tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=2Latest News2024-03-20T13:17:47-07:00Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio falsetag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73700212024-03-20T13:17:47-07:002024-03-20T13:17:47-07:00Gold medal for Chutzpah!<p>This is for all those worried about playing - I hope they ask her for a followup in a few years!!! Thanks to Eleanor for sending this along!</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/first-person/article-i-may-not-be-the-most-talented-harp-student-but-at-my-age-i-have-the/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/first-person/article-i-may-not-be-the-most-talented-harp-student-but-at-my-age-i-have-the/</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73661142024-03-12T16:40:32-07:002024-03-12T16:40:32-07:00Great theory site<p>The wonderful reach of a website.<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.playgroundequipment.com/a-playground-for-music-and-education-theory/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"> Kelsey sent along this link,</a> after using some of the others in the “hone your skills section” <a class="no-pjax" href="/hone-your-skills" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Hone your skills">of student resources</a>. It is a brief but comprehensive guide that could be used when a teacher like me references something in class that you don't quite understand. Thanks Kelsey - and god luck with your studies! Maybe someday you'll play harp!!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73540692024-02-19T23:37:36-08:002024-02-20T17:44:43-08:00Wonderful week in Tofino -<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/211573/e9b6a726ce0bcb96a60b08f10ae63dafab1598ee/original/img-4179.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>The most amazing weather, the best group of people, water, and sand, and sunlight, and quite a few hours of improvising. This is a hard topic - and registrants leapt to the task, and beautiful music was made. </p><p>Also, many photos, and much laughter :)</p><p>Thanks to the all the participants who made it possible. Yes, I'm already planning the next one, and the topic will be modes - what good are they, how to improvise using them, and increase your enjoyment of music by recognizing them. I'm leaning towards the same (roughly) dates for next year, but the registration won't be posted till next fall - </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73540672024-02-19T23:28:09-08:002024-02-20T17:44:43-08:00Wind & Wood Concert in Nanoose Bay - March 3, 2024<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/211573/20adc0f1bd87a3f7b6d9701cb8bea462f272c389/original/wind-and-wood-st-marys-concert.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p>This is looking to be a good year for concerts - Danel and I are playing a repeat of our Wind and Wood concert, this time in Nanoose Bay, at St. Mary's Anglican church, at 4 pm on March 2. </p><p>Danel Cove plays baroque flute - the beautiful wooden flute that was the instrument of Bach and Mozart and those before them, and I play harp. We weave together variations and meditations on old folk music, and modern inventions. </p><p>Please come if you're in the territory - we're aiming for a relaxing, rejuvenating concert of meditative and improvised music. Admission is by donation at the door - no charge for kids!</p><p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73540662024-02-19T23:24:35-08:002024-02-19T23:24:35-08:00Music and Cognitition<p>An interesting study of older adults, showing a strong improvement in working memory and executive function for those who studied music - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gps.6061">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gps.6061</a></p><p>Of course we know that, don't we??? </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73118442023-11-30T21:11:14-08:002023-11-30T21:22:35-08:00Improvising with a purpose - Workshop in Tofino in February<p>Harps, waves, beach, beauty. Come and join us. They've given us a bigger room, so I've opened a couple more seats in this workshop - it really is a special place on Cox Bay, and we'll study how to improvise as a group, as a solo player, the various methods, and where to use them. Come away feeling like you can just play - it's not a dream, but a skill…</p><p>Details are on the <a class="no-pjax" href="/workshops" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Workshops">workshop page</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73118422023-11-30T21:02:56-08:002023-11-30T21:07:32-08:00Solstice Xmas service - and Video Links<p>Although my church job keeps me playing harp most Sundays, we also have special services throughout the year, especially with Music from Taize, and lately, with Danel Cove, a fine flute player.</p><p>The next special service is a Candle light Solstice and Christmas Evensong, as the Winter solstice turns, and Christmas approaches. 5 pm, Thursday, Dec. 21.</p><p>Some folks have asked about the All Soul's service which was recorded as part of St. Peter's livestream and recording process. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/804484104" data-link-type="url">Here is the link</a>, or go to St. Peter Quamichan website (<a class="no-pjax" href="www.stpeterduncan.ca" data-link-type="url">www.stpeterduncan.ca</a>) to hear lots of harp in action. </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/73038432023-11-14T18:04:01-08:002023-11-30T20:53:21-08:00Hannah wins the WinterHarp competition<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/211573/0a314ffa8b80f0c758d634dfcc13d825b39d37e0/original/img-3594.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p><p>I'm so happy to announce that Hannah Chua has won the “On Gossamer Wings” performance competition, and will be playing a piece with the Winter Harp Ensemble at its performance. </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/72719742023-09-11T22:25:11-07:002023-11-07T15:59:56-08:00Ensemble Retreat in Parksville<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/211573/ab73bc6710a2fd7d3c9fd5094078b68ffcda0bcf/original/img-3325.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Dawn on the beach - it is pretty spectacular. Wonderful start to the ensemble year, I think it might be an annual event! And here is Mariellen's staircase - you might need to click on the top photo to see the bottom one - websties are indeed mysterious..</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/211573/8e60ed2b7e5b226a3c1be73d80f568e37c7cf824/original/img-3312-smalljpg.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/72491882023-07-28T23:12:08-07:002023-10-13T15:24:29-07:00Nice article about a Canadian harpist<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-how-a-canadian-brought-the-harp-into-one-of-the-most-economically/" data-link-type="url">https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-how-a-canadian-brought-the-harp-into-one-of-the-most-economically/</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/72422852023-07-14T20:27:04-07:002023-07-14T20:27:05-07:00The harp sponge<p>No, not that kind… a new species from the deep ocean, a harp shaped sponge. Looks pretty fantastic</p><pre wrap=""><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3tAtXdaik">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3tAtXdaik</a></pre><pre wrap=""> </pre>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/72421992023-07-14T16:37:26-07:002023-07-14T16:37:26-07:00Sascha Luchkov wow us all!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/211573/b7f19c3457723f1af9260d0b91be914811757f6e/original/sasha-3.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Sascha Luchkov, a young Ukrainian pianist, was studying at Shawnigan Lake School this spring, and before he left, he played a number of concerts for us here in the valley and in Victoria, organized by the Cowichan Music Teachers association. These were powerful and amazing, and the music teachers and music lovers looked around at each other with dropped jaws when they were over. Now you can see for yourself. Marilyn recorded these for him, and now we're sharing with you. Enjoy!!</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/842576370/ba9ee16417?share=copy" data-link-type="url">Beethoven Sonata No. 7 </a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/838912075/b619fb552f?share=copy" data-link-type="url">Chopin Fantasy in F minor, Op. 49</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/838551519/e786ca628a?share=copy" data-link-type="url">Chopin Nocturn C# minor OP 27</a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/838546521/51f348d142?share=copy" data-link-type="url">Schumann etudes</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/72053672023-05-08T21:33:17-07:002023-05-08T21:33:17-07:00Fascinating artist <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/211573/5a661fbe03474bc895ed4cbc2cc6111665fc64f9/original/schub-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />An artist named Hadi Karimi makes digital portraits of people using all the computer tools - most of which I know nothing about. But the results are pretty cool. He has a lot of famous composers done. Here's one <a class="no-pjax" href="https://hadikarimi.com/" data-link-type="url"> </a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://hadikarimi.com/" data-link-type="url">https://hadikarimi.com/</a><a data-link-type="url"> I love this one of Schubert!</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/71696922023-03-11T16:08:44-08:002023-04-26T12:08:48-07:00Bach Chaconne<p>maybe this should be a ensemble piece. Otherwise just learn the harp version - ask me if you don't know where to find it! </p><p> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="oboW06zqYSw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oboW06zqYSw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/71395092023-01-17T20:15:44-08:002023-01-25T00:41:40-08:00Learning with our body <p>I'm devoting the next few studio classes to the study of rhythm. Have your questions and trouble ready. This quote from Marja-Leena Juntunen may give you a clue where I"m going..</p>
<p> "Within cognitive science, Schiavio and Timmers (2016) maintain that “what seems to matter for music learning, memory, and auditory recognition is the motor engagement that links learners and music, and not complex representational abilities.” Learning music implies a change in the whole brain-body-world system"</p>
<p>We shall have fun!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/71278132022-12-23T16:45:07-08:002022-12-23T16:49:01-08:00A video from our Xmas recital <p>One of the audience members recorded a bit of the concert and prepped it a bit to share on facebook, to help us spread the word about the fundraisers.</p>
<p>I, and others, are raising funds to bring two families to Duncan. Thanks to the generosity of our concert goers, one goal is nearly reached. The other is here <a contents="https://www.canadahelps.org/.../ranas-sister-yasmin.../" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.canadahelps.org/.../ranas-sister-yasmin.../">https://www.canadahelps.org/.../ranas-sister-yasmin.../</a> This is a BIG project and we'll be working on it for the next year, but please don't hesitate if your generosity runs in that direction.</p>
<p>Here's the link to the video -</p>
<p><a contents="Huron Carol Xmas Recital 2022" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vimeo.com/784045305/cc91e6f37c">https://vimeo.com/784045305/cc91e6f37c</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/70912042022-10-28T23:36:45-07:002022-11-28T18:06:11-08:00Odd word and new study <p>One of the oddest words in the English language belongs to music. Seven letters, one vowel, yet 2 syllables. And better than it english-oddity-ness is its use and the pleasure it gives!</p>
<p>Careful application of this can really improve our playing.</p>
<p>What word you ask? Rhythms!</p>
<p>I've just been teaching a new study in the Studio classes for my students, and wrote it down. Writing it down was harder than composing it, and it will be a bit tricky to get the rhythm, yet once you do, it will be easy. And having done that page well, I can't almost guarantee that the second page will be filled with beautiful rolled chords. It's free, at <a contents="www.harpstart.com/demand-music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.harpstart.com/demand-music">www.harpstart.com/demand-music</a>. Studio class people - this was last week's class for B/C and E. Studio A - maybe you can download and do it before I even get to that class.</p>
<p>Have fun - like the kids on the cover...</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/70862652022-10-21T13:40:30-07:002022-10-21T13:40:30-07:00Taize service for All Saints Day - Nov 1 -2022<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/d98bea320e25981f324e9168cb45ce770ac767cb/original/all-saints-taize-half-size.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>There will be an All Saints Day service Nov 1, honouring the memories of those who have died this year, and in previous years. I mention this because the service will be in the Taize style, with music mostly from the summer workshop. Come and sing, play, or just absorb, meditate and light a candle...</p>
<p>St. Peter Quamichan, Duncan, Tuesday Nov. 1, 7 pm</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/70862552022-10-21T13:30:03-07:002022-11-28T18:06:11-08:00Debussy playing Debussy<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/719199750a921012c15e8bf3bdb2098e8fd1244b/original/debussylicensed-image.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>It is easy to forget, with youtube and downloadable recordings, how hard it was to hear from the source in earlier days. I was having a discussion about the wonders of youtube for learning music just the other day with a colleague. I said that the course of my life would likely have been radically altered if we had access like that back in "my day". This really isn't an exaggeration, but it is a source of reflection and wonder to me - </p>
