.

Finally, your harp will help you master the techniques of playing the harp faster. In other words, it shortens your learning curves!

Now that you know the benefits of owning a harp, let’s explore how much the instrument costs.

The Cost of Harps: Everything You Need to Know

Before we start talking about numbers, it may help to remember that buying a harp is an investment in your musical journey. That way, regardless of the prices you see in this article, you’ll have a good thought to keep you going. Don’t worry, there is a relatively affordable price for harps to suit every budget.

To help you better understand the cost of harps overall, we will break down the price range based on harp category. In other words, we would have three categories and their prices:

Beginner Harps: Average $300

Advanced Harps: Between $500 and $1500

Professional harps: $50,000 to $150,000

That way, whether you’re buying a harp to suit your current skill level or looking to upgrade, you’ll know where to look.

1) Price range and cost for beginner harps

For the most part, beginner harps are usually diatonic, meaning they only have one scale. Also, they usually have anywhere from just seven strings to 22 strings, making them perfect for beginners.

Understandably, most people do not want to incur such high costs when buying a beginner’s harp. It seems manufacturers have similar thoughts as well, since beginner’s harps are the most affordable models. You can own your beginner’s harp for just $100!

However, they are not always that cheap. Some beginner harps can cost upwards of $300.

Also, if you are in the market for beginner harps that are similar to classical harps, you will typically pay an average of $1000. But you don’t have to spend that much. A regular beginner’s harp is an excellent choice for the beginning harpist.

Some great options include the Roosebeck 8-string Lily Harp and the Royal 12-string Harp.

2) Price range and cost for medium harps

Some beginner harps at the higher end of the price spectrum can be ideal for harpists with more advanced skills. In that case, you should expect to spend between $500 and $1500 to acquire such a harp.

However, for the more complex harps, or even better the intermediate harps, the prices go much higher. The average price for a medium harp is around $3000. Most Celtic harps cost at least $1500 and can go up to $5000, maybe more.

If you’re looking to buy simplified versions of classical harps, expect to spend about the same amount. Some examples of such harps are Roosevelt’s 36-string Celtic harp and their 38-string lever-operated classical floor harp.

However, if you want a pedal-controlled intermediate harp instead, you usually have to pay more. A good mid-level classical pedal harp can easily cost $10,000 or more. But on the plus side they will have the standard 47 strings.

3) Price range and cost of professional harps

Now that can get very expensive. Some of them can even cost as much as the price of a home. Naturally, most people who buy this category of harp are very invested in their musical career.

The price of a professional harp ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 and beyond. So you see, they are very expensive indeed. But you will get your money’s worth in terms of the instrument’s workmanship, sound quality and even durability.

The average music store doesn’t carry professional harps because of their prices. So if you’re looking to purchase one, you’ll likely need to custom order one.

Factors affecting the prices of harps

Now that you have some insight into the cost of harps, you probably want to know why there are such disparities between the prices of each category. Well, we’ll tell you – the wide range in harp prices is due to several influencing factors. Read on to find out what they are.

type of harp

They are generally of two types of harp based on their control mechanism – lever and pedal harps.

Pedal harps have seven (one per note) built-in pedals that can add two semitones to each string. In addition, they are fully chromatic. On the other hand, horizontal harps use levers to raise their strings, but only by a semitone. Also, they are diatonic.

In terms of price, pedal harps are usually significantly more expensive than lever harps. Most experienced harpists prefer this type of harp. However, lever harps tend to be less expensive and are ideal for learning to play the harp.

Therefore, depending on what type of harp you want, prices can vary widely.

size

Size is another factor that plays a crucial role in harp pricing. You see, harps come in different sizes and have different numbers of strings on their frames. Of course, the larger harps usually cost more than the smaller ones.

For example, a concert harp will be more expensive than the floor-sized lever harp. Because the concert harp is significantly larger.

Interestingly, two harps can be of different sizes and still have the same number of strings. It all boils down to the judgment of the designer or manufacturer. After all, every harp maker has their own formula for combining aesthetics, design and sound.

Nevertheless, the general rule applies: the larger a harp, the more expensive it can be.

quality of materials

A harp is only as good as the materials that make up its frame. It is therefore only understandable that the quality of the materials from which a harp is made can affect its prices. In general, the higher the quality of the wood used in a harp, the more expensive it becomes.

Good quality wood affects not only the aesthetic quality of the harp, but also its tone production and durability. So you can see why a harp made with top quality wood is usually more expensive.

With that in mind, the wood in professional harps is one of several reasons they cost so much. The wood for a professional harp results from careful expert selection and professional craftsmanship to achieve the best possible quality!

Components & Mechanisms

Harps go beyond the strings hanging from their frames. They also have complex components that are essential to their sound production. This is especially true for pedal and lever harps, which use special mechanisms to change their pitch.

