The ABC of Harp Playing

The A B C of Harp Playing places an emphasis on the use of the pedals, reading notes and finding the corresponding strings on the instrument. The elementary studies (level 1-2) in the first half of the book are to be played with the 2nd finger in each hand. The teacher may add placing if desired. Part Two of this book is the use of the harp in the orchestra and contains numerous excerpts from orchestral harp parts with suggestions on how to play them. This helpful book can be thought of as a reference book for teachers and pedal harpists, though it mainly consists of material for the beginning harpsist. Exercises and drills are used in conjuction with the written material, and then the new elements are incorporated into tunes all throughout the book, enabling the student to show off their new skills. Emphasis is placed on learning to read music, highlighting the importance of reading of notes above and below the staff, which is often overlooked. There is a section on the use of the harp in an orchestra, transcribing orchestral music for harp, notes for the conductor on what they can expect from their harpist, and many more items which are subtle, but are also the mark of excellent musicianship.