Harp Lesson
One-on-One Harp Course Goals
The course is designed for learners of all ages, including adults and children.
This course is tailored for students who have never played the harp, making it ideal for beginners.
After completing the 2-month foundational course, students can improvise and play basic pieces, such as simple folk songs or pop tunes.
The course offers customized learning content and pace, including playing posture, fingering techniques, basic sight-reading, and music theory knowledge.
Types of Harps
Harps are divided into two main categories: Pedal Harp and Lever Harp.
Harps commonly seen in orchestras or hotel banquet halls are usually Pedal Harps. They have 40 to 47 strings, with heights ranging from 170 to 190 cm, and use pedals to change keys.
Lever Harps have 20 to 40 strings, with heights ranging from less than 100 cm (Lap Harp, which adults can play on their lap) to about 160 cm (40-string harp). They are more affordable, with prices starting at a few thousand dollars and reaching up to around $40,000. Lever Harps do not have pedals and change keys using levers and manual adjustments.
Which Harp Should Beginners Choose?
Beginners typically choose a Lever Harp with fewer strings and a more affordable price, as its key-changing method is simpler and its body is lighter, making it easier for beginners to handle.
For ABRSM exams, Grades 1 to 2 do not differentiate between Lever Harp and Pedal Harp. From Grade 3 to Grade 8, exams are divided into Pedal Harp and Non-Pedal Harp (i.e., Lever Harp). This means Lever Harps can be used up to Grade 8 (ABRSM requires Lever Harps to have at least 34 strings for Grades 3 to 8).
Most students switch to a Pedal Harp after Grade 4 or 5, as its playing techniques are more comprehensive and challenging, but some students opt to continue with a Lever Harp up to Grade 8.
Is the Harp Course Only Suitable for Women?
Many people think the harp's beautiful tone and elegant appearance make it seem very feminine. However, the harp is suitable for students of all genders.
There are many male harpists internationally, often with tall builds and longer hands, giving them an advantage when playing music with wider intervals compared to female players.
How Long Does a Harp Last? Is It Hard to Maintain?
With proper use, a harp can last a very long time. Maintenance only requires attention to the following points:
- Avoid exposure to sunlight, rain, extreme temperature changes, or impacts.
- The body (wooden parts) can be polished with harp oil and a soft, dry cloth to keep it shiny and clean.
- Strings, especially gut and nylon strings, are consumables and may break easily if misused or in high-temperature, high-humidity environments; keep a spare set of strings on hand.
- If a fault occurs that cannot be easily fixed, consult a professional technician for repairs.
- The harp should be tuned regularly to maintain sound quality; tuning is simpler than a piano, and most people can tune their own harp.
Harp Instructor Qualifications
Miss Celia Lau graduated from the Music Department of the Education University of Hong Kong and became Hong Kong's first certified harp therapist in 2020.
She began learning piano at age 4 and currently studies under the renowned Italian maestro Paolo Vario. Since 2007, she has been teaching piano and music theory.
She actively performs on piano and harp at various malls, religious events, charity events, and private functions in Hong Kong. She also studied piano performance at an Italian music academy and performed publicly there.
She has studied three major music teaching methods and piano pedagogy and has experience with instruments such as the violin, vocals, guzheng, guitar, and ukulele.
One-on-One Harp Course Syllabus (Aligned with ABRSM Requirements)
This course is designed for beginners, aligned with ABRSM beginner requirements (Debut/Grade 1), covering the following topics:
- Music Fundamentals and Theory: Understanding the staff, rhythm, and note values
- Harp Structure and Posture: Learning correct playing posture and hand positioning
- Basic Fingering Techniques: Practicing fundamental fingering and scales
- Sight-Reading: Practicing simple melodies
- Aural Training: Basic pitch and rhythm recognition
- Repertoire Preparation: Learning ABRSM Grade 1 level simple harp pieces
- Performance Techniques: Coordinating left and right hands and practicing improvisation
- Tuning and Maintenance: Learning harp tuning techniques and daily care
Fee Details
| Level | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut Certificate | $150 | $200 | $260 |
| Grade 1 | $160 | $210 | $270 |
| Grade 2 | $170 | $220 | $280 |
| Grade 3 | / | $230 | $290 |
| Grade 4 | / | $240 | $300 |
| Grade 5 | / | $250 | $310 |
| Grade 6 | / | $260 | $320 |
| Grade 7 | / | $270 | $330 |
| Grade 8 | / | $280 | $340 |
| Diploma | / | / | $400 |
Course Terms
- This course does not offer make-up lessons. Lessons must be completed within the valid period and will not be rescheduled based on individual requests.
- The course content will not be altered or customized based on individual student requests.
- This course is non-refundable. Once payment is made, the system will reserve your spot. Please review the syllabus before enrolling.
- The course fee cannot be used to purchase other products or courses.
- The course syllabus may be slightly adjusted based on the student's progress.
- These terms are clearly displayed before enrollment; enrolling implies agreement to the above terms.