First Lessons Folk Harp is designed for the beginner harp student who has no prior music training. In this book they will learn to read music notation, count rhythm, implement important fingering techniques, organize practice, tune a harp, play common bass patterns and make a decision about which kind of harp to play. Tips are included to help students get the most out of practicing. The songs serve as examples of harp basics, allowing the student to learn while playing vibrant melodies instead of repetitive or trite exercises. This book features traditional Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Canadian, American and Renaissance music. These songs will transport and delight audiences with their simplicity and profound clarity. They invite us to ancient landscapes steeped in mystery, and to experience the traditions of harping throughout the ages.

This book presents two new note reading methods based on logical, predictable music patterns that employ cutting edge techniques. They were developed to move students beyond reading notes as single isolated symbols. The rhythm table compares the different note values and rests to each other and visually shows how they are related through counting out rhythm increments. Helpful photos define how important hand positions are on the harp. These are an immense resource for students, allowing them to avoid tension in their hands and prevent injury. Includes access to online audio that allows them to play along as they learn.

Music Basics

Ledger Lines and Time Signatures

Rhythm Table

Parts of the Folk Harp

How to Tune the Folk Harp

Wire Strung Harp or Nylon Strung Harp?

Sitting Position at the Folk Harp

How to Position Your Hands at the Folk Harp

Placing and Brackets

Basic Music Patterns

Neighbor Note Patterns

Mixed Patterns

Whole Notes, Half Notes and Rests

Pachelbel Canon

Streets Of Doolin

Quarter Notes, Rests and Replacing Patterns

Music Alone Shall Live

Un Canadien Errant

One Note Bass Patterns

Ton Ton Ton

King Arthur’s Harp

Dotted Half Notes and Ties

Red Is The Rose

Hand In Hand With Flora

Pick Up Measures and Drone Bass Patterns

Wake Up Cannon

Red River Valley

Alleluya

Eighth Notes1

Bourree

Brahms Lullaby

Ja Nuns Hons Pris

Peggy Gordon

May Day Carol

Glissandos

Golden Leaves In Fall

Butterflies In Summer

Snow Flurries On A Moonless Night

Dotted Quarter Notes

Childgrove

Come Follow To The Greenwood

Black Eyed Susan

Lonesome Road

Sweet Dreams Lullaby

Raising Levers for a New Key

Fairy Plaint Music

Last Song Before I Go

Bride Parish

Gavotte

Bass Hand Chord Patterns

Caliente Rojo

Los Tres Santos Reyes

She’s Gone To Be Wed With Another

Eileen Aroon

Greensleeves

Reading Ledger Lines

The Spanish Lady

All Night, All Day

Mixed Bass Patterns

Quick Scotch

Hibernia’s Lovely Jane

The Chanter

The Standing Stones

The Sweet Nightingale

Please To See The King

Boats Rocking In The Water

The Cat’s Jig