H – Happiness. Playing the harp should make you happy! Enjoy each success.

A – Awareness. Be aware of your learning style, your strengths and your weaknesses.

You must also be aware of your shape, size, muscles, tendons, posture and how

everything works together to create good technique.

R- Rhythm. Rhythm can sometimes be lost when playing the harp among all the

beautiful sonorities. Having a strong sense of rhythm will create more musical playing.

Choosing the right fingerings can make a big difference in the rhythmical aspects of

your music.

P – Practice. Practice makes permanent. Long, repetitive or unfocused practice can lead

not only to injuries, but can also lead to mistakes that become permanent. Focus on

practicing 'smart' not practicing 'long'.

I – Interest. You should always be progressing and adding new techniques learned to

your music but playing the music that interests you. Get advice on how to choose or

arrange pieces, or have your teacher choose for you but be sure it’s music you enjoy!

S – Sound. Don’t let your instrument win! Learn to control the harp so that the strings

respond as you would like them to. Understanding musical principals and

understanding how the harp works will help bring musicality to your performances.

T – Technique. Technique is fun! Whether doing technical exercises or learning

technique through sections of your pieces you should focus on: relaxation, your hand

and arm shape and applying your new technique in different pieces. Feel successful, not frustrated!