Frequently Asked Harp Questions

How hard is it to learn to play the harp?
Am I too old to learn the harp?
What if I don't know how to read music?
What if I have no musical talent?
Do I have to tune my own harp?
What about harp strings?
How do I decide which harp to buy?
Why should I buy from the Sylvia Woods Harp Center?
Where can I find a teacher?
Can harp music be played on other instruments?
What are the parts of a harp called?

How hard is it to learn to play the harp?

Because of the beautiful sound of the harp, it is a very forgiving instrument for beginners. Just running your fingers over the strings sounds pleasing. Unlike some instruments, such as the violin, the harp sounds lovely even when you're playing "baby" pieces such as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." And so, learning the harp is a beautiful and joyful experience.

Of course, like any instrument, it does take time and practice to become proficient at the harp.

People who have piano background tend to pick up the harp quickly, since they are used to reading the two clefs and playing different things with each hand.

But piano background is not a pre-requisite for learning to play the harp. I've personally taught dozens of people with no previous musical training how to play the harp . . . and I've had hundreds of letters from others who have learned to play. If you want to play the harp . . . YOU CAN LEARN! Don't let anyone tell you that you're too old, or too musically deficient to play. I can't say it too many times: If you want to play the harp . . . YOU CAN LEARN! And you'll have a great time doing it! (If you don't believe me, read some of the Testimonials from our customers.)
top

Am I too old to learn the harp?

This is one of the questions I get asked most often. Many people think that if they didn't start playing the harp by the age of 7, there's no hope. Well, I suppose it is true that if you're 75 and just taking up the harp, the chances that you'll get a job with a major Philharmonic Orchestra are extremely slim (or non-existent). However, most people just want to play the harp FOR FUN and for their own PERSONAL ENJOYMENT. And so, YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN TO PLAY THE HARP.

My favorite story about this was a phone conversation I once had with a customer. She said that she had always wanted to play the harp (which is a sentence we hear every day), but that everyone told her she was too old. When I asked her how old she was, she said TWELVE! Boy, someone got to her really early to squash her dreams! I told her that she was definitely not too old, (I personally didn't start learning the harp until I was in college), and that she should follow her dream. The happy ending to this story is that her parents bought her a harp and she loves it!

I taught the harp for 15 years. And during that time, the AVERAGE age of my students was about 40. Yes, 40! And I have taught several students who were in their 90s when they started . . . and had never played any instruments before taking up the harp! So don't let ANYONE tell you that you are too old! You're just the perfect age!

If you're still skeptical, read some of our customers Testimonials written by people of all ages who are enjoying playing the harp.
top

What if I don't know how to read music?

Reading music is important for playing the harp. If you don't know how to read music, it is something that you can definitely learn. The Teach Yourself To Play The Folk Harp book starts with the assumption that you don't know anything about the harp or how to read music. It teaches you, step by step, everything you'll need to know. It begins with basic musical concepts, such as note values and names, and the treble clef. Once you get through Lesson 4 you should be proficient at reading the treble clef, and so you are introduced to the bass clef.

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't learn to read music. Just like learning the harp . . . if it is something you want to do . . . YOU CAN DO IT.

One handy hint is to buy our music flash cards, and carry them with you everywhere you go. This small deck of flash cards will assist you in learning to read the treble and bass clef notes. Whenever you have a few minutes (waiting for your kids to get out of school, sitting in the doctors office, or just on a break at work), go through your deck of flash cards. Each card shows a note on the staff on one side, and the name of the note on the other. There are cards for both the treble and bass clef notes, as well as cards for key signatures and note time values. Before you know it, you'll be reading music like a pro!

We also have a great Interactive Music Theory Software program that you can use on either a Windows or Mac computer.  It makes learning music reading FUN!
top

What if I have no musical talent?

During all my years of teaching, I have never found ANYONE who couldn't learn to play the harp if they really wanted to learn. As I've mentioned before: If you want to play the harp . . . YOU CAN LEARN! Don't let anyone tell you that you're too old, or too musically deficient to play. I will admit that some students learn much more quickly than others, and some play with more musicality than others . . . but that's the same as any other endeavor. The most important aspect of playing is "are you having fun and enjoying it"? If the answer is "YES!", then it doesn't matter if you're a virtuoso or a finger-tied beginner. If you love the harp, you'll love to play it.
top

Do I have to tune my own harp?

Yes, harps need to be tuned often . . . generally every time you sit down to play. However, due to the wonders of electronic tuners, you can easily learn to tune your harp. Even if you're tone deaf, or totally deaf, you can do it!