Making such harps requires securing the time and services of experienced experts. This will no doubt be cheap. Because of this, some harps on the market are usually more expensive than others. Their prices are a sum of the resources that went into their manufacture.

number of strings

Finally, the number of strings on a harp can also affect its price. Some harps may only have eight strings on their frame, while others may have as many as the standard 47.

As a rule of thumb, the more strings a harp has, the more expensive it becomes.

Experts usually prefer harps with more strings because they allow them to play a wider range of music. Of course they are willing to shell out the money for their instrument. However, if you are a beginner, a harp with fewer strings is more advisable. They are more affordable, smaller and consequently more portable.

Conclusion

Hopefully we have helped you gain valuable insight into the cost of harps. Now you’re probably wondering which harp to buy. Well, it all comes down to your skill level, personal preferences and needs.

If you’re still undecided about buying a harp because of the cost, remember that a harp is an investment. In addition, a personal harp means you can play something whenever you want.

Who wouldn’t like that?

Have you ever seen a harp or someone playing the heavenly sound and thought you’d like to learn how to play it?

It seems complicated, but in this article we are going to talk about how long it takes to learn the harp and what you need to do to learn it. All it really takes is practice and dedication.

It may take you as little as ten minutes to learn your first song on the harp, but we estimate it will take around three years to master it.

Read on, and after reading this article, you might want to try it!

What to expect at the beginning

All it really takes is just 10 minutes a day at first. Start practicing every single day to get the basics down.

Learning to play the harp depends on just three things: passion, time and dedication.

You really have to have a passion for the harp to learn it. You also need some time, because the harp requires constant practice.

Also, you have to make a commitment: like any other musical instrument, the harp requires patience, and unless you commit to learning it, you will never give yourself as you should.

If you’re passionate, committed, and have the time for this new adventure, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.

That being said, here’s the fun: you’ll be able to make it sound excellent right from the start. Just plucking the strings has a calming effect on you, and it’s fairly effortless to create a sound from it.

While it may seem challenging, don’t let it intimidate you: 10 minutes a day is enough to start with. Try learning small sections of songs before attempting to play an entire song.

How many hours should I practice daily to learn the harp?

As we mentioned before, we recommend playing for ten to fifteen minutes each day rather than doing long practice sessions.

As with most instruments, it’s better to practice consistently (i.e. play every single day) rather than try to play for an hour and then feel discouraged because you’re getting nowhere in your practice session.

Practicing up to fifteen minutes a day will help you learn smoothly and you’ll feel like you’re not trying at all.

For the first week you will find that you seem to be getting nowhere; but by the second week you will notice slight improvements and this will continue as long as you play the harp.

The longer you play, the better you get; But as mentioned above, you’ll find that even if you’re a beginner, you can still produce a beautiful sound that will help motivate you.

Do not give up!

It’s going to be a long, long road and you’re going to have that voice in the back of your head trying to tell you to give up. But if you just understand what it takes to get there, then you can make it on the other side.

Learning to play the harp is much easier than learning to play the guitar or the violin, contrary to popular belief.

Both the guitar and the violin take at least a few weeks of practice to get a good sound out of it, while the harp sounds fantastic from the start. It seems like a lot of time, but compared to other instruments it’s not.

For example, to learn the piano you need at least five years, which is almost twice as long as learning the harp. Also, you don’t have to practice for as many hours as you do with the piano; Piano usually requires over two hours of daily practice, while the harp only allows you to play fifteen minutes a day and learn the same way.

This difference also has to do with the way you use your fingers: playing the piano requires all ten fingers to play; However, the harp only requires you to use 8 of your fingers. It may not seem like a lot, but it adds up.

Just remember to take all the tips you’ve learned here and stay the course and you’ll be fine, but ultimately it’s up to you.

How fast can I learn the harp?

For the hardcore folks out there you are wondering how quickly I can possibly learn to play the harp and dedication and hard work is already a given then the answer is quite simple.

When you put all your energy and focus into the harp. If you practice at least 3 hours a day you should be proficient in about a year, although it all depends on how much work and playtime you put in.

Where do you study?

Hire a teacher to walk you through step-by-step, sitting right next to you and telling you exactly what to do and what to change. This is by far the easiest and quickest way to learn an instrument.

But it’s not like guitar where there are hundreds of teachers in every city so you might not even be able to find one.

If that’s the case, the next best option would be to teach yourself. I know it seems daunting but it’s actually pretty easy, especially with all the courses and information online, whether free or paid, you can teach yourself to play the harp entirely by yourself.

Do I need to be able to read music to play the harp?

It takes time to master the harp, but it’s easy to start and just pluck a few notes. It helps if you already know how to read sheet music, but you can also learn it through online tutorials or even music lessons.

