1. Sore fingers from practicing too much before a
program? "New Skin Liquid Bandage" can help. Of course,
nothing works as well as continuous diligent practice ahead
of time, so the cushion or fingerpad part of your finger
is well-developed and generally toughened.
2.
"New Skin Liquid Bandage" can help strengthen an unexpectedly,
slightly nicked string before a program. Put a small drop
on your fingertip, and gently rub it over the nicked part
of the string. Caution: If you get
a drop on the varnish of your harp, it will leave a permanent
mark - even if you rub it off immediately! ***
Tips 1 & 2 were given to me by my first harp teacher,
the late Mrs. Dorothy Henschen, when I was a beginning
student. "New Skin Liquid Bandage" can usually be found
in a pharmacy -
or call 1-800 443-4908. (This is not a paid advertisement!)
3.
Extreme dryness is hard on the harp. If you are in a dry
condition, it may help to keep a large plant nearby, as
the moisture from the plant and the soil will add a bit
of extra humidity to the area.
4.
Dampness also is hard on the harp. Never set the harp on
a damp surface, such as wet grass or a freshly cleaned carpet.
5.
Don't let your harp sit in the sun for extended periods
of time, especially inside a closed vehicle, and try to
avoid keeping it beside a heat vent.
6.
A vinyl office chair mat, placed under a harp, will reflect
the sound, and will protect the bottom of the harp. (A carpet
will muffle the sound - and the harp may slip when playing
on a smooth surface.)
7.
Simple clothes pins can help keep sheet music on your stand
if you are playing in a breezy location.
8.
When using an electronic tuner, the following notes are
the same tone:
C#=Db . . . D#=Eb . . . E=Fb (E#=F) . . . F#=Gb . . . G#=Ab
. . . A#=Bb . . . B=Cb (B#=C).
9. If there are little children who show interest
in the harp, teach them to respect it. Show them how to
pluck the harp properly. They may like you to help them
play a glissando or pluck out a song like "Jesus Loves Me".
Remember, their fingertips are usually very tender.
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