<p>In Debussy's day, the start of the 20th century, recording devices on wax and other earlyy "records" were not great, but they did have piano rolls. This was a system where people played the piano, and the hammers, as well as sounding the notes, punched holes in a long roll of paper scrolling by at a consistent speed. Remarkable, accurate, cool.</p>
<p>Player pianos were common, and as well as playing normally, you could insert a copy of the roll made by the artist in the player piano, and have the piano play itself from the roll of paper and its holes. Many famous artists used this to try to record what they were doing.</p>
<p>Today a student (thanks Sofia) sent me a most excellent youtube video of a piano roll playing that was recorded by Debussy, of him playing his marvelous Clair de Lune. It definitely opened my ears!</p>
<p><a contents="Here is is for you. Highly recommended if you're studying or love this piece - " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yri2JNhyG4k">Here is is for you. Highly recommended if you're studying or love this piece - </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/70862522022-10-21T13:18:34-07:002022-10-21T13:33:16-07:00Composing retreat is full!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/a749ad92b736b7b3afa2c36cd6311b8d4ab40481/original/coxbaybeachtofinobc060131.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Thanks to those who registered - it should be a great mix of relaxing and stimulating - at least that is what I'm aiming at. No doubt I'll plan for another one next year, so if you missed coming this year, you'll have a chance then.</p>
<p>Registrants will get a list of prep material soon, but I'd look for every possible way to sharpen your ears over the next 4 weeks - that will be our main tool! There is an excellent talk on this page about that topic, and lots on the internet - will be happy to hear your suggestions!</p>
<p>And did I say there would be surfing? no? well, not by me, at any rate!</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/70589882022-09-12T21:05:04-07:002022-09-12T21:05:04-07:00Listen with more than ears -<p><a contents="https://www.npr.org/2015/06/05/411730683/how-do-we-listen-when-we-re-unable-to-hear" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.npr.org/2015/06/05/411730683/how-do-we-listen-when-we-re-unable-to-hear" style="">https://www.npr.org/2015/06/05/411730683/how-do-we-listen-when-we-re-unable-to-hear</a></p>
<p>Another in our "let this inspire you" articles. Amazing -</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/70455052022-08-24T23:10:29-07:002022-08-24T23:25:36-07:00Imagine...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/491d19de4b5df5f8b59bc43dbddae7f8d82f8459/original/index.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Imagine you were not feeling well, a little sad, or a little sick, or just tired. The internet is full of remedies to swallow or rub on or smoke or smell. But I have a better answer. It is the <a contents="Canadian Brass live :" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8OtUunLR6E">Canadian Brass live :</a></p>
<p>The Tchaikovsky ballet had my stomach sore from laughing, and throughout the most marvelous technique, musicianship, and artistry. No one has done it better!</p>
<p>Take two and call me in the morning -</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/69971212022-06-18T23:33:50-07:002022-07-29T12:29:14-07:00And another musical hero<p>Collette Maze is 107 years old. She recently released her 6th album of piano music. Here is an amazing interview with her:</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu3cItl5VQ0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu3cItl5VQ0" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu3cItl5VQ0</a></p>
<p>Sensitivity, keeping the practicing up, giving... all her secrets are my ambitions - enjoy!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/69631262022-05-03T20:53:09-07:002022-05-04T15:24:31-07:00Bobby McFerrin - yes again!<p>You know I'm such a fan... this is outside, singers whose first language is not English, and conducted by the composer</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn2zKKhhF3I" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn2zKKhhF3I" style="" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn2zKKhhF3I</a></p>
<p>And here he is singing all the parts himself. <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Kku7z-Pvk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Kku7z-Pvk" style="" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Kku7z-Pvk</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/69631172022-05-03T20:38:31-07:002022-07-11T11:59:16-07:00SOLD Harp For Sale<p>Good student Salvi Harp for sale in the Cowichan Valley - 34 string in good condition. Price has been reduced to $1600 Email shellywook@gmail.com</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/77313cc044255705edd06a37832c0bac7c7501e2/original/shelly-harp2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/0c58dd2f2a1d4894c71120513bf007b9b20bbf65/original/shelly-harp1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/69519372022-04-19T12:45:08-07:002022-05-21T17:18:38-07:00Chord Theory Workshop - repeat!!<p>THIS has been postponed to Sept - details posted when I've worked them out - most likely at Beach Acres</p>
<p>How exciting to have something that more people want - especially when it is theory.</p>
<p>At the Tofino arranging workshop it became clear to me and to the participants that more background in chord theory would help with arranging and analyzing music. The Qualicum Beach one was great, but many folks couldn't make it. So the Chord Theory workshop is ON REPEAT! </p>
<p>We're heading to Bethlehem Retreat Centre in Nanimo. June 21 and 22. Close enough for some to "commute" and others will stay. There will be some class time, and some individual time, and some time to walk on the beach. </p>
<p>We will have good internet and I think I've worked out the kinks so there will be a Zoom option. register on the<a contents=" workshops page" data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops"> workshops page</a> - see you there!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/68976412022-02-14T14:37:40-08:002023-11-07T15:57:54-08:00The amazing Amy Turk<p><a contents="Amy Turk does it again - video game music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8api9PvvBC4" target="_blank">Amy Turk does it again - video game music</a> that you want to hear! And to my teens - does this appeal?</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/68946652022-02-10T20:12:22-08:002022-04-19T12:46:04-07:00Chord Theory Workshop<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/c3c897f235232dbb30bfab58a8104718e6b6a05e/original/header-chord-progression-formulas.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>At the Tofino arranging workshop it became clear to me and to the participants that more background in chord theory would help with arranging and analyzing music. So the Chord Theory workshop is ON!</p>
<p>We're heading to Beach Acres, which is in Qualicum Beach. Close enough for some to "commute" and others will stay. If you ask them for the harp retreat rate you can get a slightly better deal on the rooms. I'm thinking 7 maximum people. There will be some class time, and some individual time, and some time to walk on the beach.</p>
<p>register on the workshops page - see you there!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/68685082022-01-13T20:26:55-08:002022-02-21T16:55:19-08:00Your Top Ten!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/c5123c22eba279b69b1a1fcfaba514f4ab856548/original/our-top-ten-stories-of-2020-1390x780.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I've been meaning to write about this for a while, but tonight it came up in a lesson (Hi Barb!) and a plan filled itself out before my very eyes. So here you go -</p>
<p>I've always thought those "top 10" lists that you see at the end of the year are somewhat of a strange idea, but I do think, in complete opposition to that, that students should have their own top 10 list of pieces that they have learned, they love, and they want to be able to share. 10 is a lot, so you might not, at first, think you're able to keep 10 pieces in your memory banks or under your fingers, but the longer we know a piece, the easier it becomes. That is a fact to take to heart. Think of Prospect, or the Water is Wide or Evening of Roses, or many others.</p>
<p>So instead of a listening challenge this spring, here's what I'm asking you to do. Think hard about what 10 pieces you'd like to take to a desert island. (Now I like that better than the "best of" image - instead, if you could only ever play 10 pieces of music what would they be?) They need to be something you've already learned, at least to some degree. Write your list and send it in the comment box below. It will be very interesting to me and to your fellow students to see what you love, what you want to keep in your repertoire, what you want to share. Don't worry about the order, just 10 pieces you want to hang on to. Reasons are optional, but might be fun -</p>
<p>Prizes? mais, oui! I'll draw one name from those who enter and offer 10 of my published pieces (your pick), or another verse to extend one of your top 10 - whichever of those options you want. Actually let's say we'll award one prize for every 10 entries - why not?</p>
<p>But of course the real value in doing this is for yourself. I think you'll find it harder than you might guess to only pick 10. If you can't find 10 pieces you like from your past work, I'd suggest a new teacher :)</p>
<p>Perhaps you'll want to make a binder and put those in, and practice one of them each week or two along with the rest of your lesson material. But the main thing, the first thing, is to make the list. And then share it here! Thank you already !!!!!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/68536512021-12-28T13:35:03-08:002023-12-10T08:31:29-08:00Auld Lang Syne<p>Should auld acquaintance be forgot, <br>And never brought to mind? <br>Should auld acquaintance be forgot, <br>And auld lang syne. </p><p>Chorus: <br>For auld lang syne, my jo, <br>For auld lang syne, <br>We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, <br>For auld lang syne, </p><p>And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp! <br>And surely I'll be mine! <br>And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, <br>For auld lang syne. </p><p>Chorus </p><p>We twa hae run about the braes <br>And pu'd the gowans fine; <br>But we've wander'd mony a weary foot <br>Sin auld lang syne. </p><p>Chorus </p><p>We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn, <br>Frae mornin' sun till dine; <br>But seas between us braid hae roar'd <br>Sin auld lang syne. </p><p>Chorus </p><p>And there's a hand, my trusty fiere! <br>And gie's a hand o' thine! <br>And we'll tak a right guid willy waught, <br>For auld lang syne. </p><p>Chorus</p><p> </p><p>This nostalgic look back at a long friendship has become synonymous with the end of things - an evening, a life, a year... Robert Burns collected a version of this song, and reworked it, or added to it. The exact details are unknown, but he championed this and many other - perhaps as many as 600 tunes and songs that he collected, and preserved and re-set. Many of them were submitted to the Scots Musical Museum and six volume publication that spanned from the 1780 in the early 1800s. Vol. V was published in 1899, a few months after Burns's death, though he had seen and worked on the proofs. The tune is related to another that published 20 years earlier with similar sentiment, but we don't know exactly how Burns came to this tune. It was set like this:</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/3b5620330498bb9a264200553422f76c99f64463/original/page-28-reprint.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" alt="" /></p><p>Burns had submitted it to the publisher at least 10 years earlier and it had not made it into the earlier volumes so in the meantime he had sent it to another of his publishers. That volume too was published after his death, but this time the publisher had changed the tune to a dance tune - the one we commonly hear today. Of course Burn's knew nothing of this, and we don't know how he would have felt, but the slower, more reflective (at least to me) first tune seems so well suited to the text!</p><p>At any rate, we will learn this older, Vol. V, tune at the Wednesday Dec. 29th Salon, and it is available for purchase at all the usual spots including www.harpstart.com/demand-music. (If you're coming to the Salon you don't need to purchase - just email me!)</p><p>And do tak a cup wi' me - for auld lang syne!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/68431942021-12-16T11:11:37-08:002022-05-12T03:22:25-07:00Take your meds as needed :)<p>Here is more info - this really may help, even if it is just a smile when you need it! <a contents="https://youtu.be/Yv8AmiIF4C4" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Yv8AmiIF4C4" style="">https://youtu.be/Yv8AmiIF4C4</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/67886672021-10-27T14:00:01-07:002021-10-27T16:35:10-07:00harp and piano duet concerts<p>From Miya Otake: </p>
<p>Kaori and I are preparing for 6 concerts this winter. The Langley one is just us in duets and solos, including works by César Franck, Claude Debussy, Bernard Andrès, etc. Other concerts are a fun collaboration with the Bergmann Piano Duo. </p>
