Author Archives: Jen

Ireland 2023

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Well, I’ve had an incredible summer with loads of excellent harping and wonderful travels! I’m finishing up in Ireland which sort of brings them together! But only sort of because it’s a beautiful country with loads to see and do and I had great travel companions in my cousins who have been many times! Since technically I’m still on travel (I’m sending this from Ireland!), I just wanted to share some of my photos with you! I’d love to hear what you like best (or what I missed!).  Here’s some of the fun stuff I’ve been seeing:

I’ve been studying Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic) and many things gave been easy to read. But someti.es the words are nothing alike!

First stop (sort of) Book of Kells – 😲. This was worth every accolade you have heard!

Apparently,  I can also find harps everywhere:

And where do you find books? In a library! In this case, the library at Trinity College – where the Trinity Harp is housed. After the fire at Notre Dame (in Paris) many historic properties are reviewing their fire plans and restoring with an eye to preventing loss – so the books have been removed…but the harp is still there!

Apparently,  I can also find harps everywhere (but then i forget to photograph them!). Here’s another, random find.

And on occasion, you open a door and see the unexpected –

In restaurants

And on this poster

On street corners

And in person! Totally randomly, we ran into Lynne Saoirse at Kylemore Abbey where she performed in the Gothic Chapel. It was wonderful to see her again and to hear her play!

We did a little family history research. We really enjoyed the EPIC museum which included some interesting (and interactive) exhibits.

It was epic, for sure

Unsurprisingly, the Titanic Experience was captivating.

But I really enjoyed the manhole covers in Belfast

We had a fantastic trip. If you want to know more (or see more photos) let me know in the comments!

 

(PS I’m still on the phone so please forgive typos, weird formatting,  etc. It looked fine from here)

 

 

 

A Wonderful Week of Teaching in the Mountains

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Massanetta

I have been enjoying my second year teaching in the mountains at Massanetta Springs, VA at the Church Music and Bible Conference.  This year’s theme, “Instruments of Peace” was certainly appealing and the students were incredible. I was so pleased to have two return (always gratifying when someone knows what they are getting into and chooses to spend time learning with you!) and having a new (to me) person join us.

They were great – again willing to try new things and being so gracious with their time and experience. I cannot adequately express how much I enjoyed the time with them!

Here are a few photos from my week – what a beautiful place! As usual, I didn’t take as many as I should, but I’m happy to share that I did better than usual! 😆

Preparing to play the prelude for the Tuesday worship service. Why yes, they did perform well at the end of Day 2! I was so proud for them.

I l-o-v-e labyrinths! This little jewel is in the woods and doesn’t seem to get a lot of traffic but it was perfect for me and my harpsicle!

1. I was so glad to be be invited to return to Massanetta Springs to teach this summer. 2. I remain terrible at selfies!

Another stalwart heart enduring an impromptu “come and try” – I’ll grab anyone who looks twice and encourage them to give it a go!

Oh, come on – its summer! A little ice cream is good for you. And besides, you can’t play the harp all day!

Both of these lovely people came again this summer – I was delighted to see them!

This is from an “offical” come and try. I loved the enthusiasm of the kids and the joyfulness of the adults – especially here where they shared the harp for a Pentatonic Improvisation (Thank you Marianna and Kris for forcing me to learn this all those years ago!)

I hope youre having as much fun this summer as I am!  What have you been up to? Let me know in the comments (and if you have a photo to share, let me know and I’ll make it work!

 

PS – due to (irritating and boring) logistics issues (mostly driven by my travel schedule) I’m still on my phone so please forgive any formatting and spelling blurps you might find).

Summer Doldrums…. I’m Bored!

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Summer Doldrums…. I’m bored!

It’s the middle of the summer.  Where I live the summer took forever to start.  But once it did start, it came with a vengeance.  So, we were suckered into thinking we would have the kind of summer that was pleasant and easy.  But it’s not.  And that leads to hanging around inside, in the air conditioning, avoiding the 3H weather (hazy, hot, and humid) that comes with living in a reformed swamp. 

When this happens, it’s easy to start to feel stifled and bored. So what should we musicians, artists that we are, be doing about being bored? 

