The Dr. Is In

Posted on by

Dr. Seuss is quoted as saying,

“It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.”

What a great way to look at playing. We have to remember that even when we play our best, we can only play our best for this day…and tomorrow will be another, different day on which we may play very differently.

Which means that each day, when we work at playing, we have the opportunity to play well, or to learn from our playing or both. We also can learn so much that may (or may not) be directly tied to our harp playing.

Some days it feels like you aren’t getting anywhere. Other days, you make so much progress you wonder why you ever doubted. And, of course, you have a day each time you practice. So why is it that you only remember the days in which you had trouble? You only recall the “bad” days!Picture1To avoid falling down in the dumps about these bad days, keep a log. Each day write down what you did, what when right, what gave you some difficulty. You might want to develop a scheme for finding the good days (color the top corner green, fold the page over on the diagonal, keep good days at the front right side up and bad days at the back upside down) so you can remind yourself that you’re doing a great job and what you continue to struggle with.

Because you know that there will always be some things that are a struggle…but they don’t define you! Just keep in mind what the good Dr. said.

Improvisation

Posted on by

No, don’t think, “Oh bother, I’m not reading this!”.  Bear with me.  Up until not too long ago, I thought improvisation was something my teacher thought up to make my life hell, I thought she just didn’t like me (ok, not really). But, every time the word “improvisation” was uttered, I could see it, hanging in the air like a cloud of smoke over a frying pan – smelling slightly bad and not improving my disposition.

I know now that my fear was unfounded but not baseless. I no longer quake in my boots at the thought of ripping out an improv…but that’s only because I have spent some time on some important fundamentals. Learn those fundamentals and you’ll be well on your way to comfortably filling the time between tunes, when you can’t think of anything to play, or just when your mind is blank.

Start with riff. A riff is a short pattern or phrase (melodic, rhythmic, both) that is repeated. Remember that the “re” in repeated means over and over and over and over…..I suggest keeping it simple – especially when you’re just beginning. You can do this!!

Picture1Here are four things to get you started:

  1. Start with a simple pattern – and I mean s-i-m-p-l-e! This is not the time to channel your inner JSBach! Three notes is all you need to start. Starting simple means that your brain doesn’t have to work hard just to keep the pattern going. You want something so easy you can do it without thinking – literally.
  2. Noodle around the pattern – this is the stone soup method of composing on the fly.  To your well established simple pattern, add stuff.  Try adding the root note, then try out the other notes in the triad, maybe give the 4th, the 6th, or the 7th a go and see what you like. Remember that tunes are made of the patterns, pitches, and SILENCES so you can add those too – use all the colors on your palette!
  3. Don’t forget your theory – it will help you make choices faster with less hunting and pecking. All that adding stuff is easier if you don’t have to muscle through it (you don’t have to have studied your theory but it helps to know ahead of time what sort of effect you’ll get with the 3rd as opposed to what happens when you use the 4th (for instance)).
  4. Practice – improv doesn’t just happen from the stage – all that nonchalance comes from hours of practice! The jazz greats (what most people think of when you say improv) know their music cold (like you will if you practice your 3 note riff) so they could select a pattern and build a riff on it. You have to practice doing improvisation! Don’t expect that sort of creativity to just jump into your head or into your hands – it takes work.

Start doing a little gentle improve in the safety of your practice space – just spend 5 minutes of each practice session seeing what happens if you suspend disbelieve and give it a try. If I can do it, you can too!

Time to tune up

Posted on by

In the summer, there are so many camps, workshops, programs and they all suggest that you start early to get your fingers toughened up because you’ll be playing more than you usually do.

GREAT SUGGESTION!

But what does that mean? How can you get ready for these events? Here are seven ways to tune up for a workshop so you can get as much out of the last session as the first: Picture1

  1. Make a schedule – you know you have a finite amount of time to prepare, so plan to use it – each day increase your time on the bench a little (add no more than 10% each week – just like running).  A small increase allows you to build up without adding too much at once, which will help you stay on track). Be sure in also increase the number of times each day that you sit at your harp – the workshop might be 8 hours a day but that won’t all be on your bench so you might want to practice sitting to your harp 3 times a day rather than one really long stretch!
  2. Work your plan – it’s all well and good to make a plan but then you have to actually use it! Be sure that you actually do the things you set up in your plan
  3. Be realistic – if you never have time to practice on Sundays (for example) – build that into your plan, don’t think that suddenly the time will appear. This is especially true if you are working around your current schedule – if you only have 30 minutes a day to practice, do not think that suddenly you will find 3 hours a day to practice.  However, if you are so strapped for time that you can only practice for 30 minutes a day – know that you will need to modify what you expect to get out of each day of the workshop.
  4. Remember your braces: when you had braces, you didn’t expect all the movement at once – it was gentle progress you were after – same thing here – gentle positive progress will not only allow you to feel better about your work but will result in a noticeable benefit.
  5. Warm up – this is not the time to skimp on the fundamentals – do plan to spend a little time warming up (and when you get to your workshop, don’t forget to do this!)
  6. Stretch – just as you know that a good warm up is essential to avoiding injury, a good stretch at the end of your time at your harp is also important while you are increasing your time on the bench. And when you are at your workshop, stretching will also be important – you will be working hard.  In addition, workshop participants are often a little stressed (concentrating, wanting to “do well” (whatever that means – everyone is learning!), trying to learn a lot in a little time with the tutor all add to your stress).
  7. Journal – keep a record of what you are doing and how it is going – while this is always a good idea, it’s especially important when you are trying to prepare.