<p>Cafe Classico Series with Miya & Kaori Otake Harp Duo Concert tickets $20/18/10 (604)534-2848 info@Langleymusic.com https://langleymusic.com/concerts-events/concert-series/ccc/ </p>
<p><strong>Bergmann-Otake Duo Concerts: Music for 287 strings & 17 pedals: </strong></p>
<p>Sunday, November 28th, 2021 @ 3pm, Langley Community Music School: 4899-207th Street Langley, BC V3A2E4 </p>
<p><strong>Monday, November 29th, 2021 @ 10:30am - 11:30am in Duncan Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Noteworthy Series: $30 Tickets Phone (250) 746-2722 </strong></p>
<p>Wednesday, December 8th 2021 @ 2:30-3:30pm or 7:00-8:00pm Evergreen Cultural Centre Studio Theatre: 1205 Painetree Way Coquitlam,Table for 2: $52 Table for 4: $92 Tickets: Call (604)927-6555 or go to- https://evergreenculturalcentre.ca/schedule/ </p>
<p>Thursday, December 9th 2021 @ 10:30am ACT Arts Theatre 11944 Haney Place Maple Ridge BC V2X 6G1 Tickets: $27.50 🎫 https://theactmapleridge.org/ </p>
<p>Friday, December 10th 2021 - @ 11:00am-12:30pm Surrey Arts Centre Studio Theatre 13750-88th Avenue Surrey, BC Tickets $29 🎫 https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/events/music-17-pedals-and-287-strings </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/67818352021-10-20T10:41:10-07:002021-10-20T11:22:42-07:00I so love beautiful playing -<p>Especially when it is outside of what "people" might say is the way to do it. This woman is a wonder!!! All I'm going to say<a contents="Yasmin Williams" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/19/1046415242/yasmin-williams-tiny-desk-home-concerts?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR0d5_TSgC8qPZI_eJIe6U1jqsoJ9UvAhFsYXsvZiAU_8Wp4OB4FcKOcyD4">..</a>. <a contents="Yasmin Williams" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/19/1046415242/yasmin-williams-tiny-desk-home-concerts?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR0d5_TSgC8qPZI_eJIe6U1jqsoJ9UvAhFsYXsvZiAU_8Wp4OB4FcKOcyD4">Yasmin Williams</a></p>
<p>Just think about it when you have an idea of how to play the harp that you haven't seen done before - or watch this and be inspired.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/67636332021-10-01T15:31:38-07:002021-10-01T15:31:38-07:00Some wise word from Larry Goldfarb<p>Larry is a teacher - a fine one. His particular topic is movement, and what it takes, especially using the Feldenkrais method. But learning is learning, and this blog post from today really says it all well -</p>
<p><em>Especially today, you need not look far to see the allure of the instant. Consider microwave in minutes meals, sound bites, super-short videos, abbreviated summaries of bestsellers, etc. </em></p>
<p><em>When it comes to personal growth, neither an enlightening phrase (no matter how clever) nor some sudden realization can replace the slow, unpredictable unfolding of human development. </em></p>
<p><em>Sure, you and I can change in an instant. </em></p>
<p><em>One word or phrase, a movement you’ve never experienced before, or a flash of insight can change how you make sense of what you’re sensing from that moment forward. But the sudden spark of realization can hide how long it takes to get there. </em></p>
<p><em>While Mini-Feldenkrais classes — two to five minutes long — are instrumental in rekindling learning and integrating what you’ve learned into your life, they no more replace complete lessons than either fast food or healthy snacks supplant balanced meals. </em></p>
<p><em>We don’t usually make sudden, long-lasting changes instantaneously. The design of the nervous system creates invariance: as you move through space, the world around you remains constant and stable. The hallmark of having learned a skill well is that it becomes reliable and automatic, recurring habitually with barely a thought. </em></p>
<p><em>What’s more, you never know when your regular study, daily practice, or persistent, progressive inquiry will pay off. It’s a matter of sticking with it so that you make it to the (next) transformative moment. </em></p>
<p><em>The process of practice and refinement happens through time, not in the schoolroom — whether it’s virtual or actual. Developing your understanding and skill happens after class, between scheduled meetings, and below the level of consciousness. It isn’t simply a question of ingesting and chewing; digestion is mandatory. </em></p>
<p><em>Showing up is necessary but not sufficient for improvement. Engaging is essential, as is allowing for reflection and integration. Commitment, on the part of the teacher and the student, is required. </em></p>
<p><em>Learning takes time.</em></p>
<p>I take on-line lessons with Larry every week; a new series begins on Monday and continues into the new year, and he is taking new students. You can read about it on his website: <a contents="https://mindinmotion-online.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mindinmotion-online.com" style="">https://mindinmotion-online.com</a></p>
<p>It certainly is worth the time and study for me, and it might be for you as well.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/67593792021-09-27T22:40:26-07:002022-01-19T17:08:08-08:00The antedote for our time<p>We have a treasure that can lift the spirit and put a smile on your face - no, it's not a harp (at least this time). Forever, one of my musical heroes has been Bobbie McFerrin. And tonight, suddenly a little too tired to work, I marvelled again at his ability and way of communicating. Want to sing a pentatonic scale? do it with Bobby - <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6tB2KiZuk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6tB2KiZuk" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6tB2KiZuk</a>.</p>
<p>Fair warning - youtube rabbit holes all with his name on them abound!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/67434202021-09-11T16:12:40-07:002022-05-13T06:03:35-07:00Temperature and Humidity in Wood<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/c07e0532b4031d726baa6d3e5a08db44b42a585a/original/image5-w.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><em>Joseph and I have been working this weekend on paper to illustrate the effects of humidity and temperature on your harp (or any wood) and what you should and should not worry about. Here it is for your edification, as my mother used to say...</em></p>
<p>Significant temperature and humidity will affect solid, thin, large sound boards on musical instruments like pianos, harps, and string instruments. In this article we are referring to harp soundboards made with solid spruce. </p>
<p>During the 2021 summer in Vancouver Island, Canada, we experienced a heat dome event with outside temperatures reaching 43°Celsius, with high humidity. That is tropical weather never heard of on our Island and that we only hear about from somewhere else in the world. But it did happen here in Duncan, BC and it will happen again in the future. We need to learn and prepare for those eventualities now. </p>
<p>The first consideration is humidity in the hot summer. Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs water from the atmosphere; the greater the air humidity, the greater will be the amount of water absorbed by the wood. At 100% relative humidity in the air, wood absorbs the water vapour to about 30% of its weight in water - a 100g piece of wood will have 30 grams of water in it. That amount of moisture will greatly affect its strength, bending and hardness properties, and its volumetric shape (by about 11% for spruce). </p>
<p>Wood exposed to air at its dew point (100% humidity) will experience the greatest rate of absorption of water, and microscopic condensation on the surface will occur. Wood is like a sponge. Over time, it will absorb moisture even with protective coatings (finishing may slow down the absorption but will not stop it). </p>
<p>The relationship of various temperatures and humidity to the wood’s moisture content can be illustrated like this: </p>
<p>At about 20° C and 55% air relative humidity, wood has about 10% moisture content, which is roughly the average temperature and humidity in our shop. In that scenario the dew point will be 10° C, meaning that if the temperature falls to 10° C, the wood will, over time, absorb the water vapour from the air, to a wood moisture content of up to 30%. (Our shop, where wood is stored and the harps are made, is kept at a constant temperature and humidity throughout the year so that the moisture content of the wood stays the same.) </p>
<p>At about 30° C and 75% air relative humidity (for a humid summer day or evening), wood is at 15% moisture content. However, the dew point is now at about 25° C, which means that over time the wood at that temperature will rise to 30% moisture content. </p>
<p>It gets worse as the temperature rises. At about 40° C and 75% air relative humidity, wood stays at about 15% moisture content but the dew point is much higher - now at about 35° C. Below that temperature, condensation will occur at a microscopic level on the wood surface. This is dampness that may be felt if the change is rapid, and is not good for your harp. </p>
<p>A second consideration is the temperature alone. Temperature in the high 20s is not good for your harp because wood and strings soften and loose their springiness. That springiness does not come back when the temperature cools down because the constant load of the strings’ tension alters the internal structures of wood and strings. This effect may be small at 27° C but increases rapidly with temperature rise. Visually you may not notice any differences but the sound board and the harp will have lost some of its acoustic quality, or its brightness. This is a permanent situation and is to be avoided by keeping your harp in a cooler place (though the humidity effect will still be a factor, it is not as critical) </p>
<p>At high temperature, wood fibres swell and expand, in addition to the swelling and expansion caused by increased moisture content. Expansion, whether from temperature or humidity increase, or both, has a structural consequence, and the faster the rate of change, the more problems result. The sound board wood is locked in position on the harp; the fibres have no place to expand sideways, so they move up or down, detaching themselves from the cells or cell walls they are connected to. This change can often be seen as a surface ridge, an elevation line, or a crease. When the harp cools, these “wrinkles” may stay. </p>
<p>These elevated wood fibres do not compromise the structural or acoustic quality of the sound board on harps because of the way harps are made. They are, however, visually unattractive, even though they are structurally nothing to worry about. Cosmetically, they can be sanded down and refinished with Tung Oil. At first there will be some wood discoloration but over time it will mostly blend again with the colour tone of the sound board. However, this unnecessary except for cosmetic purposes. </p>
<p>The opposite effect of high relative humidity – excessive dryness - should also be considered. Shrinkage, the opposite of the swelling from moisture, also occurs. At lower humidity and temperature, the wood will contract, and because the sides and ends are locked with glue to the box, the fibres may separate from each other. You will see gaps in the board that a light can be seen through. This occurs mostly in areas where the outside temperature is below freezing, where the relative humidity in the house is likely to be much less than 50%. These separations are not a problem acoustically, though the cosmetic repairs are more difficult. Many harps are built with veneers that cover these visual alterations, but the veneers may also affect the acoustic response of the soundboard. </p>
<p>The soundboard is very thin. In comparison to the rest of the harp, it will lose or absorb heat and humidity faster than the other parts, and it will let you know when that happens, especially when those changes are sudden. Alteration to wood fibres is accelerated with rapid changes in temperature due to sun or heat sources, and changes in humidity due to too much or lack of ventilation. </p>
<p>Some effects will only be cosmetic like the wrinkles or gaps, but others will be structural and much more crucial. The most significant is excess heat. Your harp is under an heavy load from the all the strings. A typical 36 string harp needs to hold about 500 to 750 Kg of tension. Your thin sound board, a few millimetres thick, does most of it, and is the component that is most affected by temperature. </p>
<p>Lessening the tension in room temperatures over 27° will protect the acoustics and the structure of the harp. Any extreme environmental disturbance will be a challenge for the harp, so the more you minimize the changes, especially rapid ones, the more you protect your instrument. Cases help smooth the transition from one temperature to another, and aiming for a fairly constant room humidity and temperature will help keep your harp in tune, and provide the long years of great sound that you want to hear.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/67260472021-08-24T15:29:35-07:002021-08-24T15:29:35-07:00The Dice Game<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/fb59eb20a1c807f48311b049ae880c7416f535db/original/6sided-dice-cropped.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>This year I presented the Dice Game as a special topic for IMA harp school participants. Some of you got a few glimpses of this in the studio classes last year, and you helped me evolve the whole things. I actually made notes for people, so I'm happy to share it here for those who might be interested. <a contents="download the pdf" data-link-label="the-dice-game-amended.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/1139561/the-dice-game-amended.pdf">download the pdf</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66957392021-07-22T18:33:39-07:002021-09-11T16:14:01-07:00Back to Tofino!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/a749ad92b736b7b3afa2c36cd6311b8d4ab40481/original/coxbaybeachtofinobc060131.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Workshops in Tofino are some of my favourite memories of being here on the island. And I'm happy to say, Covid willing, we're going back. Of course all this is predicated on the virus being at bay come November, or at least manageable. (did I mention - Get your vaccinations!)</p>
