Kick Start Introduction
Im not sure that this is what the forum is for but here goes. I thought I would introduce myself. I live in Australia and am 73 years old. As a youngster I use to “play” the harp, pucker and pick and very rudimentary, so a raw beginner. Members of my family, grandkids are taking music/instrument lessons of one sort or another, guitar, piano, and ukulele so I thought it fun to learn the harp that I have always loved and yearned to play well. Hope to jam along with them.
I started out by taking lessons with another very pleasant on line instructor but the more I learnt the more I wanted to be challenged with an ongoing progression to see how far I could progress, hence my signing up with David.
So in a short time I have progressed to thinking tongue blocking was impossible to using it now without too much thought but continue to exercise the technique with my Tongue Block trainer.
I started by jumping from lesson to lesson and confusing myself and have now settled to implementing the levels of achievement program and disciplining myself by setting up folders on my computer and only uploading the exercises that I have managed to progress to. I intend to submit my work for critique and assessment. This is a journey.
I practice at least an hour a day most days, working through the exercises that I have set myself. Once I have worked through those I work on progressing the study song Walk with Me and for fun I working on the chords study song I want you with me. Love it. In both cases I have got most of the songs worked out with the exception of a couple of measures in each that I struggle with.
When Im not training on the harp, I go through the section on the “Music Theory” and really enjoy that. Not having had any music training I find an understanding of the “language” of playing the harp helps with tuition and appreciation of what I am doing.
A bit long winded I am afraid but if there are any suggestions on how to improve my progress I would be happy to hear it.
A couple of suggestions as you progress. Make sure to invest in the Harp Ninja app for bending accuracy. Bending accuracy is where quite a few players are lacking. Also you'll need a way to record yourself. Listening to your practice will point you to where you can improve. Recording yourself is something every good harp player does. Lastly, buy the best harp that fits your budget. Cheap harps don't respond well enough for great technique. You'll find all of this in David's teaching I'm just highlighting it.
Many thanks for the suggestions/advice. I have Harpniga app and have purchased a mic so thats all in place. I have purchased the Special 20. It seems to have a good rap and I am enjoying them. I have the A,C and G so that should keep me busy. Again many thanks.
Being a beginner Im in no position to give advice but my own experience is that the sooner you start recording and listening to you own playing, including exercises the easier it becomes when you need to record for David. I have found it useful to listen to where i need to focus my practice, like tremolo and other articulation.
Other beginner may find this tip usefull.
Sound ike you're doing very well.
Just keep at it; your methodical approach is exactly what will pay of most ahndsomely.