| Through the ages, the harp has woven its way into | | | | models to the full-size, 47-string instruments. It is |
| numerous mythological tales, but many long-held | | | | important to choose the one that fits both your |
| beliefs about the instrument are just not true. | | | | body and your musical goals. |
| Let's take a minute to look at the facts and rewrite | | | | Myth 7 - You'll get callouses on your fingers. |
| modern-day mythology. | | | | False. Folk harps, which normally have nylon strings, |
| Myth 1 - The harp is difficult to play. | | | | are easy on the hands. |
| Sometimes true. The large concert harp is a complex | | | | Myth 8 - Celtic harps are suitable only for Celtic |
| instrument with pedals and a large spectrum of | | | | music. |
| strings, but the small folk harp is one of the easiest | | | | False. All genres of music, from New Age to jazz, can |
| instruments to play. A simple strum can evoke | | | | be played on a Celtic/non-pedal harp. Sharping levers |
| beauty and joy. | | | | add additional keys for more elaborate pieces. |
| Myth 2 - It takes years to learn. | | | | Myth 9 - People who play the instruments are called |
| False. In less than 10 minutes, you can learn enough | | | | harpists. |
| of the basics to create soothing, gentle music. | | | | Not always true. While musicians who play the large |
| Depending on your interests, you can improvise, play | | | | concert pedal harps are often referred to as |
| songs by ear, or follow written music. If you have | | | | "harpists," the term "harper" is more often used to |
| never played an instrument, this is an ideal one for | | | | describe a person who plays a smaller folk model. |
| beginners. | | | | Myth 10 - Harpo Marx was a deaf mute. |
| Myth 3 - Mistakes are frequent and embarrassing. | | | | False. Harpo used a horn to communicate in his role |
| False. There are no mistakes on a harp. Any note or | | | | as part of the Marx Brothers comedy team, but he |
| chord projects a beautiful resonance for both the | | | | had no challenges in speaking or hearing. He taught |
| player and the listener to enjoy. | | | | himself to play the instrument and was a serious |
| Myth 4 - The instruments are expensive. | | | | musician despite his humorous antics. |
| Sometimes true. A pedal harp can have a price tag | | | | So, forget the old wives' tales and discover how |
| equal to that of a new BMW. Smaller folk harps (also | | | | easy it is to learn the folk harp in a way that honors |
| known as non-pedal, lever, Irish, or Celtic) are much | | | | you. There is much satisfaction, joy, and relaxation to |
| more affordable. Quality lap harps can be purchased | | | | be found in simply strumming harp strings. No matter |
| for less than $400. | | | | where you live, you can have one-on-one, live online |
| Myth 5 - Lessons are expensive. | | | | lessons using Skype. |
| False. Live lessons via Skype on your home computer | | | | The key to success is finding the teacher who is |
| are easily affordable. They also save time and money | | | | right for you. Conventional music lessons with their |
| that would otherwise go to transportation, | | | | rigorous repetitions of mind-numbing exercises often |
| babysitting, parking, etc. | | | | ignore the desires, age, goals, and challenges of the |
| Myth 6 - Harps are too big for children to play. | | | | individual student. Customized lessons respect you. |
| False. There is a size, weight, shape and style for | | | | Ask for what you need and want from any |
| every person. Styles range from tiny nine-string | | | | professional offering a service. |