<p>The workshop will be about arranging your piece. Not relying on me to make you an arrangement (much as I love to do that) but using tools and tricks and guidance, theory and your ears, to make your own.</p>
<p>The workshop will be at the <a contents="Cox Bay Beach Resort" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.coxbaybeachresort.com/index.html">Cox Bay Beach Resort</a>, just south of Tofino, and surfing heaven, I'm told. Especially in November. They call it storm-watching season, which might indicate what we'll find for weather...</p>
<p>Classes and homework will be mornings and evenings, and the afternoons will be free for walking the beach, watching the waves, and soaking up inspiration. (or rain.) Dates are Nov - Tuesday - Thursday, 23 - 25, 2021</p>
<p>But to you loyal on-line people, you are <strong>not forgotten</strong>. I'll will be zooming out the workshops and will be able to work with you even if you're far away. (You'll have to provide your own salt spray)</p>
<p>I've organized an excellent rate at the hotel, and will definitely keep the class size small. If you'd rather stay somewhere else, that would work as well, as long as you have a car to come back and forth.</p>
<p>I'm so excited, I could not wait to share the news! Even if you don't want to make more than one harp arrangement in your life, this one will be worth it because ... Tofino ... Longbeach... Pacific Rim Park ...</p>
<p>Here are all the details:</p>
<p><strong>Who is this for?</strong> Any level of playing can lead to new arrangements - I would say every level of harper should!</p>
<p><strong>What will we do?</strong> We'll have class time from 6 - 8 pm on Tuesday and Wed and then from 9:30 - 12 on Wed and Thursday. You can either leave then or stick around with me for Thursday night. </p>
<p><strong>What will learn?</strong> some basics of arranging (your toolkit), and then actual application to a piece you want to work on.</p>
<p><strong>And the afternoons? </strong>The beach, practising, working on your arrangement and assignments, whatever you decide.</p>
<p><strong>Can I take it on-line?</strong> yes, though the schedule will be a bit different depending on where you are. The classes on Tuesday, wed am, Thursday am will be live on Zoom and recorded. I plan to work with individuals on the Wed. night, so if you're on-line, you may have some time scheduled in there as well. They tell me that the internet is not bad, but not city-like. I think it will work.</p>
<p><strong>And accommodation?</strong> Classes will be at the library/lounge of the Cox Bay Beach resort. That's where I'm staying, and they have a decent rate for Longbeach, and a further discount for the Harp Retreat. All the units are one or two bedroom suites, and have an additional queen pullout in the living room, so you can bring your whole family, or double or triple up for a great price. Here is the rate the manager quoted: </p>
<p>1 Bedroom Beach House Suite at a discounted rate of $185.00/night + taxes if staying only 2 nights and $165.00/night if staying 3 nights or more. </p>
<p>2 Bedroom Beach House or Loft Suite at a discounted rate of $265.00/night + taxes if staying only 2 nights and $235.00/night if staying 3 nights or more.</p>
<p>To get that rate you need to email <a contents="manager@coxbaybeachresort.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:manager@coxbaybeachresort.com">manager@coxbaybeachresort.com</a> (it's a small saving over the posted rate)</p>
<p>If you have questions, email me or use the comment box below. I'm keeping the numbers small because of the individual work, so don't delay. The payment box is up on the <a contents="workshops page" data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops">workshops page</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66808372021-07-06T22:54:45-07:002021-07-06T22:54:45-07:00Sakura Sakura<p>Celebrating Spring - h<a contents="ere's Lisa with her spring recital piece and a lot of nice photos! " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/kmtjMKBIm_Y">ere's Lisa with her spring recital piece and a lot of nice photos! </a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66715792021-06-26T13:42:39-07:002021-11-17T21:27:57-08:00Beethoven's 9th symphony<p>With 185 highschool students in France doing<a contents=" something very special with the this piece." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wVfphy9pbw" style=""> something very special with the this piece.</a> When a choir can't sing this is what they CAN do! First I was so grateful for the video and the hours of creativity and practice by students and teacher. Amazing. The quote at the end from Edmond Rostand says it all <em>En croyant a des fleurs, souvent, on les fait naitre</em> (<em>often, when you believe in flowers, you bring them to birth</em>). I blown away - that is the truth of how I want to teach, believing in you all and wanting to bring your musical selves alive!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66606042021-06-15T18:25:38-07:002021-06-15T18:25:38-07:00Harp Day at St. Peter's in Duncan<p><strong>Everyone </strong>is welcome to the Summer harp day (well, harp afternoon) Sat. July 10 - 1 - 4 pm.</p>
<p>We'll play music you've worked on alone this year - Suo Gan and Polca del norte - and some of the ensemble music as well - canon in D, Dream Habanera, maybe Westcoast gavotte. If you haven't been a part of the ensembles, but want to join the fun, email me for some music! (<a contents="dream Habanera is available on Shalene Wallace's new website)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sharlenewallace.com/product/dream-habanera/" style="" target="_blank">dream Habanera is available on Sharlene Wallace's new website)</a><span style=""> </span></p>
<p>Kids are welcome too, let's celebrate being together!We'll be either in or out of the hall, but more likely in, so wear a mask, and bring everything you need.</p>
<p>Listeners - we'll play everything through at 3:30 so you can see what we did all day!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66585632021-06-13T20:34:24-07:002021-06-13T20:35:03-07:00Another take on harp music for your listening time<p><a contents="This is mostly pedal harp - but a great list." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/harp/best-pieces-for-harp/" style="">This is mostly pedal harp - but a great list.</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66433192021-05-28T23:25:24-07:002021-05-28T23:25:24-07:00A listening Challenge update<p>Two more videos for you -</p>
<p><a contents="A GREAT analysis of the Prelude in C maj by Bach" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5XJdHfPc5o" style="">A really great analysis of the Prelude in C maj by Bach</a></p>
<p><a contents="and La Cucaracha" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrXh8_Lp178" style="">and La Cucaracha</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66432982021-05-28T22:22:18-07:002021-06-11T16:09:11-07:00The Summer Salon<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/a566ceda46f2045aeae1c3429cf7ebb7049c6507/original/edit-music-salon-with-white-and-gold-ornamental-woodwork-characteristic-dm868f.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I'm happy to announce a new "Salon" on most Friday nights at 5 pm. (Zoom) for all adults harpists within the sound of this website! (includes those who are not regular students but need some impetus to practice over the summer)</p>
<p>I'm thinking cucumber sandwiches, gin and tonic, and a little harp music, but realistically, we're on zoom, and I'm not making the sandwiches, so we might have to be a little more prosaic.</p>
<p>There will be approximately 10 sessions, starting June 4. Registrants will enjoy a little time to do a group activity each week, then someone (or two people) will have a lesson and then we'll have another short group activity and then chat or go... </p>
<p>Of course everyone will get to see and hear the lesson and you'll be able to work along with the lesson student on mute. There will be up to two lessons each session (1/2 hr approx) and all levels are welcome so there will be something to learn for everyone. Registrants will be able to sign up for a lesson whenever you choose and because it isn't sequential it will be fine if you make only some of the sessions. </p>
<p>Yes, it is true I always like to try something new every summer. This is my latest idea - we'll see how it goes, but it should be enjoyable and encouraging, and useful. That is, at least, my hope.</p>
<p><a contents="Registration is on the Summer Salon page - you can look for it in the menu as well -" data-link-label="Summer Salon" data-link-type="page" href="/summer-salon">Registration is on the Summer Salon page - you can look for it in the menu as well -</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66432922021-05-28T21:48:54-07:002021-05-28T21:48:54-07:00End of year recitals this weekend!<p>This is your reminder for the two recitals this weekend - youth on Saturday at 5, adults are Sunday at 5. </p>
<p>Both look to be very nice concerts, so if you're looking for some nice music, join in - you're welcome. </p>
<p>All performers: please be on line 15 minutes in advance so we can check everyone's sound. </p>
<p>And all performers, if you haven't had a lesson this past week, could you just reply to this email and confirm whether you are playing or not? </p>
<p>If you are one of the students not playing, just log in and enjoy - it just might be your turn next time :) </p>
<p>An end of year recital is a celebration - a chance to notice for yourself what you have learned, what you can play now that you couldn't some months ago. It has been an odd enough year, but I am very proud of how everyone has adapted to on-line lessons and chilly ones in the outdoor studio - it is pretty great to see, and I'm looking forward to you sharing your music with each other and the invited guests. </p>
<p>I'm sorry I won't be able to hand out ice cream and of celebratory glasses, but next year... </p>
<p>If you want to come, <a contents="just email me for a zoom link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:marilyn@harpcanada.com">just email me for a zoom link</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66155362021-04-27T16:51:13-07:002021-05-10T09:05:42-07:00and the Listening Challenge winner is ...<p>Finally got Joseph to pick a name from the hat - Congrats to Eleanor who gets an arrangement of her choice. And we all win by having access to recordings of such lovely music played on the harp.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/188f1eaf257379e577abec406141388af6c49cc7/original/elanor.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/66154932021-04-27T15:59:40-07:002021-04-29T20:55:28-07:00Youth and Adult Open Mic coffee house - May 8th 2021<p>The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is hosting a great on-line event to get prepped for those year-end recitals and to meet and share with other students on-line.</p>
<p>The youth open mic is 2 -3 pm and the adults are 7 - 8.</p>
<p>This is available to all students of the conservatory, regardless of instrument, so please spread the word to your friends. They can come to listen and watch as well, just send me an email to get an invite!</p>
<p>If you want to play<a contents=" click here and fill in the form " data-link-label="NCM Adult Coffee house open mic - on line" data-link-type="page" href="/ncm-adult-coffee-house-open-mic-on-line"> click here and fill in the form </a>- if you want to listen go to the same page just before the concert and click to join.</p>
<p>Hope to see you there!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/ccfa18613b1f41061f45ad4503c4c20fb0d2bf62/original/ncm-open-mic-poster-may-2021.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65877072021-04-01T20:14:25-07:002022-05-06T22:52:54-07:00listening challenge 7<p>The last one -</p>
<p>Here is someone whose music I becoming more interested in - a British harpist and composer Lauren Scott</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZnNjni6ano" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZnNjni6ano</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65624272021-03-28T21:55:57-07:002021-04-06T18:25:23-07:00listening challenge #6<p>Three tunes in one recording - someone new to me -</p>
<p><a contents="Klezmer harp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMEnHKlH0TU" style="">Klezmer harp</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65387702021-03-01T22:24:58-08:002021-03-30T18:16:52-07:00Listening Challenge #5<p>Three very different takes on the same the same piece - Johann Sebastien for the win! (if you listened to the bonus track and found it the same as #2, I've fixed it now.</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWvyPcZSyHA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWvyPcZSyHA" style="">josh layne - a slower version</a></p>
<p><a contents="amy turk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI7foqtx8ng" style="">fast</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z26IvM8SfN0" style="">and in the middle</a></p>
<p><a contents="bonus track" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5seI0eJZCg" style="">bonus track</a><a contents="bonus track " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5seI0eJZCg"> </a><a contents="bonus track -" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5seI0eJZCg" style="">-</a></p>