Once you’ve managed to learn to read sheet music, you’ll find it much easier to play the harp: then all you have to do is develop your muscle memory so that you can use your fingers as you should to play it properly.

Conclusion

By now you’ve probably come to the conclusion that you could learn to play the harp too. And you are right! It’s not half as difficult as it seems, it has a pretty nice sound, and you’ll find that it doesn’t take too long before you start plucking the strings and making your first notes on the harp.

Ten to fifteen minutes a day is enough, and how long it takes to learn the harp depends only on your commitment.

Start saving money to get your own harp if you want to learn – the good ones tend to be quite expensive. Much luck!

Adult students often approach me about the following topics: their (often lack of) level of experience, time commitment (how much to practice etc.), tuition costs and costs for harp rental / harp purchase.

I hope this post sheds some light on these concerns.

Starting a new musical instrument can be daunting for anyone. This can be especially the case if you have little to no music experience. I am often asked by adult students about the difficulties of beginning to play the harp. Getting started with a new musical instrument can be a challenge at any age. I find that the main difficulties have less to do with the age of the students than with their particular time constraints, i.e. the time they can devote to practicing and learning the instrument. My students range in age from six to over 70 years old.

The harp is a particularly tempting instrument to start with because, unlike most stringed instruments (e.g. the fiddle), the harp sounds pleasant from the first pluck. It is an instrument that can be used to pluck simple opening melodies and sound beautiful. The difficulty is learning the technique to become a competent and strong harpist. Harp position and technique is the foundation of a strong harpist and as such, the study and learning of hand position is at the forefront of each student’s progress.

Students do not need any prior musical knowledge before beginning classes. As with anything, prior experience or familiarity with music will make learning easier in the beginning. However, experience is not required. Any student can learn how to play the harp properly, regardless of age or experience with music. Every student develops differently.

I’ve already talked a bit about time commitments. Obviously, the more time you can devote to a new skill, the better. With a greater investment of time, your level of playing the harp will increase faster than those who have invested less time. By spending time I mean the regularity of the lessons, as well as your own personal practice time. Ideally, beginners should have a one-hour weekly lesson, with their practice being 15-30 minutes per day. The practice time increases with increasing level. If this time cannot be regular, I ask my students to devote even 5 to 10 minutes instead of not touching the harp at all that day. With regular, steady practice throughout the week, beginners will see improvement. I’ve had many students (and yes, they were at times in my school days) who confessed to me during their class that they hadn’t practiced that week and only did it for an hour right before class to make up. The teacher always knows when this happens whether the students have confessed or not!

The cost of tuition depends on a number of factors including time, location etc. I teach personally in my home studio as well as at a number of music schools throughout Rhode Island and occasionally in location based student houses.

The most common question is, of course, how much do harps cost. With any musical instrument, higher costs come with quality. Harps are a little more unique than most stringed instruments, where student models are still expensive. I recommend renting to my beginners. As with any instrument, it’s good to test your determination and practice before purchasing. Another factor could be that if you learn very quickly, you might outgrow the particular harp you would have bought. The biggest reason is of course the cost. Typically, lever harp rentals range from $40 to $80 per month. This is similar to other instruments. There are rental locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Most rental programs are also hire-purchase. One such program I recommend to my students is the Harp Connection in Rowley, MA. Their website is http://www.harpconnection.com/ .

Regardless of your age or previous musical experience, learning to play the harp can be an enjoyable and enjoyable experience. I hope this post has helped answer some questions for any prospective harp student and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Why learn to play the harp later? Because it’s fun and cheaper than you think! Learn why it’s never too late to learn to play the harp.

It’s never too late to learn to play the harp

Have you dreamed of playing the harp your whole life but never got around to really pursuing it?

As a child I took piano lessons. Growing up, I let my musical talents slip aside from singing along on the radio and lulling the kids to sleep with a lullaby. Sure, I’ve strummed the piano occasionally, but I’ve never practiced seriously.

In the back of my mind I always thought that one day I would learn to play the harp. And then one day, eight months into 2020, I decided that one day had become today.

Aren’t harps expensive?

The first hurdle was cost. Harps can be expensive! Pedal harps cost tens of thousands of dollars. Lever harps run into the thousands. What does a prospective harpist have to do?

There are several excellent options if you want to own a harp. The first is the Fireside Folk Harp. With its light weight and sweet tone, this is the perfect harp to start with. You can buy it fully assembled for $259, or if you’re handy you can buy a kit and build it yourself for under $200!

The second purchase option is the Harpsicle. A new harpsicle can be bought for around $500, but used harpsicles often turn up on Ebay. Watch out for new ones that aren’t from an authorized dealer; There have been occasional issues with fake Harpsicles.

