On Sunday, I read a delightful article about Harps Etc., which is where I learned to play the harp.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_14223628?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com/
Although I started playing the harp as a senior in high school, I really loved it. I started on a smaller Lyon & Healy lever harp, the 36-string Troubadour, and graduated to a slightly larger Lyon & Healy pedal harp, the 40-string Style 85 (which is no longer being made). I played at my high school graduation and at the wedding of a former teacher, as well as for various family gatherings and harp performances. For a short time I played in the Windsong Harp Ensemble, which was very entertaining.
I believe the reason I enjoyed the harp more than any other instrument I have played was because of my ability to improvise and create music. I had previously attempted this on piano, but found more success on the harp. There are many different sounds that you can obtain from a piano, as well as the harp. There was a book of "haiku" songs that I played earlier on. The amount of creativity that you can have with a harp is unparalleled. Plucking with fingernails, scraping the strings, and drumming on the soundboard are just a few of them.
If you have a chance, I would suggest attending the "Try the Harp Class" at 10am on the third Saturday of every month. Reservations are required and I have included the link to the website.
http://www.harpsetc.com/
*I am sorry for the poor quality of the picture, but it is the only one I could find.