<p>your favourite?</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65287792021-02-19T14:01:44-08:002021-04-21T10:14:18-07:00Listening challenge #4<p>Paharo Compana - a great tune I've been trying to fit into our ensemble rotation - this video gives me some ideas....</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3aqoTM5puWIjwknyakk4IOj59cqZrHMmgY74OfAcC98z6wOF3q1TKv0Ew&amp;v=OjHINdX-IiY&amp;feature=youtu.be" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3aqoTM5puWIjwknyakk4IOj59cqZrHMmgY74OfAcC98z6wOF3q1TKv0Ew&v=OjHINdX-IiY&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3aqoTM5puWIjwknyakk4IOj59cqZrHMmgY74OfAcC98z6wOF3q1TKv0Ew&v=OjHINdX-IiY&feature=youtu.be</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65369612021-02-12T11:38:36-08:002021-02-24T12:45:34-08:00Listening Challenge No 3<p><a contents="Maeve Gilcrist at the top of her form - stunning work!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4EGrCgtH7E" target="_blank">Maeve Gilchrist at the top of her form - new and stunning work!</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65369632021-02-04T12:42:35-08:002021-03-30T17:22:23-07:00Listening Challenge #2<p>Somehow lost the link for # 2, so this is the new #2, and I hope to get that other one back soon.</p>
<p>Tristan LeGovic - Tristan just played a festival at the Isle of Wight - of course it was recorded, and from his house. The whole thing is at this link, but the listening challenge part is at the 30 minute mark, and check out that amazing piece "Hugging the Flowers". Show off some theory genius at work!</p>
<p>Then go back and see it all if you've the time, including the introduction of the town they're in - I'm thinking it may be my next harp festival travel - wow -</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rd229KKdo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rd229KKdo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rd229KKdo</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65274082021-01-21T21:26:31-08:002021-04-21T10:13:21-07:00The 2021 Listening challenge<p>We did a listening challenge a few years ago (if you keep digging backwards in this blog you'll find it) now it's time for the 2021 edition.</p>
<p>The Rules -</p>
<p>1. listen/watch the tunes. A new one each week or so, for 6 weeks.</p>
<p>2. Write a word or two in the comment box. At the end I'll choose one person who does and award them a... a... a.... an arrangement at their level, of anything they want, within reason and my skills!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Youth - this might be the way to get a nice arrangement of a pop tune that I don't know yet! Oldsters - that may be true as well - I'm not that good at pop music.</p>
<p>We'll begin with such a nice O'carolan set!</p>
<p>Natalie Cox and her musical buddies on cello and harp play the most beautiful arrangements of <a contents="Trulough O'Carolan here - " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV_vhk8fn04&feature=emb_err_woyt" target="_blank">Turlough O'Carolan here - </a></p>
<p>Beautiful and stylish playing - so so good.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/65001992020-12-15T14:54:48-08:002020-12-23T00:42:25-08:00more on-line concerts<p>I have a feeling I'll be adding to this list -</p>
<p><a contents="Harpers Hall from California" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVGYHNfIxPY&feature=youtu.be">Harpers Hall from California</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This is the shortest, but perhaps the<a contents=" most instructive - from Sharlene Wallace" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXlhwAxFdAg"> most instructive - from Sharlene Wallace</a> - don't miss it! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>and this from Trisha Daniell "You might enjoy this mash-u<a contents="p of Handel's Messiah with 31 differen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/9eszw2vH8zE">p of Handel's Messiah with 31 differen</a>t carols mixed in!"</p>
<p>and this - <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLeCLRK8Ws8" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLeCLRK8Ws8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLeCLRK8Ws8 awesome dancing</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/64995962020-12-14T21:39:09-08:002021-04-21T10:12:48-07:00A Splendid Messiah<p>Against the Grain Theatre Company and Toronto Symphony produced an absolutely fantastic production of Messiah, call Messiah/Complex, featuring soloists of First Nations, Inuit and Metis descent. Some of in languages other than English. Just beautiful singing, recorded from wherever the soloists were. Truly amazing, and what you want to listen to. I loved it - should say am loving it it - taking forever because I have to rewind some of the solos because they are so beautiful!</p>
<p><a contents="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5noVWnVp9fU&amp;feature=youtu.be" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5noVWnVp9fU&feature=youtu.be">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5noVWnVp9fU&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
<p>---------------------</p>
<p><a contents="Also on my list is the wonderful Angela Hewitt in concert. That's next!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nrPDbglNaDY">Also on my list is the wonderful Angela Hewitt in concert. That's next!</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/64995892020-12-14T20:51:56-08:002020-12-14T20:51:56-08:00Christmas parties and recitals<p>Theyre all on-line of course, and you're welcome. If you didn't get an invite in your email, please just push the contact button and ask me for one! Remember, this is NOT the regular login. All subscribers and visitors and students are welcome, and their families.</p>
<p>Youth - Sunday 20th at 4 pm</p>
<p>Adults - Sunday 20th at 530</p>
<p>marilyn sleeps - soon after!</p>
<p>Should be fun!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/64972202020-12-11T10:55:06-08:002020-12-11T10:56:46-08:00A wonderful lecture about Harpo Marx<p>Thanks to the harplist email server - (which you can subscribe to if you're old-school :) - I discovered this excellent thesis presentation about the doctoral candidate research Dr. Molly O'Roark did on the contribution to the harp world of Harpo Marx, which goes far beyond his wonderful movies.</p>
<p>You can <a contents="watch here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4NtCy9MfYk">watch here</a> - pick a slow time, it is is more than an hour, and she plays some of his compositions! </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/64517162020-10-08T10:29:40-07:002020-10-08T21:09:17-07:00Susan Hammond's Classical Kids<p>When my children were small, easily our best discovery of music to listen to - children and adults - was this series of CD's. Happily they are still available, and for anyone who missed them, I'm happy to write bit to let you know about them. Do you have a child in your life? This is the gift!</p>
<p>Susan Hammond is from Toronto, and in the 80's and 90's produced this series. She wrote beautiful and engaging stories and added music from many of the great classical and baroque composers. They are woven together and very well done. I was reminded to write about this when I heard a YouTube video the other day of a Vivaldi Recorder concerto that transported me immediately back 25 years, to the many playings of this recording. We had long trips from the Cariboo to Vancouver and Calgary in those days, and these were our favourite accompaniments!</p>
<p>They are available on Amazon and almost all libraries have copies to loan. The series includes Mr. Bach comes to call, Beethoven lives upstairs (my son's favourite) Vivaldi's Mysterious Ring, Mozart's Magical "something", Tchaikovsky Discovers America. There is also a 9 recording box set with teacher plans for each of them. Would be most fabulous home schooling project.</p>
<p>She also did at least two others not focussed on individual composers, Daydreams and Lullabys, and a Christmas one. All first class. Would be great to listen to together, by internet or in person, and I can guarantee that the adults will enjoy and learn as much as the kids.</p>
<p>Happy to hear about your favourites!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/64329372020-09-13T23:58:12-07:002020-09-26T17:41:29-07:00A mask pattern<p>Severl folks asked about the masks I've been making. After many bazillion tries, I settled on this pattern. Mrs. Youtube showed me how to do it, but I can't find that one again. There are several that use the same principal, but are cut from rectangles. I like the circular form of this one for the way it fits on nose and chin. So here it is. (Yes, it would have been much easier, and maybe more useful to make a video, I now realize!)</p>
<p>I like it because it goes way up the nose so it doesn't fog the glasses, and stays away from my mouth when I'm talking all day! It kind of opens and closes with your jaw. Thanks to the nameless and creative inventor!!!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/7ba8d6d672e03e493a3ccafc62678379db8406d0/original/img-20200920-2217438.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Cut a circle of the outside and inside material. I have settled on 9 3/4 inches for me, but for Joseph 10 1/4. I have a pretty small face and jaw, and I use a tiny seam allowance. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/e4b06c9cbc57fb49a05cf8ca4c73e0b7a93ffeb2/original/img-20200913-2038351.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Mark the ear bits one inch from the centre on each side of the lining fabric. Use ribbons or elastic, and pin them to the inside so when you turn it, they will be out. Add the other fabric circle right sides together. Sew them up leaving a small bit open to turn it through.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/e1b597dd4d6f3cfcfaa2ed3595c832a4707f416f/original/img-20200913-2053543.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Turn inside out and press flat. Top stitch all around.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/3135b6c2929b321e5a7012579e905c41180508b0/original/img-20200913-2100338.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>now fold your circle in thirds (approximately) with at least 3 1/4 inches width in the middle "third" This is a bit fussy. I use the ear ribbons to guide the folding. Press.</p>
<p>Draw a line that follows the curve of each flap, top and bottom.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/4805c85ea740c04919e2a8f4fb7c42392557a08d/original/img-20200913-2106465.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>you want to sew a curve roughly following the curve of the flaps if they were folded down. I use my pattern and keep out 1/4 from the folded edge. I use my original pattern. I used to use the curve of the fabric itself, but I'm not always deadly accurate at sewing that curve. :) draw with a pencil.</p>
<p>Pin the two flap edges together to keep them out of the way, because they don't want to be sewn down. The picture should help. Draw the line on each side, and stitch it down. That's it.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/382c53b0bdfcc815c76617ce66dd4d8ba1fb04b5/original/img-20200913-2110452.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/b39dcdc00bc1af78f498406ff63aeacf73a5e673/original/img-20200913-2112211.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>bring the ear pieces together, and the little wings will pop out. Giving it a good ironing, folded, helps the fit.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/2ebbefd4f8447fe2aabc9ae54476d751e4bf38cf/original/img-20200913-2119049.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Pretty simple - but ingenious</p>
<p>Use can use elastic - 6 !/2 inches or 7 if you just go around the ears. I like the feel of ribbons better - sometimes I just make them ear sized, but a better fit is big loops (11") with an elastic fastener in the back. I make a loop of elastic around one of the ribbons and sew a button on the other end of it to catch the other ribbon. That way it slides into position where it needs to go. I haven't seen this in a video, and it definitely increases the time, but makes for comfort, especially if you already have glasses over your ears. I have elastic ear loops on the ones for a quick trip to the grocery store.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/5e305e42dd2fa78a9a894fbe29fb5cc63eff0aea/original/img-20200913-2140391.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63644302020-06-23T21:05:33-07:002020-09-01T00:07:19-07:00gearing up part 1 - basics <p>This is a short series of articles, with lots of info about how to prepare for distance lessons, either as a teacher or a student. While practically anything will "do", as we look to perhaps another year of this, it may be time to invest in the equipment to make your teaching and learning a success and a pleasure while connecting by computer. Along the way I'll share some stories about what I've learned over the past 5 years of Zoom sporadically and over the past 4 months of Zoom all day! But I'll talk about other software as well - Zoom is certainly not the only choice. </p>
<p>-------------------------------</p>
<p><strong>The device, the connection to the internet and the software</strong></p>
<p>You need a device - a cellphone, a laptop, a tablet, a computer. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. </p>
<p><strong>Cellphones</strong> - usually really good microphones for good sound transmitted. Incoming can be good as well, but headphones are almost a necessity. The big con is the size of the screen, so if you rely on looking at your teacher, it is good for once in a while, maybe not perfect for weekly. But it does work. Bit small for teaching - hard to see what people are doing, but for closeups it is fine. </p>