Here are a few ideas.

  • Acknowledge that the weather (and our desire for creature comfort) are stifling and making us a tad cranky.
  • Identify some tasks or activities you’d like to do.
  • Note that these tasks and activities will pull us away from the harp.
  • Be ok with that.  After all, the doldrums don’t actually last that long and shortly you’ll be back to it, preparing for the autumn.

What would those tasks look like?

     1. Do some “meaningful tasks”.  This is a good time to make a list of the holiday music you’d like to start when the autumn comes.  You can make sure you have good sources so that when you’re ready, you’ll be ready.

    2. Do some harp maintenance.  Does your harp need regulation? You could do that now (or cause it to be done).  Sort through your strings and make sure you have a full set of spares.  Update your string chart.  Clear out the pocket of your case. You know, house keeping-y stuff that needs done but is easy to put off.

     3. Play some music games.  Whether it’s Rhythm Bingo or Crazy 8ths, have a little silly fun that is still edifying.  Don’t have those on hand?  Look online for fun music activity games.  Try Eurythmics in your pajamas. Laugh a little.

     4.  Go do a good deed. Go to a local care home and put on a performance.  Everyone descends on them at the holidays, but are less likely to go during summer, so they might enjoy some entertainment in the boring part of their own summer doldrums.

     5. Do a different art. Make a craft, paint, draw, make a video, write poetry.  It doesn’t matter.  What does matter is that a little creativity will go a long way to supporting your harp playing!

There are so many things you can do to weather the summer weather!  Give yourself permission to do something different.  Give yourself a break and come back to your harp refreshed and ready to go!  What will you be doing during the doldrums?  Let me know in the comments!

 

My new favorite thing

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My new favorite thing

Having a seat at just the right height is so important to being able to play comfortably, healthfully, and safely.  But it is equally important that the seat be comfortable enough to sit for as long as you need to be sitting at your harp.  And you need to be the right distance from the ground so that your legs and knees are comfortable at 90o angles.  You also need to have a seat that is lightweight enough to move, not only around the space behind the harp but also into and out of the car and wherever else you need to bring your harp and play. 

That’s kind of a tall order.  I have had an X bench since I started playing but they don’t seem to make that anymore.  It is perfect – the right height, relatively light weight and I have a carrying case so it’s easy to bring to gigs and workshops.

But when I have a lot of stuff to carry (like when I go to Ohio Scottish Arts School) it becomes a little bit of a liability.  A lot of other people have a bench that looks like mine so it could be easy to lose.  And it isn’t small (even when collapsed).  And if I have to carry my harp around the building (to move from room to room to teach or to join a session) then the bench is harder to bring along (and requires multiple trips).

So, as perfect as the bench is, it started to be not quite as perfect as I would like.  I was looking for another solution that was easier to carry and provided more flexible seat heights.

I found one! (yea amazon) I found a collapsible camping stool that can go from 2.3  to 17.75 inches high, weighs a little more than 2½ pounds, supports up to 400 pounds, comes in colors, and is less than $30.  When fully collapsed, it fits in the pocket of my harp case.  You can even get a cushion.  I sit on mine for a long time on teaching days and while you won’t find them in luxury seating, they do the trick and are relatively comfortable for gigs or competitions – or even long teaching days.   There are many versions available, but this is the one I got (I can’t vouch for the others):

https://www.amazon.com/Boreeman-Upgraded-Lightweight-Collapsible-Retractable/dp/B083945P76?pd_rd_w=HqvBr&content-id=amzn1.sym.c15e5526-d433-4ac0-a393-a3f3f7218fab&pf_rd_p=c15e5526-d433-4ac0-a393-a3f3f7218fab&pf_rd_r=RRPFB98B0MEEH0G6K87Y&pd_rd_wg=kYTWQ&pd_rd_r=1be9a080-1a1d-4e1c-bc30-94e7818abcb1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_116_t&th=1

(Because someplaces have laws: Nope, no affiliate link, just a link. I’m sharing what I know.  This is my opinion; I’m not compensated for sharing it. But I did want you to know what I found). 

If you get one, let me know what you think – I’d love to hear about your experience!

How long should it take?

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How long should it take?