Summer workshops, camps, and other events are a great way to learn, meet new friends, catch up with old friends and really expand your harping – be sure you are ready to make the most of the event!

Harpa 2015 – We’re back!

Posted on by

Well, Harpa 2015 Scotland is in the books and the general consensus is that it was a great trip!  We had a fantastic time.  All the wonderful Harpaniks made the trip so much fun.  And of course, David, our tour guide and Heather, our Roadie did a fantastic job – they really made the trip.

If you haven’t already, check out our photos and commentary at Harpa 2015 on Facebook

Photo by Jack Kolle

Photo by Jack Kolle

You’re probably kicking yourself at this point – yes, you should have joined us and been part of the fun.  But fear not, we have already started planning the next one.

And of course, in 2016 we’ll be doing a Harp the Highlands and Islands Tour – so watch this space with details to come soon.

Excitement is building!

Posted on by

I am very excited to be departing for Harpa 2015 – Scotland!  I will be in the impressive company of 14 other delightful people and I can’t wait to get on the road! I’m throwing the last few things into my luggage, nestling my harp into its travel case and preparing to depart.

We’ll post some from the road – but remember we’re on vacation so we’ll post when we can and what we’ve got – and we’ll look forward to telling you about it when we get back!

Sometimes you just want to control the clock

Posted on by

I never did get to post last week.  It was one of those weeks that was just too full. Something had to give.

Last week, I chose to practice. Just like everyday, I specifically allotted time to spend at my harp.

Because the week was busy, I had to chivvy time out of other places to get things accomplished.

I chose to practice. Or more accurately, I protected the practice time and let other things slide.

Picture1I chose to not let practice get shifted off the schedule.  I cut back on other things – sleep got short shrift too, and I didn’t write to you.

I’m happy with my choice.  I’m equally happy that I consciously put practicing on the front burner.

Hopefully the coming weeks will be calmer and more controlled! And I hope when presented with the options, you chose to practice too!

Southern Maryland Celtic Festival Harp Competition – this weekend!

Posted on by

Come join us at the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival Saturday, 25th April. Rain or shine, we’ll be in the Breckenridge building (that’s right – no tent or lean-to for us – we’re in a real building with walls and ceilings!)

Our judge this year is the fabulous Sharon Knowles, a Scottish Harp Society of America Distinguished Judge – we are so fortunate to have her! Sharon will also be teaching a workshop – so even if you’re not inclined to compete, bring your harp along anyway and learn a new tune. In addition, we’ll have a Harp Circle so please join us for that as well. And if you’ve got your harp there anyway, you could also stay for the Ceilidh at the end of the day!

Picture1Remember if you are planning to compete, buy a Harp Competition ticket. You can get there either by going to the Harp page of the Celtic Society of Southern Maryland (CSSM) website  (http://www.cssm.org/events/festival/competitions/highland-harping/) or from the general ticket page (http://www.cssm.org/tickets/) and be certain to click on the Harp Competition button). If you have fans (friends, family) coming they can buy regular tickets

And if you’re coming with your harp but not competing, buy a regular ticket (there is no price difference). If you’re not sure, buy a competition entry ticket and we’ll sort it out on the day.

Arrival registration will start at 0930 and the competition will begin at 1000.

Don’t forget you’ll need to download, complete, and bring the signed Hold Harmless as well. Once at the competition, we’ll assure that your SHSA membership is up to date (remember that it will be $18 for the calendar year, check payable to SHSA is a great idea!). Rules state that the first to register is last to play in each category, so get online and get registered!

Weather is predicted to be fine and cool – if you have questions, you know how to get ahold of me – just ask! I’ll look forward to seeing you there!

Summer’s a’comin’ in

Posted on by

While it’s all well and good to be planning, dreaming and thinking about the upcoming opportunities that summer brings, you’ve got to be ready before it gets here!

I think the “workout to look good in your bikini” stories and catalog layouts are a good point in time to start preparing yourself so you can be ready for all the fun that summer workshops bring. But “what could you possible do to prepare to have fun?” you might ask. The best answer is, “Plenty!”