Another option is to rent a harp. You can borrow a harp from a music store or from a local harp teacher. Depending on the harp, harp rental costs around US$50 per month, plus a deposit.

What about levers?

Some harps have levers that allow you to change specific notes by a semitone. This means you can play in a wider variety of keys. Need leverage to get started? no They come in handy later when you become an advanced player. First, play only in the key of C, which requires no levers.

If you can find a used levered harp that is within your budget, this can be a wise purchase if you are fairly certain you will continue to play the harp as a hobby. For example, in addition to the harpsicle, you can look for a sharpsicle (adds a few levers), a flatsicle (adds more levers), or even a fullsicle (all levers). You can also add levers to the Fireside Folk Harp.

I looked on ebay for a regular used harpsicle but ended up finding a used harpsicle for the same price so I bought it instead of a standard harpsicle.

Do I have to take lessons?

You can if you want! If you have a little musical background, especially if you can read sheet music, you can learn the basics from books and videos. But to achieve proper hand and finger placement, it helps to take at least a few lessons so you don’t develop bad habits.

Many cities have harpists performing and teaching. Another option is to take a harp lesson online via a Zoom class. You can also watch a variety of YouTube videos that will teach you the basics.

I bought Sylvia Woods’ Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp to start learning myself. Darlene Walton’s Harpsicle Harp Method is also a good place to start. It can be helpful to study different sources, as you may find that one approach makes more sense to you than another.

what can i play

There are dozens of harp music books out there covering almost every type of music you can think of: folk, classical, spiritual, Celtic, children’s and lullabies, pop and even regional music like Scandinavian, Asian and South American.

There is plenty to choose from on the Harpsicle harp music page and also on the Sylvia Woods book page.

If I get really good, can I afford a nicer harp without breaking my budget?

Honestly, that’s how I motivate myself! If I get really good, I’ll save up and get an even nicer harp. There are some absolutely amazing harps out there if you can afford to splurge a bit. The Dusty Strings Ravenna is a popular model with many great reviews. Keep an eye on the Virginia Harp Center’s Used Harp page for deals on used harps.

Do you dream of playing the harp? Let’s chat in the comments!

Have you ever seen a harp or someone playing the heavenly sound and thought you’d like to learn how to play it?

It seems complicated, but in this article we are going to talk about how long it takes to learn the harp and what you need to do to learn it. All it really takes is practice and dedication.

It may take you as little as ten minutes to learn your first song on the harp, but we estimate it will take around three years to master it.

Read on, and after reading this article, you might want to try it!

What to expect at the beginning

All it really takes is just 10 minutes a day at first. Start practicing every single day to get the basics down.

Learning to play the harp depends on just three things: passion, time and dedication.

You really have to have a passion for the harp to learn it. You also need some time, because the harp requires constant practice.

Also, you have to make a commitment: like any other musical instrument, the harp requires patience, and unless you commit to learning it, you will never give yourself as you should.

If you’re passionate, committed, and have the time for this new adventure, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.

That being said, here’s the fun: you’ll be able to make it sound excellent right from the start. Just plucking the strings has a calming effect on you, and it’s fairly effortless to create a sound from it.

While it may seem challenging, don’t let it intimidate you: 10 minutes a day is enough to start with. Try learning small sections of songs before attempting to play an entire song.

How many hours should I practice daily to learn the harp?

As we mentioned before, we recommend playing for ten to fifteen minutes each day rather than doing long practice sessions.

As with most instruments, it’s better to practice consistently (i.e. play every single day) rather than try to play for an hour and then feel discouraged because you’re getting nowhere in your practice session.

Practicing up to fifteen minutes a day will help you learn smoothly and you’ll feel like you’re not trying at all.

For the first week you will find that you seem to be getting nowhere; but by the second week you will notice slight improvements and this will continue as long as you play the harp.

The longer you play, the better you get; But as mentioned above, you’ll find that even if you’re a beginner, you can still produce a beautiful sound that will help motivate you.

Do not give up!

It’s going to be a long, long road and you’re going to have that voice in the back of your head trying to tell you to give up. But if you just understand what it takes to get there, then you can make it on the other side.

Learning to play the harp is much easier than learning to play the guitar or the violin, contrary to popular belief.

Both the guitar and the violin take at least a few weeks of practice to get a good sound out of it, while the harp sounds fantastic from the start. It seems like a lot of time, but compared to other instruments it’s not.

For example, to learn the piano you need at least five years, which is almost twice as long as learning the harp. Also, you don’t have to practice for as many hours as you do with the piano; Piano usually requires over two hours of daily practice, while the harp only allows you to play fifteen minutes a day and learn the same way.

This difference also has to do with the way you use your fingers: playing the piano requires all ten fingers to play; However, the harp only requires you to use 8 of your fingers. It may not seem like a lot, but it adds up.