I’m sure you’ve heard (or said), “How long should it take to learn this tune?”  It reminds me of a joke my dad used to tell –

How far does a bear go into the woods?

Halfway, then it’s going out again.

Because each tune takes exactly as long to learn as it needs, and no more.  After that, you’re building and polishing and performing. 

Of course, the other answer is that a tune is never learned because the more you play it, the more you find in it.  And the more you find in it, the more you need to adjust.  It’s always evolving and never finished.

Either way, there is no pat answer:

Some tunes are harder to work than others. Some tunes just fit in your hands. 

Some tunes go right in your ears and settle in (like a dog turning around and then plopping down on the rug) while others are twisty-turny and hearing the patterns escapes you the first 1000 times you listen to them.

Some tunes grab you by the shoulders and demand you play them while others are “nice” (read – meh).   

So, if you think you should have already learned the tune – what’s really driving that question?

  • Are you comparing yourself to someone else?  Only you can be you, and you’ll get it when you get it.
  • Are you pretending to practice (or lying to yourself about how much you’re actually practicing)? Each tune needs to have its own fullness – again some will be easy and leap right into your hands.  Others will fight you at every turn but only spending time with them (practice) will get them in you.
  • Are you expecting the tune to just leap into you? No tune will do that (some will seem like they do, but that’s just an illusion).
  • Are you not allowing yourself to learn the tune? We are always in such a rush to play the tunes that we don’t always give ourselves enough time to actually learn the tune before we start trying to mash a harmony in while also jumping up the tempo.  Slow and steady wins the (non-existent) race so take your time, actually learn the tune so that it won’t fall apart when you add the harmony.  And be honest – if the melody crumbles when you introduce harmony, it’s too soon!  And it doesn’t matter who you are, if you’re not ready to play the tune, you’re not ready.  NEVER FORGET THE MELODY IS WHAT MATTERS!  The harmony is always second (comparatively).
  • Are you sure you have actually spent a lot of time on the tune already?  I often find that I think I’ve been working f-o-r-e-v-e-r but when I check my practice journal, I find that usually it’s only been a day! It just feels like it’s been forever, but I haven’t even scratched the surface yet – talk about unreasonable!

So, the next time you find yourself thinking “I should have learned this already” – just stop.  Pay attention to why you feel that way.  Recalibrate yourself…and go work on it some more!  You will get it – eventually.  In your own time.

Do you find yourself thinking that you should have already learned your music?  Do you do this occasionally or with every tune?  Do any of these suggestions help?  Let me know in the comments!

OSAS 45th Anniversary

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OSAS has started for the 45th year!  It’s a very exciting time and I’m thrilled some of you are here! It is such a pleasure to be teaching with Corrina Hewat, Haley Hewitt, and Allison Miller! And it might go without saying what a privilege it is to teach such fun, motivated, engaged and engaging students!

As usual, I have taken no photos, but Therese Honey has graciously shared some she took today.  Now to be fair, we’ve only been at it for one day, so maybe I’ll have more later.  But you know me – I’d rather be playing and laughing then taking pictures  – so maybe not.

Here are the classes – and we’re just getting started!

OSAS 2023 Novices

The Novices might be small, but they are mighty!

OSAS 2023 Apprentices

Apprentices take on the tunes…

OSAS 2023 Jounrneymen

Journeymen are expanding their horizons….and their repertoires.

 

OSAS 2023 Master Class

Masters are always ready to take on another tune!

OSAS 2023 Teahers

It is not possible to ask for a better group of people to teach with.

I am so very lucky to do this work.  If you are even slightly waffling about coming next year – just do! 

 

Keeping Track

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I know you’ve all had “that week”. The one where a  seemingly small thing throws a gorilla wrench into the works.  I’d say monkey wrench,  but the outcome is outsized and puts a crimp in your plans.

So this week, although I had planned a lovely and informative discussion about thinking, my laptop died on me. And frankly, while I’m grateful you’re reading, I’m not inclined to write that many words from my phone. So, we’ll table that discussion for now and instead, I’ll pass along something I can easily do with my (opposable) thumbs!🫱🫲

It is now summer, officially.  We’ve passed meteorological summer, Memorial Day and here’s the Solstice.