<p><strong>Tablets</strong> are great because they have larger screens, the mics range from terrible to good, but there are features of most of the software applications that are not available on phones or tablets. They can be even cheaper than phones, and one that is fairly new will work well. They do tend to last a while, and if you have one that is 8 years old, it is time for a new one for your lessons. You can still use the old one to take notes on or record your lessons! I've used a tablet (either an ipad or a surface pro 3) for the past few years for distance lessons, but rapidly switched over to a new laptop when it became hours a day. </p>
<p>Another advantage of tablets is that they may be easier to position so that the hands may be seen. Kind of important in music lessons. </p>
<p><strong>Laptops</strong> - by good fortune, I had replaced an ancient laptop with a new Surface 3 laptop last fall. But I was mostly using it to take notes for the students and myself, and using the tablet for the actual lesson. I also used both laptop and tablet when I wanted to have two sessions going so I could have 2 cameras. That worked when I was travelling between studios, but once I was only in my home studio, it was time to look for a more elegant solution to that problem. I'll talk about it later. </p>
<p><strong>A laptop</strong> is a great solution if you type during the lesson, (you can have your lesson session taking up most of the screen, while having a little chunk left for writing). Depending on what you're playing or teaching or learning, it can be awkward to both see the screen and have the camera see you. </p>
<p><strong>Desktop computers</strong> - newer and powerful ones are fantastic. They are usually wired by an ethernet cable to your internet router, so wifi is never a problem. They don't usually have microphones or cameras, so these must be added to make the system work. But if your computer is where you'll be doing the lesson, and you can position it so you can see what is usually a much larger screen, and then position an independent camera to show what your hands or body are doing, it can be just terrific. Good speakers are often connected, and many people (or is it just me?) have more than one monitor connected. This means you can expend your display in your app. Can be a great solution if your instrument or your desk are mobile. </p>
<p>-------------------- </p>
<p><strong>Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Discord, microsoft Teams</strong></p>
<p>I have been using Zoom for about 5 years, after cycling through all the options, it was clearly the best. I'm not sure it is now, as I have not tested many of the others recently, but it is certainly a fine solution. I also like Discord a lot for the lack of latency, but they don't have a two camera setup/share screen setup, and it is best for one to one. I've heard that Microsoft Teams is excellent, but I have no subscription and no experience. So Zoom it is for me.</p>
<p>If you are a teacher, I highly recommend the two camera route, which I'll talk about in a later post. If you're a student, one is fine. Of course you need to change the settings to deal better with instrument sounds rather that speaking voices, but it is all easy to do. And groups are handled well, though the restraints of only one person being heard at a time can be frustrating.</p>
<p>a late update from my tech consultant-(some of you know him :) "Teams is now free for use, although you need to sign up with a Microsoft account. Most PC people have Microsoft accounts, as you typically get one set up when you buy a laptop with Windows on it. - Teams does have some of the best sound quality of all the collaboration apps I've used, so it may be a good option for some people". On the strength of that I plan to work with it a bit over the summer and report back.</p>
<p>-------------------- </p>
<p><strong>The internet</strong> - the fastest speed connection your circumstances of location and budget allows! The software is getting better at reducing demands for slower bandwidth, but in this case, the faster the better. Especially important is upload speeds. Telus is almost always better than Shaw Cable for this, as Shaw emphasizes download to deliver you your tv or movies. But teaching, or playing for your teacher, means sending out the signal - the upload. I just checked the Telus page and if your studio is in the "pure fibre" territory, you can get very high speed (gigabit) rates at the same price as people were paying for much less a few years ago. So if you haven't called them lately, you may get a pleasant surprise when you do. <a contents=" Here's where I checked" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.telus.com/en/shop/eligibility?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telus.com%2Finternet%2Ffibre%2Fget-connected%3Fbypass%3Dtrue&INTCMP=PureFibre"> Here's where I checked</a> - If you are not in BC, there are similar options for your provider. (more info now in comments below)</p>
<p>You may wish to think about how old your router is - if you get an upgraded internet connection, you'll likely get a new one for free, but it is worth asking if your wifi signal could be improved in speed or power by a new router.</p>
<p>At very high speeds, your wifi will be the limiting factor so a ethernet cable connection will get the maximum value out of those high speed, high cost connections to the internet. If you have slower internet speeds and a new wifi set-up it won't make much or any difference, as long as you are fairly close to the router.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63644162020-06-23T20:45:37-07:002020-08-29T14:07:43-07:00gearing up part 2 - the headphones and the mics<p>This and part 3 and 4 deal with extra things that make it all better for teachers and students. That is, they don't change the "performance" but they really change the experience. I want to offer what you can do to make on-line teaching or learning a better experience, which leads to less stress, and more comfort at both ends of the connection. We all know that we learn best in a comfortable, stress free, "happy" environment, so it's worth taking into consideration.</p>
<p>So you can do without all these things, but we want distance teaching/learning to be sustainable, and these things have all really gone a long way towards that goal for me and my students.</p>
<p>-------------------</p>
<p><strong>Headphones</strong> - I'm going to likely disagree with many other posts by other people on a similar topic - just my experience.</p>
<p>I was a long time resister of headphones and ear buds - I've never liked the sound; it always seems wrong and artificial. My voice sounds odd with my ears covered, and I can't play properly without hearing the nuances of my harp. But listening to students all day on laptop speakers is not good for the ears and head either.</p>
<p>To the rescue - <strong>open back headphones! </strong>These are just beautiful, and saved me from going mad teaching all day. Open back headphones are just what you think - instead of your ears being blocked, the backs (the part over your ears) have a grill on them that lets sound in very well. And somehow the sound through them seems to come from the room instead of the middle of your head (not a sensation I like!) They are the polar opposite to sound cancelling headphones and I love them. The ear cup is large and rests on your head around your ears, not on them. Very comfy.</p>
<p>This means you can play, talk and listen, and everything is at its normal volume. The ones I use are Sennheiser 599, but the there are other comparable brands. There are no cheap open-back headphones, just a bit expensive and more expensive. I recommend the corded version with a good long cord, because every bit of latency bugs me. </p>
<p>------------------------------</p>
<p>I see many people recommending mics, but my experience has not been so positive. I have an older Blue snowball USB, and now a fancy Blue Yeti desk mic, and one in each of the webcams. However, what sounds the best to those on the receiving end of the Zoom call has consistently been the mic or array of mics in the laptop. So happily, I don't need one more thing on the table/desk. If I was streaming a larger group, I would use the Blue Yeti, or my Zoom video recorder with its very excellent mics. If you use a newer cellphone it might have an excellent mic. Tablets vary from terrible to fantastic, and older laptops are often terrible, so you need to ask what other folks are hearing. Don't forget to adjust your audio settings, advanced, on Zoom, to eliminate the focus on speech frequencies by disabling the intermittent and continuing background noise options. If speech and instrument sound is not clear to others after attending to the settings, then a USB mic is what is needed.</p>
<p>Small caveat - if you have an external audio processor for your computer (like a Scarlett solo, or one of the many excellent Roland products) you can use a regular 1/4" or XLR jack microphone. If you have those already, no need to buy more, and the sound will be excellent. Better than USB I think.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63644112020-06-23T20:45:13-07:002020-10-06T21:03:26-07:00gearing up part 3 - cameras and displays<p><strong>The display </strong>-</p>
<p>If you are a teacher and you want to keep doing this distance teaching for days on end, you'll soon want to see what your students are doing without squinting at a tiny screen. It's probably tiny because you need to have something portable to to show what you're doing with your hands and that means you can barely see what the students are doing.</p>
<p>This also applies to students, as the teacher is asking to get a good look at something, which often means you can barely see the teacher. That could be alright, but it might not be.</p>
<p>The answer, especially for teachers, is a second monitor, mostly because you can manage with anything for an hour a day, but 5 or 6 hours means eyestrain and backaches. A bigger one will let you see the students more easily, and if you teach group classes, they are indispensable.</p>
<p>You have choices - a big monitor, or a TV. Almost all new TV's can function as a computer monitor; if you are re-purposing an older one, you might need to check on its having an HDMI in port.</p>
<p>I bit the bullet and have a very large TV on my wall, that I can see from a distance, and shows me what students are doing. If you are using a windows device it is easy to set up a 2nd monitor. (In part 4 I'm talking about cables and hubs, which is how you connect the two) When I have a group class I can see 16 students at a time and it is beautiful! I don't know how easy that is from other platforms. I'd be happy to have an iOS person weigh in in the comments.</p>
<p>Depending on the setup in your studio, you may need a smaller monitor, and a means to mount it. Also in part 4 is a bit about stands - there are stands made that you move around, have wheels, and hold monitors. And of course there are wall mounts which let you angle and tilt your monitor for the best viewing angle.</p>
<p>Another work-around is logging in as second person in Zoom if you have a spare tablet, but this takes twice the bandwidth, and is prone to problems unless you have a really highspeed connection.</p>
<p>If you are a student with a laptop or a newer cellphone and a TV, you might consider connecting to your TV to see your lessons on, if your instrument can be in the same room. I'd do this if I had kids doing home schooling as well. It might also work for some teachers.</p>
<p>----------------------------</p>
<p><strong>cameras - webcams</strong> - I've been through many versions, but now have the best set up I can imagine. I use Zoom with the share screen enabled. You can share anything - a video, a whiteboard to write on or a 2nd camera. I use it mostly in the 2nd camera mode.</p>
<p>That 2nd camera is perched on a stand and close to my harp so my hands are big and clearly seen by students. Zoom knows you want to focus on whatever you're sharing, so it makes that picture nice and big, and insets a little frame of the original camera used for talking and so people can see more of me. the 2nd camera is a logitech with a mic, The mic is not good for musical instruments, but you don't need to use that part of it. The camera is great and has its own autofocus system. Logitech C920 webcam.</p>
<p>The original camera easily, and most likely, can be your laptop/tablet/phone, and that will be adequate for many uses, but you can also use another stand-alone camera as your original. I used the first version of that for the past few months, using my surface laptop as the primary camera and the little logitech webcam as the share-your-screen one.</p>
<p>But things have changed for the ($$$ alert) better. I'm now using the Logitech meetup camera. It sits below the big screen on the wall and therefore is a lot further away from me than a laptop or tablet would be. This has a big advantage of letting me show things with my waving hands for rhythm or solfege or whatever. And it is much more relaxing to not have the camera right up my nostrils. I don't have to see myself in such a big way, and the stress is therefore lowered. If I need to stand to demonstrate something I can zoom out and all of me can be seen. It also has a speaker which I would use instead of headphones if there was more than one listener, and it also has a mic, which I'm not using. If you teach dance or movement it would be excellent. You control it with a very well designed remote control which lets you zoom in and out and has presets.</p>