Here are five things you can do to be sure you’re ready to focus on learning instead of focusing on how you don’t feel well: Picture1

  1. Start doing legwork – spend an appropriate amount of your practice time working on the things you need to work on – scales, chords, transitions, speed, agility, sight reading – whatever “legwork” you need to have in your head and in your hands so you’re ready to learn and don’t have to be watching the basics.
  2. Build your stamina – most of us don’t have the luxury of spending an entire day at our harps – which also means me probably don’t have the stamina to be at our harps all day. Start early from where you are with practicing and SLOWLY build up to a much longer time on the bench. Practice sitting, upright, in good alignment and with your harp.
  3. Build your strength – most of us don’t get to spend a long time playing so while building up your stamina, play gently to allow your fingers to build strength (and to toughen up those callouses) so you have the tolerance to spend all that time not just sitting at your harp but also playing it.
  4. The best beginning comes out of a good ending – start mindfully stretching after each practice. Build in time in your schedule and in your thinking to actively stretch yourself after sitting and working hard at your harp. Be sure to work all the areas you exercised including your neck, shoulders, legs and glutes – and don’t forget your arms and fingers!
  5. Thimk – be sure to spend some of each practice time practicing practicing. Build within yourself good habits that allow you to spend your workshop time actually learning something. Spend this pre-workshop time identifying what you need help with so you can ask questions of the workshop tutors and be aware of your strengths and weaknesses so you can build from what you learn.

Being prepared for the arduous work of having fun will help you have a more enjoyable time and will assure that your time and money were well spent on the workshop you chose!

The Swannanoa Gathering – Guest blog!

Posted on by

I can’t possibly get to every harp event and there are a few that are on my, “one of these days, I’m going to get to …..” list.  Swannanoa Gathering is one of those events so I asked Mike Connors to tell you about it –

Mike 1The Swannanoa Gathering Celtic Week July 12-18, at Warren Wilson College nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville NC is an unsurpassed week long immersion with some of the world’s finest Celtic musicians. It is always the week after the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, also in NC. I attend annually to study Irish harp with Grainne Hambly and Scottish harp with Billy Jackson. In addition to beginning and advanced harp classes, there are courses in fiddle, singing, dance, bodhran, flute, mandolin, guitar, accordion, whistle, uillean pipes, banjo, bouzouki, banjo, and concertina. Students can register for up to four classes which meet every day, although I usually just take two so that I can have time to practice and learn to actually play some of the stuff while I am still there. Over the years in addition to harp classes I’ve had the chance to take a bodhran class, beginning pennywhistle with Billy Jackson, DADGAD guitar with Eamon O’Leary, bouzouki with Robin Bullock, and session guitar with Donal Clancy. Ed Miller teaches Scottish singing classes, and the biggest stars in Celtic instrumental and vocal music are there annually. With the likes of Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford, and John Whelan and too many other greats to list here (see the roster for yourself https://www.swangathering.com/catalog/cl/celtic-week.html) the faculty concerts, extra “potluck” afternoon seminars, after supper slow sessions led by the staff, and late night sessions create such an incredible experience that you will not experience much sleep-there is just too much music.

Mike 2

Afternoon slow session with Billy Jackson, Robin Bullock, and Brian McNeil

 

In addition to the quality instruction, the campus is beautiful, the food is outstanding, and the musical friendships that are created and renewed every year truly make this a gathering. The sessions last late into the night. Imagine a hillside dotted with open air tents and dozens of music sessions happening at once-complete with a beer truck supplying local microbrews, wines, and a grill cook serving up food and snacks. There are fast sessions, slow sessions, big sessions, Scottish sessions, Irish sessions, Breton sessions, small sessions, alpha sessions, and song sessions. The faculty gets out and plays, with each other and with the students. I have witnessed Battlefield Band reunions, gotten to sit in a slow session and play the Kesh Jig set with members of the Bothy Band, and played music, shared tunes, and made lifelong friendships with people that share the love for this music.

Afternoon slow session with Billy Jackson, Robin Bullock, and Brian McNeil

The only thing that could keep me away from the Swannanoa Gathering would be a trip to Ireland and Scotland-which is where I will be during this year’s gathering, although I’m going to be back in time to visit Friday night and reconnect with friends and jam into the night. How ‘bout a tune?

Kicking off Summer – SoMD Harp Competition

Posted on by

Ok, technically it is still Spring until the end of June – but the best way to kick off your summer is with a good competition!

April 25, 2015 marks the 37th year for the oldest Celtic celebration in Maryland.  The Festival is 10 am to 6 pm rain or shine on the beautiful Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.  The field overlooks the Patuxent River – a lovely location for a games!

We are fortunate to have Sharon Knowles as Judge this year! (www.fynesound.com).

Come out for an exciting competition. You will find the online registration (there will be no on-site registration) on http://www.cssm.org/events/festival/competitions/highland-harping/.  You find additional information on the site as well including links to Scottish Harp Society of America’s competition rules and membership forms – your membership must be up to date to compete (memberships can be updated at the competition)

If competing isn’t your thing please come out to support our competitors. We also always need volunteers and audiences!  We have a workshop, Harp Circle, and a Come-and-Try planned as well.

The Festival is centrally located to the mid-Atlantic. Our Harp competition draws competitors from far away including North Carolina, Michigan, upstate New York and all around the Baltimore-Washington-Richmond areas.

This comp has lovely prizes and is always a fun and friendly competition – an excellent venue for new competitors and more experienced players as well. Hope we’ll see you there – in just under a month!