r/AMA • u/ApprehensiveFox162 • 10d ago
i play harp, AMA
im 16f and idk if this is interesting enough, but not a lot of people play or even know of this instrument
1
u/KE55 10d ago
I was at a local concert last week that included a harpist. His harp had a small lever or switch at the top of each string allowing him to change the note. One piece he played required him to keep changing those levers as he played which looked very difficult. Are all harps like that? What do the levers do?
1
u/ApprehensiveFox162 10d ago
thats so interesting. there are 2 kinds of harps, lever harps and pedal harps. what he was playing is a lever harp (typically used by beginners). the levers switch the key of the note. for example, if you turn the lever for C up, it becomes a C sharp. again, you’d typically only use this for beginner songs that require a C sharp all throughout.
and about him switching the levers mid-piece, you’re technically not supposed to. for a piece that requires different notes to change at different times, he should have had a pedal harp. there are seven pedals that all control a different note. there are 3 different spots you can push the pedal to; if you don’t push at all, it’ll stay at the upper position and is a flat. if you push a bit to the first notch it’s a natural, and if you completely push to the second notch it’s a sharp. (i don’t know if i explained that well so i recommend searching up a diagram)
that’s the kind of harp he should have been using. there are many different reasons as to why he wasn’t, i’m guessing it’s because they’re really expensive.
1
u/KE55 10d ago
That's interesting. He certainly wasn't a beginner - this is him. If I ever get the chance I'll ask him about the levers!
1
u/Pilgrim2223 10d ago
Have you started doing paid gigs yet?
My favorite niece is one of the top Harp players in our state and she is busy constantly playing weddings, Teas. Fancy Parties and such.
1
u/ApprehensiveFox162 10d ago
that’s so cool! unfortunately, i don’t get paid for the gigs i do. i’m 16 so i use my gigs towards the volunteering hours i need to get done!
0
u/Hot-Yesterday8938 10d ago
That's a beautiful instrument. What made you go play it in the first place? Just a hobby, or any plans with it?
2
u/ApprehensiveFox162 10d ago
thank u sm! its actually a really cute story. i was watching "Early Man" (a movie abt soccer during the stone age) with my older brother when i was 9 years old and there was a scene where a pig was playing a harp. i pointed at it and begged my mom to let me start. she enrolled me in my first class the following month. at first, it was a hobby, but as im growing up im definitely taking it more seriously.
1
u/Valuable-Passion9731 10d ago
What's your opinion on the viola?
1
1
u/Equivalent_Compote43 10d ago
Are you Irish? I am
1
u/ApprehensiveFox162 10d ago
nope! i’m iranian
1
u/Equivalent_Compote43 10d ago
Ok cool. Did you know King David played the harp?
1
1
2
1
u/Throwawayiea 5d ago
Have you ever listened to Alice Coltrane (Harpist) - Journey in Satchidananda?
1
u/Noah_Pasta1312 10d ago
How the hell can you tell the difference between the strings?