Just remember to take all the tips you’ve learned here and stay the course and you’ll be fine, but ultimately it’s up to you.

How fast can I learn the harp?

For the hardcore folks out there you are wondering how quickly I can possibly learn to play the harp and dedication and hard work is already a given then the answer is quite simple.

When you put all your energy and focus into the harp. If you practice at least 3 hours a day you should be proficient in about a year, although it all depends on how much work and playtime you put in.

Where do you study?

Hire a teacher to walk you through step-by-step, sitting right next to you and telling you exactly what to do and what to change. This is by far the easiest and quickest way to learn an instrument.

But it’s not like guitar where there are hundreds of teachers in every city so you might not even be able to find one.

If that’s the case, the next best option would be to teach yourself. I know it seems daunting but it’s actually pretty easy, especially with all the courses and information online, whether free or paid, you can teach yourself to play the harp entirely by yourself.

Do I need to be able to read music to play the harp?

It takes time to master the harp, but it’s easy to start and just pluck a few notes. It helps if you already know how to read sheet music, but you can also learn it through online tutorials or even music lessons.

Once you’ve managed to learn to read sheet music, you’ll find it much easier to play the harp: then all you have to do is develop your muscle memory so that you can use your fingers as you should to play it properly.

Conclusion

By now you’ve probably come to the conclusion that you could learn to play the harp too. And you are right! It’s not half as difficult as it seems, it has a pretty nice sound, and you’ll find that it doesn’t take too long before you start plucking the strings and making your first notes on the harp.

Ten to fifteen minutes a day is enough, and how long it takes to learn the harp depends only on your commitment.

Start saving money to get your own harp if you want to learn – the good ones tend to be quite expensive. Much luck!

The 7 Most Difficult Instruments to Learn, Play & Master

The hardest instrument to learn is, to some extent, not necessarily the hardest instrument to master, and that leads to some tough decisions.

What we mean by that is that an instrument can be one of the easiest chords or songs to learn, but at the same time one of the most difficult to really master.

When creating our list, we considered each instrument’s learning curve, as well as the technical and physical demands of playing it.

Here are the instruments we feel are the hardest to learn, play, and master. Don’t ask which instruments are the hardest to learn and don’t let that put you off, be inspired for the challenge.

1. oboe

Even if you don’t think you know what an oboe sounds like, you’ve heard it more times than you realize. The oboe is often the sound that carries beautiful, stirring melodies in an orchestra or many television/film scores.

Before you even start playing, you should know that an oboe requires more maintenance than most instruments. That means more time and money is spent without playing. The downside is that oboists are among the highest paid orchestral musicians.

The first thing that can cause problems is the reeds, which produce a gorgeous tone. Unlike other reed instruments, the oboe leaves even less room for error. The sheet must be in perfect condition and perfectly positioned at all times.

You’ll sound terrible for a long time after you’ve picked up the oboe; you can’t escape that. Unless you have a rare amazing talent, it takes a lot of patience to learn.

The design of the oboe has changed a lot over time; originally it could only be played in certain keys. Now it can be played in any key, but a side effect of the modern oboe is that it’s a lot heavier than it looks.

There are also some tuning issues where not every scale will be perfectly in tune. The player has to compensate for this with approach and skillful fingers.

If you move beyond these issues, you’ll find that it’s one of the most counterintuitive instruments to play. Often you need to lower your hand position to play a higher pitch or raise your hand to play a lower pitch.

Seemingly invented as a cruel joke at times, the oboe is perhaps the most difficult wind instrument to learn. But learn it well and you will be in great demand.

2nd violin

The violin produces one of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear when played correctly. However, there are a few reasons why it is called the devil’s instrument; mainly from folklore but also because it is one of the most difficult instruments to learn.

The violin does not offer the easiest time to begin with as it is a fretless instrument. Without frets as a safety net, you have to be incredibly precise to hit the right note.

If you take the lowest note a violin can produce, it’s G3 on the open G string. If you play every note/interval on this string, you can travel just under two and a half octaves on a very short neck. That’s a lot of ways to find the wrong parking space in a small space!

The typical range without getting into overtones or longer fretboards is from G3 to A7.

As with all stringed instruments, it is possible to learn patterns that are interchangeable from one key to the next. However, because the violin is tuned in perfect fifths, you only get seven pitches before they repeat on other strings (51 different notes in all).

Repetitive pitches make fingering more challenging and creative choices, since same pitch doesn’t mean same timbre.

Despite its slender appearance, the violin is a fairly physically demanding instrument. As with the guitar, it takes both hands to produce a note, but bowing is a little more challenging than using a pick.

Not to mention that your bowing has to be as precise as your fingering. The posture for holding and playing the violin can also be tiring.

3. French horn

If you ask people what the coolest instrument they can play, it’s unlikely anyone will say french horn. But the French horn is one of the most versatile brass instruments.