With a chromatic tuner, you can accurately tune your harp, or any other instrument. It is a great way to train your ear and become more proficient at tuning, since it will tell you when the note is exactly in tune. Every harp comes with a tuning key that you use to adjust each string. When you pluck a string with your finger, the electronic tuner will tell you whether that string is flat (too low in pitch), sharp (too high), or just right. You then use your tuning key to adjust the string until the tuner says that it is in tune.

Here at the Harp Center, where we have over 50 harps to keep in tune, we always use the Boss TU-12H Tuner, but our inexpensive Korg tuner works great, too!

Just a hint: ALL electronic tuners eat batteries if you leave them on. Always be sure to turn your tuner off when you're done!

The first time you try to tune your harp, it will take you quite a while. However, with practice, you'll be able to tune your harp in just a few minutes.

We also highly recommend that you use our Matrix Tuning Pick-Up with your electronic tuner. This plugs into the tuner, and then you attach the clip to your harp. This clip pick-up will make any electronic tuner work better.

By the way, these electronic tuners that we sell can be used with any instrument . . . they're not just for harps! They are also wonderful for instrumentalists who want to check their tuning and intonation.
top

What about harp strings?

All harps come fully strung. Usually when they are shipped, the strings are loosened a bit to lower the tension on the harp. So, when you get your harp, the strings will probably all be a bit flat (too low in pitch).

Harp strings break when they feel like it . . . often in the middle of the night when you're asleep. They are highly susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature. That's why we always suggest that you keep an extra set of strings for your harp. There's nothing worse than finally having some time to sit down to practice, and finding you're missing a crucial string . . . and you don't have a spare! That is why we give you a free set of strings with each Triplett or Dusty Strings Harp ordered!

You usually can't buy strings at your local music store . . . you will have to get them from us, or directly from the harpmaker. Every harp is strung differently, and it is extremely important that you put the correct strings on your harp. Using the wrong strings can void the warranty on your harp. (Broken strings are a common occurrence, and they are not included in any warranty.)

Strings are not returnable, so order carefully!

For more information on strings, and to place an order, check out Harp Strings section.
top

How do I decide which harp to buy?

The simplest answer to this question is that you should buy the harp with the most number of strings you can afford. However, this answer needs a lot of clarification. The following questions, answers, and resources can help you make your decision.

Do you want a Lever or a Pedal harp?

First, you need to decide whether you are interested in a lever harp (also called a folk harp, Celtic harp, Irish harp, or non-pedal harp), or whether you want a pedal harp (also called an orchestra harp or a concert harp). Here's some comparisons to help you decide.

Lever harps are more affordable, easier to transport, and easier to learn to play than the pedal harps. There is lots of music you can play on a lever harp, especially folk music (such as Celtic, Jewish, and music from many countries), some pop music, and some classical music. However, the repertoire is limited by the fact that the accidentals in the music (the sharps and flats) must be set by hand using the sharping levers. Therefore, not all music is playable on these harps. But as you'll see from the over 100 lever harp books featured in our catalog, there is a lot of music that you can play on a lever harp.

Pedal harps are a bit more of a challenge in many ways. They are more difficult to learn to play, are more awkward to transport, and cost more money. However, the extra effort is worth it if you're interested in playing a wide variety of pop, jazz, or classical music. If you want to play in an orchestra, a pedal harp is essential.

Many people, however, do end up playing both types of harps. Hundreds of pedal harpists are discovering the fun and portability of the lever harps. And folk harp players are appreciating the additional versatility of the pedal harps. So, be warned: you may end up owning more than one harp!

If you've decided on a lever harp then you should get a harp with the most number of strings you can afford. A harp with 34 or 36 strings (giving you 2 full octaves below middle C) is your best choice, because it will give you the full range you'll need to play any of the music we sell. If this is more than you want to spend, we recommend that you try to get at least 30 strings, which will give you enough range for much of our music.

The only exceptions to these rules are if you are interested in transporting your harp a lot. The Zephyr model by Triplett Harps and the Harpsicle by Tasty Harps are the only harps we sell that will fit under an airplane seat, or in the overhead bin. We don't recommend the Zephyr for beginners: due to its limited range and narrow string spacing it is easy to get bad habits if you learn on it. But if you already know how to play, and you fly a lot, this harp will keep your fingers in shape while you're away from home. The Harpsicle is easily affordable, portable, and great for beginners or players of all levels.

Other very portable harps are the Allegro, Ravenna 26, and FH-26 models by Dusty Strings. Although you generally can't carry them with you on the airplane, they are extremely easy to move around. We've sold lots of these harps to retired folks who travel the country in their motor home (it fits under the bed, or in the bathtub!), to grammar school kids who carry their harp back and forth to school every day, and to people who play for patients in hospitals, hospices, and convalescent homes. But remember, if you get a small harp for easy transport, you'll also want a bigger harp at home so you can play the full range of repertoire.

