Tomoko Sato, Harpist serving Orange County and Los Angeles County |
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Welcome to my Harp lesson page. I cannot teach you the harp over the internet, but I can assist you in getting a harp and learning it step by step at my studio. I believe that everyone has musical ability and she/he will progress with will, commitment, and love for the instrument. Most of my students come for weekly lessons and give joint recitals twice a year. I have listed frequently asked questions below. Please contact me for further questions and information.
Q. Do I need musical background to play the harp?A. It is not mandatory but musical background is very helpful. I strongly suggest taking a year-two years of piano lessons to get basic musical knowledge- reading notation, understanding musical signs and symbols, and comprehending the rhythm. Knowing them saves tons of time before tackling the harp, which requires complex technique and hand (and feet) coordination. I also teach the piano along with the harp to those who are interested.
Q. How early can my child start a harp lesson?A. I suggest children wait taking lessons till they become five or six. Usually their hands are too small and weak to pluck strings and produce good tones. Until then, they can take piano lessons or learn basic musical knowledge to prepare for the harp.
Q. What is being taught during a lesson?A. My lesson consists of playing, ear training, and theory. Ear training is crucial for children to develop relative pitch and identify different tones while they are still young. For singing and dictation, I use solfege system. All of my students learn basic music theory to get to know what they are playing in writing. However, the amount of non-playing activities vary depending on the age and student's need.
Q. Where do I rent harps?A. There are not too many harp stores around but there are a few ways to rent harps. If you are in Southern California, you could contact Salviharpinc in Anaheim or Sylvia Woods Harp Center in Glendale to see if they have harps for rent. If none is available, they can refer other stores/people. I also know a couple of harpists in the area who have harps for rent. You could contact me for further information.
Q. Why rent a harp and not buy it?A. I always suggest beginners to try out the harp for at least three months to see if they like this instrument for sure. Purchasing a harp is very expensive, and knowing if this is the right instrument for you is important. Harp rental is usually monthly and they start around $50 per month for folk, and $100 and up for pedal harps.
Q. What's the difference between folk and pedal harps?A. Folk harps are smaller and portable with 21-35 strings, whereas pedal harps are much bigger and as the name suggest, come with seven pedals to make accidentals. Beginning music is usually simple and does not require much accidental changes. Thus, a folk harp can cover the range and the keys of most pieces in the first year.
Q. Do you give recitals? A. Yes, we have 3-4 recitals a year. Besides solo playing, we perform harp duo, trio, and harp ensembles at the concert.
Q. Is there an accredited exam that students can take? A. Yes, there is a testing by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, the world's leading music examining board. Students who are before college levels are encouraged to take this exam which tests on performance, theory, and ear-training abilities.
Q. Is there anything else I need to know? A. Yes. Don't play the harp if you grow nails. Harpists use finger-flesh to pluck strings and we must have short nails all the time. Having long nails won't allow proper hand technique and can be a cause for injury. Also, no manicure, please.
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