Suitable for students of the Paraguayan Harp and the Celtic
harp.
A good technique and musical approach need to be developed. These do not usually
come naturally to many people. This applies especially to tension and stiffness in
the hands, good control and appreciation of rhythm, and a systematic approach to
fingering.
The theory and tradition of this teaching method lies in my study of the
classical guitar. I learned from the Sydney Spanish Guitar Centre (now the
Sydney Academy of the Guitar.) This took its inspiration and collected knowledge
from the work of Francisco Terrega and Andres Segovia both giants of
twentieth century Spanish guitar technique. This body of knowledge is one of the most
respected of guitar teaching methods and has produced some of the most famous guitarists
of recent times.
When I started playing the Paraguayan harp I adapted this guitar method
to the harp. The harp and guitar both involve plucking strings and many hand positions
and actions are very similar.
This method works in harmony with anatomy of the body and mind
rather than forcing ideas upon the body.
Basic issues addressed are:-
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Correct sitting posture to reduce fatigue and discomfort
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Holding the hands and fingers so as to allow maximum flexibility during
playing
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Taking care there are no energy blocks in the hands and fingers by keeping
a smooth curve in the hands fingers & wrists. The muscles which move the
fingers are actually in the lower forearm! the fingers are moved by tendons stretching
through the hand and fingers, these must be kept relaxed.
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Starting with carefully graded exercises designed to build
confidence and musical appreciation.
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Most music is taught by ear although written music can be used if desired.
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Private lessons and workshops focus on rhythm melody and chord
structure.
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Written and website lessons make use of sound samples and diagrams
to help with these issues.
The Paraguayan harp lessons build on these basic steps using Robert's long
experience of harp playing. and techniques learned from famous Paraguayan Harp
players.
Robert's approach is intuitive. He aims to give the student a good basic
grounding in music, and how the harp makes music. This builds solid
confidence. The student comes to understand how to make music by learning the
elements and building blocks of rhythm, melody, harmony, chords, modes,
improvisation, and Composition.
Many Harp tutor books teach the student to play simple tunes (which are often
uninteresting to the student). These books often do not develop a deeper
understanding of music and technique. The student may loose interest or develop
bad habits. This is like learning to read by learning whole words instead of learning
how to spell and how words are made from letters.
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