"Mastering Harp Technique"

"It’s a good idea to fine-check even the most basic principles, starting with the way you sit and hold yourself at the harp: it’s easy unintentionally to develop a way of playing that’s not helpful to your progress and sound."

Thus opens the introduction to this fine new tutor for the harp. Written by Kathryn Rees, Head of the Harp Department at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama since 2022, this multi-talented harpist and teacher has directed Wales' important Harp Department on the principles of solid technique and musicianship.

Highly recommended by Skaila Kanga and covering the 'Basics' up to advanced techniques, this publication can help the teacher (and, perhaps, the parent!) guide the student into developing a solidity of playing which will engender a fine sound and comprehensive expressive range. There are 27 exercises and 9 Etudes.

Kathryn continues to write: "My own path to developing a good technical foundation began later in my harp journey. At the time I was beginning my degree studies at a conservatoire and had not fully realised until that point the fundamental importance of good technique. I found myself immersed in a harp programme that insisted on these basic principles. As a result, I quickly realised that the adjustments I was making were transforming my sound and ease of playing in a dramatic way."

Intermediate to advanced level.

Download the introductory pages here.

For: pedal harp, lever harp

	Exercise 1 Composer: Kathryn Rees
	Exercise 5 Composer: Kathryn Rees
	Exercise 11 Composer: Kathryn Rees
	Etude No.1 Composer: Kathryn Rees
	Etude No.4 Composer: Kathryn Rees
	Etude No.6 Composer: Kathryn Rees