<p>Using these cameras is a little finicky at first. I was confused by the fact that Zoom does its own choosing of cameras and mics, not Windows, but that is a big benefit, as you can custom make your best solution for Zoom that way. Once I found all the controls, life was good.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63644102020-06-23T20:44:47-07:002020-09-12T21:59:52-07:00gearing up - part 4 - other bits to make life more fun<p><strong>stands, recorders, and cables and hubs! </strong></p>
<p>I'll start with <strong>cables</strong> - how to get all the bits you've assembled connected. If you have a laptop or a tablet, you'll likely need to have an extension hub to get everything plugged in if you've gone for any of the additional equipment listed in the previous 2 articles. Modern laptops and tablets tend to have only one USB port or none at all, and in many cases you'll find only a type C (or lightning connection if it is an IOS) </p>
<p>You many need a headphone jack, or two USB ports and you only have one, or you need an HDMI connection for your second screen and you don't have one. </p>
<p>The answer is a "hub" or an extension to your computer. This is a small device that plugs into a port, and multiplies it. Magic. </p>
<p>If you need three USB ports and you only have one, you can buy a hub to plug into the USB that has room on it to plug in two or four or more USB cables. Something to watch out for: make sure they are USB 3, not USB 2. They'll be coloured blue on the inside if they are USB 3. You want this because they are much faster the USB 2 which means less lag between devices. </p>
<p>They come in two versions - ones that get their power from the computer to which it is plugged, and ones that need to be plugged into a regular AC plug-in (a powered hub) There are limits to the amount of power that a computer powered version can put out, so if you are setting up a semi-permanent studio and can plug in, it is better to get that kind. Depending on what you are plugging in to it - mics, webcams, monitors, you may only be able to run 2 or 3 things without that external pwoer. But if you have two periferals only and you need to move your gear around, go for one powered by the computer. </p>
<p>These are also called "docks" especially ones that plug into your USB type C port and give you a bunch of other options. </p>
<p>You'll also need cables to connect the peripherals to the hub or dock. Get good ones - USB 3, not 2. Gold end connectors for HDMI is often an indication of upgrade. worth it. </p>
<p>Name names, I hear you say. I had a bunch of cheaper things kicking around from old projects but have now two from Anker, and I'm really impressed. They are small, mostly metal not plastic, they have beautiful smooth connectors, and they work. One is a 5-in-1 USB C Ethernet hub. It goes into the C port on the computer and has a connection for an ethernet cable if I don't want to use wi-fi as well as an HDMI cable and 3 USB 3 ports. The other is a plug in power version that has USB connectors which I use for my cameras, and also to charge my tablet. </p>
<p>If you have a Microsoft Surface or any kind since 2018 you can use their "travel hub" I has an additional C port, and HDMI port for the extra monitor, and ethernet plug-in if you want to not use wi-fi, and a USB port for your extra camera.</p>
<p>And so many cables. Braided cables from whomever are nicer... </p>
<p>You may be happy with the "tech look" of many cables strewn across your floor, but <strong>cable management</strong> is a thing. I have some rolls of velcro made just for that purpose - they have the hooks on one side of the tape and the gripper on the other side so you can cut a strip and wrap around and voila! This is a big improvement on the green masking tape I was using... You can also use this to secure your bundle of cables to the leg of the desk, or the stand, or to bury under a carpet.</p>
<p>--------------------- </p>
<p><strong>Stands</strong> - you'll need a music stand, obviously, and a stand or something to put an external camera on if you're using one. You can get cool ones with feet that roll around, or microphone boom ones, or clamp-on, or whatever. Hard to recommend, as every set up will need something different. I'm currently using a roll around stand with a goose neck that I bought to hold a tablet in position when I was still using a tablet for lessons. It is a bit of overkill for a tiny camera, but still handy because I can move it so easily without getting up from my chair. If you are using a tablet, it would be worth it. </p>
<p>--------------------------</p>
<p><strong>Recorders</strong> - I used to use a Zoom video recorder for some classes (not related to the Zoom on-line company). That or a DSLR or point and shoot camera could also be used as a second camera if they have HDMI connection.</p>
<p>You may be able to record the lessons at the same time, so you can play it back later if you are a student, or share it if you are a teacher. But videos take a lot of storage space, so you have to consider that. You can also record your lessons on Zoom, or allow others to do so. I've always encouraged students to record their lessons for study and practice, so this was a no-brainer for me. However the subject is complicated worth another whole article. Ask me if you want to know more and I"ll write it up!</p>
<p>-------------------</p>
<p><strong>A curtain/backdrop</strong>. Depending on what you're teaching it may be advantageous to have a curtain behind you. I've had one over the shelves and door in my studio for many years for this purpose, and it's practically the only thing that hasn't changed. It's perfect, and easy to tie back when I need the door. For the purposes of the camera, a dark colour is helpful to show the detail in the foreground. For the same reason, it is better to not position yourself in front of a window, unless you have a dark curtain on it to eliminate the halo effect. Even a small portable one can improve things - one of my students uses a piece of cloth over something (don't know what) just behind her harp - makes it easy on the teacher. Pianos provide their own backdrop, and other instruments may or may not need something.</p>
<p>----------------------</p>
<p>That's it for now, but I'm happy to write more if you have questions - just ask in the comments.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63514372020-06-12T13:43:25-07:002020-06-24T11:50:55-07:00IMA Harp School moves on-line<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/fb71c15cb6f85f1e9c2a85729a4483b9a03df01d/original/harp-school-2017dsc00841.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Good news for those who have been waiting - <strong>IMA will offer an on-line program this summer</strong>. Registrants will participate in a live on-line two-hour class each morning with their instructor and their harp, there will be one "special topics" session each day with one of the instructors (mostly a listening class), and then a short concert every evening at 5 pm featuring an instructor, with a couple of ceilidh style student performances to begin. We'll try to be our usual informal, supportive style retreat, and try to meet needs of all our participants as best we can. </p>
<p>The hours have been adjusted for ease in long stretches at a screen, and for those participating outside of our Wells time zone. The classes will be 2 hours, with a 1/2 break in the middle - where coffee and talking will reign - there should be few enough students in each that we can somewhat chat with each other - we know that so much of the pleasure of coming to Wells is meeting your old harp friends every year!</p>
<p>Sharlene Wallace, Sunita Stanislow, and Seumas Gagne will each teach, somewhat in accordance with the plans made for in-person morning classes. They will be 2 hours instead of 3, however they will be for the full 5 days.</p>
<p>We'll all join together for the special topics in the afternoon, and for the concerts.</p>
<p>I'm happy to say that Tristan Le Govic will be playing one of the instructor concert nights, and possible have a special topic as well.</p>
<p>As you can appreciate, we're working through all the details on the fly.</p>
<p>All the classes will be done by Zoom, and registrants will get the info they need well in advance.</p>
<p>Registration will be up soon on the IMA website - I'll be sure and let you know when it is open!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63491082020-06-10T14:17:25-07:002020-06-12T13:28:27-07:00Historical Harp Society Virtual Conference<p>Historical Harp Society Virtual Conference <br> <br>Early Harp from the Past into the Present <br>June 15-18. 2020 </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Events will be in Zoom. Link will be posted at http://historicalharpsociety.org/ by June 12. <br>Presentation descriptions will include videos to watch before (most effective) or after the presentation. Check the website after June 12 for complete descriptions with video links. <br>Virtual Concert event will be presented via videos to watch before the reception. Check website after June 12 for video links. <br>Our reception will include opening welcome and announcements and a chance to talk to our presenters in break-out rooms. Check the website after June 12 for added concert and reception events. <br>Suggested donation is $20/event via check or PayPal (instructions below). Pre-registration is not required, but please continue to check the website for updates. </p>
<p>MONDAY, June 15 <br> <br>9 am Pacific; noon Eastern <br>Nancy Thym: Medieval Song for Voice and Harp <br> <br>12:30 Pacific; 3:30 Eastern <br>Nancy Thym:.A Medieval Tale <br> <br>TUESDAY, June 16 <br> <br>9 am Pacific; noon, Eastern <br>Nancy Thym: The Technique of the Itinerant Hook Harp Players of Bohemia and Germany <br> <br>WEDNESDAY, June 17 <br> <br>9 am Pacific; noon Eastern <br>Paul Knoke: Virtual Tour of the Knoke Harp Collection <br> <br>10:30 am Pacific; 12:30 Eastern <br>Jan Walters: Reflections on Breathing New Life into Forgotten Harp Music through Recordings and Film <br> <br>THURSDAY, June 18 <br> <br>9 am Pacific; noon Eastern <br>Maxine Eilander and Stephen Stubbs: The Baroque Harp: Solo and Continuo <br> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63388492020-06-01T18:39:17-07:002020-06-01T18:39:17-07:00Music from UBC<p>Here's a lovely video of UBC harp major Hayley Farenholtz playing for Connecting with Compassion, a UBC Faculty of Medicine initiative to help seniors coping with the pandemic. </p>
<p><a contents="https://music.ubc.ca/blog/2020/6/1/making-a-difference-new-ubc-initiative-embraces-technology-to-help-seniors-in-long-term-care-combat-social-isolation-during-covid-19 " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.ubc.ca/blog/2020/6/1/making-a-difference-new-ubc-initiative-embraces-technology-to-help-seniors-in-long-term-care-combat-social-isolation-during-covid-19">https://music.ubc.ca/blog/2020/6/1/making-a-difference-new-ubc-initiative-embraces-technology-to-help-seniors-in-long-term-care-combat-social-isolation-during-covid-19 </a></p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQgvcrJRG5E&amp;feature=youtu.be" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.ubc.ca/blog/2020/6/1/making-a-difference-new-ubc-initiative-embraces-technology-to-help-seniors-in-long-term-care-combat-social-isolation-during-covid-19">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQgvcrJRG5E&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
<p>Beautiful work Hayley!!!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63362662020-05-30T13:21:41-07:002020-06-01T22:35:02-07:00A most wonderful video<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/c80f38aadb5f3b2504dca35b0c854a5159fa6019/original/clogs.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Most students, youth or adults, learn the lovely welsh "jigs" which are actually clog dances from Wales. I was alerted to this fantastic video via the Harplist. It is from the Welsh version of the National Film Board, and dates from 1959.</p>
<p>You'll recognize the Pant Corlan and the Welsh chord pattern, and get to see the harp playing and the dancing happening at the same! Sooooooo great!</p>
<p>If you've only done Pwt-ar-abys and not the tune in the video, just email me or leave a comment below and I'll send you the music. Left hand is the same as you've learned. (end of Harpstart Bk 1 if you are confused :)</p>
<p><a contents="But mostly just watch the video..." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGRn1XDYIVc">But first, watch the video...</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/63205702020-05-17T22:31:53-07:002020-05-19T18:39:28-07:00Harp for Sale<p>Just had this note from a subscriber:</p>
<p><em>I have a beautiful Lyon and Healy Prelude harp for sale. I also have a concert music chair that is included. I am asking </em></p>
<p><em>5000 firm for both. </em></p>
<p><em>My e mail is marmaclam@hotmail. com. </em></p>
<p><em>My phone number is +14035501510. </em></p>
<p><em>I live near Qualicum Beach. </em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/addfa468cadc86c4c34926c51b7ff1fb2166dcda/original/collett-lyon-and-haely-img-0969.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62966562020-04-27T22:55:00-07:002020-04-27T23:01:09-07:00Bach to the Barre and more <p>The very wonderful<a contents=" Timothy Dawson who is the VSO bass player and creator of the video of Appalachan Spring is at it again. This time with Dancers - so nice! Canadian talent to burn!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_AxMA_dE4Q"> Timothy Dawson who is the VSO bass player and creator of the video of Appalachan Spring is at it again. This time with Dancers - so nice! Canadian talent to burn!</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents='And the Norwegian Orchestra with "All by Myself' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T5cGr85LQw">And the Norwegian Orchestra with "All by Myself</a>" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T5cGr85LQw</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="Phoenix Chamber Choir" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpAKcQufacc&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2n3DT6VLkzCM8sIvU6loQGPmZxX9-xG-LB84ikDrEQjjxW2b9F741hil8">Phoenix Chamber Choir</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62948072020-04-25T20:58:40-07:002020-04-25T20:58:40-07:00harp on a nice video<p>This one counts because it was harp played by a student - Eleanor - congrats on stepping out with your harp! It's part of a nice band with lots of instruments and</p>