As with the trumpet, you must force air through the French horn while pressing the correct valve key to produce a tone.

It differs from the French horn in that you must maintain a steady flow of air through tubes from 12 feet to 30 feet, making it one of the most difficult instruments to play.

If you’re wondering why so long, this is what gives the horn its versatility; The longer the tube, the lower the note. The sheer physicality of this instrument is why it has such a steep learning curve.

Once you are able to make a tone, you can focus on making the right tone, which is also not an easy task.

The first step to producing the correct pitch is to learn the valve key combinations and perfect your embouchure (mouth position). Different pitches can already be produced with the same valve key combinations, especially in the high-end range. So hitting the right note depends on your approach and airflow. Otherwise you will be upset.

Many players like to put their hand in the bell to muffle/mute the sound a bit. It produces a nice buzz/ring, but it can also shift pitch if done wrong.

Due to the French horn’s shape/design, the sound is not projected onto the audience; it goes backwards. It causes a very small timing issue and sometimes the player has to account for a small delay.

You can begin to understand how difficult it is to just hit the right notes. But if you learn, it’s worth it; You will be an influential member of any horn section.

4. piano

The piano is an excellent example of an instrument whose basics are easy to learn but one of the most difficult instruments to master.

Many music educators prefer to teach theory on the piano. This is because each note is arranged in pitch order from lowest (left) to highest (right). Unlike stringed instruments, there are no repeated pitches.

The piano keyboard layout makes it easy to understand the basic theory and makes it easy to get started playing simple chords and melodies. It doesn’t take long to start playing songs and if you can sing it’s even better.

A piano has 88 keys; Each key triggers a mechanism that causes a hammer to strike the corresponding string. Hammers are larger and heavier at the bottom but get lighter as you go up.

Although the basic theory is easier to understand, the black and white key pattern means the fingering is more complicated. You can’t repeat the same fingering pattern for each scale/key like you can to some extent on a guitar for example.

The amazing thing about the piano is that it can do so many things. You can play percussive, rhythmic, melodic and create the most complex harmonies.

Its versatility is also one of the things that makes it so difficult to master. Sometimes you encounter different rhythms or voicings in each hand that are physically difficult to achieve because there is no pitch repetition. You have to develop feeling and expression not only in your hands, but also in using the foot pedals.

Read our article on the best ways to learn to play the piano.

5. Hammond organ

Different types of organs are difficult to learn, but we will focus on the Hammond organ. The Hammond organ is an integral part of some of the most popular rock, blues, funk and soul songs ever recorded.

This iconic sound isn’t easy to replicate, even if you’re already a keyboardist. You may be able to play chords and melodies, but there’s a lot more to the Hammond sound than just playing the right notes.

A Hammond organ has two 61-key keyboards, also known as manuals. The keys are known as waterfall style and are very light. This makes them easy to play, but they aren’t velocity sensitive, so any change in velocity doesn’t affect volume.

A Hammond organ also doesn’t have a sustain pedal, unlike a piano. You must physically hold down a note for as long as you want it to sound.

They change the sound of a tonewheel organ like this via preset buttons, drawbars, a rotary speed switch, and an expression pedal. To the left of each manual is an octave of preset keys (reverse colored).

Drawbars slide in and out and work like a blender. Each Drawbar controls a component of the overall sound. When a pull rod is fully extended, the volume of that component is at maximum; when it’s all the way in, it’s at zero.

Vibrato and chorus effects are built into a Hammond organ and are controlled by switches with selectable rotation speeds. There are also switches for harmonic percussion; When selected, it produces a decaying harmonic overtone when a key is pressed.

If that’s not enough, a Hammond typically has 25 bass pedals ranging from low C to middle C. Basslines with feet, rhythm, harmony and melody with both hands while continuously adjusting drawbars and switches.

The Hammond is one of the most difficult instruments to play physically. Some people compare playing a Hammond organ to driving a car, driving is easier but worth it.

6. Drums

Drums are on the same scale as piano or guitar in the sense that it’s not the hardest to start with. Once you start going beyond the basics, you’ll realize how difficult it is to master the drums.

When you start playing drums, the idea that you don’t have to think about pitch, scales, and harmonies like other musicians do will seem like a blessing. But drummers have other responsibilities, like keeping time and tempo for the whole band.

Every musician has to think about tempo, but when a drummer doesn’t have perfect timing and a consistent tempo, the consequences are far more severe. Musicians in a band rely on a good drummer to be their metronome.

Now let’s think about the rhythmic independence a drummer needs to have. Playing a simple beat and keeping a steady four beat with the hi-hat is easy, but what about polyrhythms?

