WELCOME! Below you will find the links to your 4 recorded beginner harp lessons by me, Dr. Diane Schneider.
1. Before you take Lesson #1, don't forget to purchase "Fun From the First, Vol. 1" by Samuel Milligan (either download or paper version). Just a suggestion: it is only $10 on this site: https://www.harpconnection.com/store/search.php
To avoid blisters, I recommend beginners practice 20 to 30 minutes daily, or break up your practice in 10-minute increments. Spend at least 3-5 days of practice on each lesson. We are trying to build small-muscle strength and skill, and this takes time in the beginning, so be patient! Replay the lesson as often as you feel the need. Play along with me, then practice any "hard spots" 5-10 times or more, until you can play the measure smoothly.
If you have a specific question on practicing or technique, contact me at [email protected]. I'm here for you!
3. VERY IMPORTANT: BEFORE your 4th lesson, email me at [email protected] to book a time for your 5th lesson LIVE on ZOOM.
PLEASE remember to adopt "Beginner Mind" as you start harp. Have patience with yourself! Adults often feel they should be good at a new skill immediately. "I've raised 3 kids, I've been a college professor, I'm CEO of a company--I should be able to master this in a few lessons!!" More than one student has said to me, "I think I'll just need to take a few lessons, and I can do it myself from there."
But harp requires new ways to move your hands and fingers that you have never needed to before. It might feel awkward at first, so it takes more than "just a few lessons" to get it smooth. That's why we may still be considered beginners for the first 2-3 years of lessons. Everyone's progress is different: some beginners already play other instruments, some inherited musical genes, some practice a lot, and some hate to practice, so they don't! The moral is, Don't get discouraged--ENJOY THE JOURNEY! Love all of the beautiful sounds you are making, and realize that you are sending healing and loving vibrations out into a world that badly needs your music!