Harp Matters

 Nervous?

      I was having a discussion with several of my harp students this week.  They each had a 'performance' of some sort coming up and asked me about calming your nerves before hand. Here are some of the tips we discussed.

        *  Be prepared.  Know your music inside and out. This might include memorizing it.

        *  Practice your music starting in different places. Do not always start at the beginning. This will actually help you know the music better and also teach you different starting places.

        *  Move your harp to another room, change the lighting, wear different shoes!

        *  Play for your friends. Tell them you are getting ready for a special event and you need different experiences playing for others.

        *  Remember to have fun. I do not tell people "good luck". It is about enjoying playing and sharing the music with others.

        *  One student told me "I play my piece just fine until Mr. Smith comes in to listen." So, when you are at your event, focus on your own space, just you and your harp. Do not put yourself across the room where Mr. Smith is, just stay in your own place.

I hope these tips are helpful to you. If you have some tips of your own, let me know and I will publish them in a future edition of my e - zine, HARP MATTERS.

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