Even in common measure (4/4), a drummer can have a different count in each limb. A typical polyrhythm is 3:4, meaning that a three-counter fits into a four-counter, with the one-counter always falling at the same time for both. A complex pattern might see this 3:4 polyrhythm with your feet and a 7:8 rhythm in your hands.

Drummers don’t try to count that while playing, their heads would explode. It’s a feeling that has developed over time and very hard work.

Dynamics play a big part in being a great drummer, and it’s a common misconception among newbies that drummers don’t have to play softly. Playing softly can be difficult on many instruments, but imagine you have a fast tempo and are controlling a strong kick pedal speed; it is not easy.

If you can overcome the rhythmic overload that comes with being a competent drummer, you’re doing well. However, you still have to deal with how physically demanding it is on your body. Go to a gig and watch a drummer play for two hours with very little intermission; It’s like a workout at the gym.

When fatigue sets in, timing, pace and momentum suffer. Persevere, build stamina and technique, and you’ll be the backbone of a great rhythm section.

7. Accordion

The accordion might not be on everyone’s list as one of the most difficult instruments to learn, but we can think of a few reasons to include it.

First, let’s look at the physical aspect of playing the accordion. It is unique in the way you have to hold it and move the bellows in and out.

The bellows supplies air, which allows the accordion to produce sounds. There are also air valves to release air silently. Airflow/pressure plays a big part in the sound you shape.

There are two types of accordions, button accordions and key accordions. Button accordions use only buttons to select notes, while key accordions use right-hand buttons and left-hand buttons. Whether keys or knobs, the right hand is for melodies.

In a way, keyboard accordions are easier to play, especially if you have some keyboard experience. On the left, the first two rows of keys are for bass notes and all others for creating harmonies. The keys are positioned chromatically, which means some guitar chord shapes translate well.

On some accordions, not all, the keys can produce different pitches depending on how you press them. There are some register switches which are basically presets that change the sound of the accordion.

Not only do you have to deal with the concept of each hand playing something that feels completely different, you also have to have perfect timing. The timing of the keys, knobs, and bellows must be in sync to produce the intended sound. The accordion is one of the most difficult instruments to learn.

Despite what you’ve just read, mastering these tools is worth the agony of learning, so don’t be put off.

The reality is that it takes a lot of hard work to become a professional musician no matter what you play. Even with an above-average natural talent, you still need to put in your time and dedication.

The beauty of studying music is that it’s more than education; It’s a lifestyle. Your instrument will become an extension of your personality and creativity, so learn it.

With the help of a harp, you can master harp more efficiently

Our private tutors share their expert knowledge to help you master each subject.

A messaging service is available for you to get in touch with the private tutors on our platform and discuss the details of your lessons.

Find your private tutor today.

If you want to be the best harpist you can be, at some point you have to own your instrument. This way you can invest as much practice time as you need, whenever you want. But here comes the million dollar question – how much do harps cost?

Due to the “exotic” and intricate nature of the harp, their prices tend to be high. This is especially true when you compare the prices of the harp to other instruments.

But before you hit the panic button, not all harps are insanely expensive. In other words, you can own a harp without breaking the bank or emptying your wallets. yes we said so Harps can vary greatly in prices and we will tell you all about it.

In this blog post you will learn everything you need to know about the cost of harps in the market today. In addition, we give you an insight into the various factors that can influence the prices of harps. But first, let’s share some of the benefits you’ll enjoy in owning your harp.

Benefits of Owning Your Harp

You can still hesitate to buy your harp for various reasons. But there are several advantages to having a harp to call your own when it matters most. Here are some of the benefits of buying a harp for yourself:

You have an easily accessible harp whenever you need to practice or work on a task.

You don’t have to worry about renting a harp.

It is more cost-effective because you save on rental costs in the long term.

You don’t have to queue for a harp in practice rooms or classrooms.

Finally, your harp will help you master the techniques of playing the harp faster. In other words, it shortens your learning curves!

Now that you know the benefits of owning a harp, let’s explore how much the instrument costs.

The Cost of Harps: Everything You Need to Know

Before we start talking about numbers, it may help to remember that buying a harp is an investment in your musical journey. That way, regardless of the prices you see in this article, you’ll have a good thought to keep you going. Don’t worry, there is a relatively affordable price for harps to suit every budget.

To help you better understand the cost of harps overall, we will break down the price range based on harp category. In other words, we would have three categories and their prices:

Beginner Harps: Average $300

Advanced Harps: Between $500 and $1500

Professional harps: $50,000 to $150,000

That way, whether you’re buying a harp to suit your current skill level or looking to upgrade, you’ll know where to look.

1) Price range and cost for beginner harps

For the most part, beginner harps are usually diatonic, meaning they only have one scale. Also, they usually have anywhere from just seven strings to 22 strings, making them perfect for beginners.

