Happy New Year, 2021. 

I thought we would start out the year with a couple of basic tuning tips. One tuning challenge I see in my students is that they never seem to know if the string they are tuning has reached its desired pitch.

So, your first basic tuning tip: Continue to pluck the string you are tuning as you are turning the tuning pin. You can watch the screen on your tuner at the same time and, bingo! You will know when the string is ready to go.

Your second tip is useful when you need to quickly tune a string by ear. Comparing to the octave below or above the string you are tuning is a good technique for this. Always play the in-tune string first, followed by the string you are tuning. Continue to play the in-tune string while you are tuning and the sound of the in-tune string will stay in your ear.  

Give these techniques a try and let me know about your success!

Animals are Better than People

So, my husband Michael and his partner, Rick Luettke, have been hard at work with a wonderful short documentary. 

I wanted to share the link with you for your enjoyment.

https://youtu.be/-aeO78jImsQ

Earlier in the Summer, CHICAGO Magazine published a story about Lyon-Healy Harps. Included with the story is a little video tour of the Lyon-Healy Factory. I thought you might enjoy reading the story and watching the video, so here is the link! Enjoy!

The Chicago Harp that Rules the World

http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/May-2019/The-Chicago-Harp-That-Rules-the-World/

Good Morning from Northwest Ohio!

Before I start my day, I wanted to share something with you. Recently, I ran across this fun “My Creative Type” quiz by Adobe Create. It is really fun to participate and you will learn some fun things about yourself. Here is the link, enjoy!

https://mycreativetype.com/share/adventurer/

   So, last evening I played with the Macomb (Ohio) High School Band. The piece was Nocturne for Harp and Wind Ensemble by Clare Grundman. The band was up to the challenge and I really enjoyed working with them.

    This piece is totally play-able on lever harp!  My Lewis Creek HG-38 Pheonix was up to the challenge.  I did have to tune the harp to the key of Ab, but “Percy” quickly adapted.

  In my quest to use my lever harps, this experience was one for the books!  Keep it up, lever harp players!

P.S. We look forward to seeing you at The Harp Gathering!
www.HarpGathering.com

Good Evening from chilly Toledo, Ohio.
Currently, I'm working on entering a new composition into FINALE. Stay tuned for more news about that!  In the meantime, I must say that I am excited about Harp Gathering, 2018. .be sure to wander to www.harpgathering.com to stay tuned for the latest news...

I thought you might enjoy this photo of the harp ensemble from a past year.

There's Frank Voltz, conducting!

The Time You Have In Jelly Beans

Good Morning!


Today, a colleague of mine introduced me to this little You Tube video.


I thought it was an interesting perspective about time management and wanted to share.

Let me know your thoughts and have a Jelly Bean type of day!