I know summer is busy and fun and it’s easy to forget, “Did I practice today?” And in fact sometimes it becomes, “Did I touch my harp this week?”

So, my thumbs and I are pleased to present you with a fun Practice Tracker for the summer.  Just click on the picture below and print it. 

Each day you play or practice,  color in a leaf.  It’s that easy!

I hope this makes you smile, and leads you to intend to practice.  At the end of the summer, I hope you’ll have leafed through it and found success (get it?).

I’m planning to start at the bottom and as I get closer to autumn, I’ll let the leaves start to turn color.  Hope you’ll join me! Let me know in the comments.

When your enthusiasm runs away with your brain

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When your enthusiasm runs away with your brain

One of the best things my students bring to our time together is enthusiasm. They clearly are interested and invested in making music.  They don’t all have the same motivations, but they each bring a big bucket of energy!

Let’s start by saying that I am supremely fortunate to be in that sweet spot of having a wide diversity of students – all of whom I really enjoy and look forward to seeing!  Not everyone (including me) gets that all the time.  It really does make teaching a joy and I am ever so grateful for it!

Energy is essential.  It is also necessary – but it is not sufficient!  To meet sufficiency, we have to add a little bit of focus.  And some fundamentals. *

I know you’re excited to play.  Of course you are – because – it’s a harp!  Who wouldn’t want to do that?!

But let’s look at that sentence – you want to play the harp.  Don’t be fooled by the word “play”, because while it’s fun and captivating, we know it’s not just play. We play based on our work on the fundamental elements of performing.

These basic elements of interacting with our instrument are so important not only for the music but also for ourselves.  Good technique means we will be able to play easily and pain-free for as long as we like.  Good musicianship means we will be able to participate in the music (and the wide world of music) comfortably and successfully. 

It all starts with technique and continues through listening, hearing, feedback, focus, and thinking.**  But the physical act of pulling sound from the harp starts with technique – learning the details of coaxing out music, not just noise.

I know you want to get straight to it.  I know you want to play.  I know you want to bring forth what’s in your head.  And the music in your heart.

But here’s what I want.  I want you to not struggle.  I want you to get where you have set your sights – and farther.  I want you to play forever (or at least as long as you want to).  I want you to succeed.

The shortest path to where you want to go is to get that stuff you need to know into your head, into your hands, into your heart.  Believe me – the music will be there when you’re ready.  And when you are ready, the music will flow.  Sadly, there are no shortcuts (don’t ask me how I know this). 

Your enthusiasm will certainly help you – but don’t let it run away with your brain.  First we work, then we play.

What do you think? Do you let your enthusiasm run away with you (and run from doing what needs to be done)?  Let me know in the comments!

* If you think I’m talking specifically about you – I’m not, but you should probably hear what I’m saying.

** Yes, of course there’s more but I’m trying to keep this short!

Do you HAVE TO practice?

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Do you HAVE TO practice?

Nope, that’s not what I mean.  Of course you NEED TO practice to maintain your current level of play, to keep your tunes in your head and in your hands, and to continue to grow.  After all, playing an instrument is a complex task that requires a great deal of memory.  So, yes, you NEED TO practice.

But that’s not the question.  The question is, do you HAVE to practice?

And the answer to that is question is…

 no

You don’t HAVE TO practice.

You GET TO practice!

You have the rare privilege to have daily harp performances in your living room – DAILY!  And you don’t even have to buy a ticket! What a deal!

Yes, practicing is an obligation – but it’s an obligation you have set for yourself.  You have a block of time already set aside by you, for you.  A lot of people have the intention of doing something for themselves, but you have already made that commitment.  And each day that you practice, you GET TO benefit from that commitment.

And that GET TO probably leaves you grateful to yourself for making that time for you. 

GET TO is a choice that you make (just like HAVE TO is).  GET TO is a mindset you select.  Just like you select what to practice, you can select your mindset going in.  When you GET TO experience the practice you NEED, your growth will HAVE TO show! 

What is your mindset?  Do you define your time at the harp as something you GET TO do?  Or does it still feel like something you HAVE TO do? Let me know how you see it – in the comments!