Understandably, most people do not want to incur such high costs when buying a beginner’s harp. It seems manufacturers have similar thoughts as well, since beginner’s harps are the most affordable models. You can own your beginner’s harp for just $100!

However, they are not always that cheap. Some beginner harps can cost upwards of $300.

Also, if you are in the market for beginner harps that are similar to classical harps, you will typically pay an average of $1000. But you don’t have to spend that much. A regular beginner’s harp is an excellent choice for the beginning harpist.

Some great options include the Roosebeck 8-string Lily Harp and the Royal 12-string Harp.

2) Price range and cost for medium harps

Some beginner harps at the higher end of the price spectrum can be ideal for harpists with more advanced skills. In that case, you should expect to spend between $500 and $1500 to acquire such a harp.

However, for the more complex harps, or even better the intermediate harps, the prices go much higher. The average price for a medium harp is around $3000. Most Celtic harps cost at least $1500 and can go up to $5000, maybe more.

If you’re looking to buy simplified versions of classical harps, expect to spend about the same amount. Some examples of such harps are Roosevelt’s 36-string Celtic harp and their 38-string lever-operated classical floor harp.

However, if you want a pedal-controlled intermediate harp instead, you usually have to pay more. A good mid-level classical pedal harp can easily cost $10,000 or more. But on the plus side they will have the standard 47 strings.

3) Price range and cost of professional harps

Now that can get very expensive. Some of them can even cost as much as the price of a home. Naturally, most people who buy this category of harp are very invested in their musical career.

The price of a professional harp ranges from $50,000 to $150,000 and beyond. So you see, they are very expensive indeed. But you will get your money’s worth in terms of the instrument’s workmanship, sound quality and even durability.

The average music store doesn’t carry professional harps because of their prices. So if you’re looking to purchase one, you’ll likely need to custom order one.

Factors affecting the prices of harps

Now that you have some insight into the cost of harps, you probably want to know why there are such disparities between the prices of each category. Well, we’ll tell you – the wide range in harp prices is due to several influencing factors. Read on to find out what they are.

type of harp

They are generally of two types of harp based on their control mechanism – lever and pedal harps.

Pedal harps have seven (one per note) built-in pedals that can add two semitones to each string. In addition, they are fully chromatic. On the other hand, horizontal harps use levers to raise their strings, but only by a semitone. Also, they are diatonic.

In terms of price, pedal harps are usually significantly more expensive than lever harps. Most experienced harpists prefer this type of harp. However, lever harps tend to be less expensive and are ideal for learning to play the harp.

Therefore, depending on what type of harp you want, prices can vary widely.

size

Size is another factor that plays a crucial role in harp pricing. You see, harps come in different sizes and have different numbers of strings on their frames. Of course, the larger harps usually cost more than the smaller ones.

For example, a concert harp will be more expensive than the floor-sized lever harp. Because the concert harp is significantly larger.

Interestingly, two harps can be of different sizes and still have the same number of strings. It all boils down to the judgment of the designer or manufacturer. After all, every harp maker has their own formula for combining aesthetics, design and sound.

Nevertheless, the general rule applies: the larger a harp, the more expensive it can be.

quality of materials

A harp is only as good as the materials that make up its frame. It is therefore only understandable that the quality of the materials from which a harp is made can affect its prices. In general, the higher the quality of the wood used in a harp, the more expensive it becomes.

Good quality wood affects not only the aesthetic quality of the harp, but also its tone production and durability. So you can see why a harp made with top quality wood is usually more expensive.

With that in mind, the wood in professional harps is one of several reasons they cost so much. The wood for a professional harp results from careful expert selection and professional craftsmanship to achieve the best possible quality!

Components & Mechanisms

Harps go beyond the strings hanging from their frames. They also have complex components that are essential to their sound production. This is especially true for pedal and lever harps, which use special mechanisms to change their pitch.

Making such harps requires securing the time and services of experienced experts. This will no doubt be cheap. Because of this, some harps on the market are usually more expensive than others. Their prices are a sum of the resources that went into their manufacture.

number of strings

Finally, the number of strings on a harp can also affect its price. Some harps may only have eight strings on their frame, while others may have as many as the standard 47.

As a rule of thumb, the more strings a harp has, the more expensive it becomes.

Experts usually prefer harps with more strings because they allow them to play a wider range of music. Of course they are willing to shell out the money for their instrument. However, if you are a beginner, a harp with fewer strings is more advisable. They are more affordable, smaller and consequently more portable.

Conclusion

Hopefully we have helped you gain valuable insight into the cost of harps. Now you’re probably wondering which harp to buy. Well, it all comes down to your skill level, personal preferences and needs.

If you’re still undecided about buying a harp because of the cost, remember that a harp is an investment. In addition, a personal harp means you can play something whenever you want.

Who wouldn’t like that?