Once you've narrowed your decision down to a few models, give us a call and we can discuss their various advantages, and also their availability and delivery times.

If you've decided on a Pedal Harp then you'll want either a Lyon & Healy Harp, or a Salvi Harp. If portability and cost are a major factor in your decision, you might consider the 3/4 size Salvi Daphne or Lyon and Healy 85-P, our most affordable pedal harps.

For the full size pedal harps, there is a wide variety of styles to choose from. Some people like fancy harps with intricate carving and gold-leaf. Other people prefer a more classical or contemporary look. To help you make your decision, I suggest you call, write, or e-mail us at the Sylvia Woods Harp Center and request our pedal harp brochures with color photos and specifications on all of the pedal harps. Once you've narrowed your decision down to a few models, give us a call and we can discuss availability and delivery times.

Here are some other resources we sell that can help you to decide which harp will be best for you.

The Harps Nouveau: Introduction To Harps
by David Kolacny
This booklet is a valuable resource for anyone interested in finding out more about harps before taking the plunge and buying an instrument. It offers simple, and humorously illustrated, answers to the most commonly asked questions. It includes: "What is a harp?"; the basic harp parts; size; range; string spacing and tension; soundboard & body types; pedals; sharping levers; finding harps; and more. 16 page booklet.

Harp Demonstration CD
Are you wondering which harp you should buy? Do you wish you could hear what each harp sounds like? Sylvia has helped solve your dilemma with the HARP DEMONSTRATION CD from the Sylvia Woods Harp Center, featuring 14 of the harps we sell. Sylvia demonstrates the range of each harp by playing a glissando and an arpeggio from the bottom to the top. She then plays two pieces (Sheebeg Sheemore and Greensleeves) on each model so you can hear the differences in tone. For those of you who have never played the harp before, Sylvia plays a few pieces from the Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp book, so you can hear some of the pieces you'll be learning when you get your new harp. She then answers many of the most frequently asked questions about choosing, buying and learning to play the harp. Two pages of color photos of many of the harps are also included. This informative (and entertaining) CD is over 70 minutes long, and costs only $9.95. If you buy a harp from us, we will credit the $9.95 towards your harp purchase.
top

Why should I buy from the Sylvia Woods Harp Center?

Here are some of the reasons why you should buy your harp and other products from the Sylvia Woods Harp Center:

We have over 20 years of experience selling harps and harp related products. This is significantly longer than most people selling harps. We specialize in harps. We don't divide our time or energies selling banjos, guitars, or pianos. We just sell harps.

Every employee at the Sylvia Woods Harp Center is a harp player. We all have the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and help you in any way possible.

I personally select every item that we sell in our catalog, offering only the best in each category.
We stand behind everything that we sell, and offer a full money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.
We give a FREE extra set of strings (in addition to the strings that come on the harp) with each Dusty Strings, Triplett, or Wm. Rees harp that we sell.

We usually have over 80 harps in stock (the largest harp stock anywhere), and so we can usually ship your harp to you within a few days, instead of the months of waiting time you may encounter at other places.
We LOVE harps, and love to introduce new people to the joys of the harp!
top

Where can I find a teacher?

Harp lessons are very useful, and extremely important for beginning harp players. Even though my beginning book is called Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp, it is strongly recommended that you get lessons as soon as possible after you get your harp. I often hear from pianists who say I'll make it all the way through the "Teach Yourself" book, and then get a couple of lessons. This isn't a very good idea, because the chances are good that you've created (and reinforced) some bad habits on your own. The best time to get lessons is as soon as you get your harp, before you create bad habits.

We have lists of harp teachers throughout the country (and in some foreign countries) that are compiled by various harp societies. We'll be happy to help you find a teacher in your area. In general, harp teachers will not travel to you, you'll go to their house or studio for your lesson. Remember, harp teachers are not nearly as numerous as piano teachers, so you may have to travel a distance. But harp lessons are very important, and it is generally worth the drive. A normal schedule is to have a lesson every week, or every other week. However, if you live far away from your teacher, even just having periodic lessons every month or two can be extremely helpful.

If you cannot get to a teacher, I strongly suggest that you buy the video that goes along with the Teach Yourself To Play the Folk Harp book, and follow it, step by step. It can help you start with good harp habits that will make you a better player.
top

Can harp music be played on other instruments?

Even if you don't play the harp, you can still play the music in harp books. Harp music looks like piano music with treble and bass clefs. If you play a keyboard, read the music as written; just ignore the fingerings. If you play a melody instrument, play the melody line (or the top note). Many of the books I've written contain guitar chord symbols. I've heard from Irish bands who use the 40 O'Carolan Tunes and the Irish Dance Tunes books to play from in their gigs! Don't let the word harp scare you. Music is music!
top

What are the parts of a harp called?

top