<p>She says:</p>
<p><em>Some of you were asking to hear the recording I made in November with Glen Foster. <a contents="Here it is on Youtube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=315S7fgcJbI">Here it is on Youtube</a>. You hear more of the harp towards the end. </em></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62940382020-04-24T22:20:07-07:002020-04-24T22:21:17-07:00Feldenkrais for musicians -online<p>THIS SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2020. STILL A FEW SPACES LEFT SO SIGN UP NOW. </p>
<p>Tuning In </p>
<p>A Workshop for Musicians Using the Feldenkrais Method™ </p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Improvement of talented people comes through their awareness of </p>
<p>themselves in action. Their talent arises from their freedom to choose </p>
<p>their modes of action.” (Moshé Feldenkrais) </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Where: On-line </p>
<p>When: April 26, 2020 </p>
<p>Time: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm PDT </p>
<p>Fees: $45 To register contact Sandra Bradshaw at mailto:sandra@kelownafeldenkraistraining.ca or phone 250-862-8489 </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Visit our website at http://www.kelownafeldenkraistraining.ca </p>
<p> </p>
<p>An Introduction to FeldenkraisŠ for Musicians </p>
<p>Everything you do in playing your instrument, as in al coordinated actions, is a complex process that begins with intention. In this case musical </p>
<p>intention which requires the coordination of a series of movements involving changes in weight, speed, orientation in space, eye-hand coordination </p>
<p>and adaptations to gravity. When any of these are inefficient, it results in unnecessary friction wear and tear on the muscular-skeletal system and </p>
<p>less than optimal results. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> Ask yourself these questions: </p>
<p> </p>
<p>x Are you satisfied with your playing? </p>
<p>x Can you express your musical intentions to your satisfaction? </p>
<p>x Do you know what to change to get a better result? </p>
<p>x Do you suffer from playing-related injuries or pain? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Feldenkrais Method™ uses gentle, slow movements to develop and refine the ability to sense subtle changes in quality. This tool of awareness </p>
<p>makes possible more efficient and expanded choices that can prevent or heal injuries and improve performance. Learning is done through experi- </p>
<p>ment and attention to ease and comfort rather than effort. Interest is in How you do what you do rather than on the accomplishment of any particu- </p>
<p>lar action. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This workshop wil help you become more aware of the intimate relationship between the way you use yourself and the music you create. This en- </p>
<p>hanced awareness can support the ability to express musical intention. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In this introductor\ workshop we will lay the groundwork and provide tools to help you continue learning and improving. You will: </p>
<p>x Find support from the ground through your skeleton. </p>
<p>x Gain proportional use of muscles: Using the large central muscles to free the use of arms and hands. </p>
<p>x Improve the coordinated use of eyes, arms, and body. </p>
<p>x Improve your sense of orientation in space. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Alice Friedman, MA, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, experienced Assistant Trainer, Registered Psychologist, and dancer has explored the </p>
<p>intersections of motion and emotion her entire life. In her professional life she has investigated ways of integrating movement, awareness and sen- </p>
<p>sory experience into many fields including performing arts. She has offered workshops for musicians and other performing artists at al levels. Alice </p>
<p>has also organized two Victoria FeldenkraisŠ Teacher Training Programs, and is now part of a team organizing a training in Kelowna B.C. She </p>
<p>maintains a private practice on Salt Spring Island and Victoria, British Columbia. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sandra Bradshaw, PDP, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner has an extensive background in music and education. Her training as an Orff Music </p>
<p>for Children teacher has provided an informative base for her Feldenkrais practice. She has had a private practice in Kelowna, British Columbia </p>
<p>since 1999 and has presented workshops on a variety of topics including music and yoga. Movement. She has helped clients improve performance </p>
<p>and helped them connect with their creative side. Sandra is now part of a team organizing a training in Kelowna B.C</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62804112020-04-12T12:38:42-07:002020-04-22T15:21:51-07:00Suzuki Harp Bk 2 recordings<p>Thanks to Aimee, who alerted me to this, I've located the soundfiles available for all the Suzuki harp books. The two sites below have samples you can hear, and in the first one, the samples are long, so they contain most if not all the piece. Both sites also offer them for sale to download - a bargain if you're learning one of the tunes.</p>
<p>The soundfiles are played by Mary Kay Waddington who is the editor of the series, and the composer of Siciliana. It was a pleasure for me to hear how she conceived of the piece. All the playing is really nice.</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8040433--suzuki-harp-school-vol-2" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8040433--suzuki-harp-school-vol-2">https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8040433--suzuki-harp-school-vol-2</a></p>
<p><a contents="https://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-Harp-School-Vol-2/dp/B00JMWX4AU" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-Harp-School-Vol-2/dp/B00JMWX4AU">https://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-Harp-School-Vol-2/dp/B00JMWX4AU</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62721862020-04-04T20:10:57-07:002020-04-04T20:10:57-07:00Lisa Burell - for violinists and harpers, too<p>https://lisaburrellviolin.com/2020/03/31/ten-minute-technique-left-hand-tension-ii/</p>
<p>This is the second in a series of lessons that explore some of the common elements in left hand tension, discomfort, and difficulty. This lesson brings awareness directly to functional properties of the hand itself. </p>
<p>I have found that many upper string players struggle with speed and efficiency due to varying degrees of hyper-extension in the fingers and with antagonistic relationships between flexion and extension. Here we start with a mini lesson based on Moshe Feldenkrais’s concept of the Bell Hand, which coordinates flexion and extension throughout the whole hand. I find that the Bell Hand alone is sometimes useful to rebalance the movements in the hand in the presence of strong habitual patterns that remain even when we try to “relax.” </p>
<p>The second half of this exploration looks at ways of applying Bell Hand movements to finding a neutral position on each of the fingers in playing. I take these into action with s series of exercises in chromatic patterns. </p>
<p>I hope you find something new to explore!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62677322020-03-31T15:33:59-07:002020-03-31T15:33:59-07:00Transformation Movement Lessons<p>One of the participants in our recent - and cancelled - Feldenkrais course was Maureen Briglio, who has let me know that she is doing Zoom movement lessons Fridays at 9:30 am. She has been teaching these lessons at the Hub in Cowichan Station, and has moved on-line for the duration.</p>
<p><a contents='This is the link to join the "meeting". ' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://us04web.zoom.us/j/796317569?pwd=MEo1KzlXMStxL0hyRStFM3RGSXh1Zz09">This is the link to join the "meeting". if you need a password to get in, it is 203504</a></p>
<p>It's a great chance to do movement lesson from the comfort of your own living room! Let me know if anyone attends - I would but I'm teaching at that time.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62669602020-03-30T21:18:03-07:002020-03-30T21:18:03-07:00Elizabeth Volpe playing and many others writing...<p><a contents="ubc music blog" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.ubc.ca/blog/2020/3/19/dispatches-covidland?fbclid=IwAR0Tkct63qdmwKGsqpzaEPXjI7D1wDJjSILsCbNCJTRMStAFx_ggLPvxDcE">https://music.ubc.ca/blog/2020/3/19/dispatches-covidland?fbclid=IwAR0Tkct63qdmwKGsqpzaEPXjI7D1wDJjSILsCbNCJTRMStAFx_ggLPvxDcE</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62660472020-03-29T23:09:31-07:002023-11-07T15:57:12-08:00An interesting article about Wurlitzer harps<p><span class="font_regular">In 1911, Wurlitzer became the top supplier of automatic harps to brothels in the Barbary Coast, San Francisco's red-light district. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">But first, what is an automatic harp? Why would anyone, let alone a brothel, want one? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">In the late 1890s, Wurlitzer released the Tonophone, a coin-operated player piano that it marketed to restaurants. The Tonophone was so successful that Wurlitzer followed it with other, increasingly elaborate automatic instruments. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">By adding organ-style pipes and varying the materials and striking devices, Wurlitzer made player pianos that could evoke an orchestra's worth of instruments. The Wurlitzer Pianino, released in 1902, was an automatic piano with optional built-in flute pipes, violin pipes, and a xylophone. The Wurlitzer Mandolin Quartette (1907) had a rapid tremolo mechanism which, when it struck the strings, mimicked the tones of a mandolin. And, of course, there was the Automatic Harp. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The Wurlitzer Automatic Harp was enclosed in a tall, elegantly detailed wooden box. A harp-shaped glass front displayed the strings, each of which was equipped with a metal pick and a damper. It was powered by a motor and used paper rolls, each containing a repertoire of six strings. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Unlike the automatic pianos, the harp never really took off. For one, it was so quiet that it could be entirely drowned out by a restaurant's ambient noise. And while the pianos sounded pretty convincing, the harp was incapable of playing glissandos, the single most distinctively harp-like technique of an actual concert harp. Instead, the Automatic Harp relied on a picking mechanism, giving every song an odd, brassy harshness. As a result, the music sounded more harpsichord than harp. It was not exactly popular. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Production of Automatic Harps ceased by 1911, and from there Wurlitzer desperately attempted to dispose of its unwanted stock. First, they attempted to cancel the order of the intial 1,500 harps that they had already committed to purchase from the manufacturer, J.W. Whitlock. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Whitlock's operation was very small: in fact, it more or less revolved around this partnership with Wurlitzer. And, by 1911, nearly every harp had already been built. Wurlitzer's reneging on their end of the agreement would doubtlessly be catastrophic for Whitlock's company. He promptly filed a $37,000 breach of contract suit, which Wurlitzer settled in July 1911. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">This left Wurlitzer with a lot of harps that they needed to unload. The company scored an editorial in an October 1911 issue of Music Trades Review that breathlessly declared that: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">"The Wurlitzer Automatic Harp is one of the most wonderful musical instruments ever invented. The picking of the strings by little automatic fingers, almost human in their action, is a marvelous operation. The Automatic Harp fills a niche in the field of music that cannot be filled by any other musical instrument." </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Restaurants didn't seem to agree. By 1916, unwanted harps apparently still lingered in Wurlitzer warehouses and were still be advertised at the "remaindered" price of $375 (over $8,000 in today's dollars). This was still a decent markup on the $200 wholesale price, possibly because, five years earlier, enterprising salespeople had come up with a way of unloading a good number of them across the country. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">In 1911, many brothels in San Francisco also had bars, with either live music or coin-operated pianos to entertain patrons. But in April of that year, the police announced a ban on all music in brothels, and ordered that any musical instruments were to be destroyed. This was a mysterious turn of events, since the local authorities received a cut of music sales, as part of the general Barbary Coast ecosystem of graft and corruption. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The next month, authorities relaxed the ban on music in San Francisco brothels. The only catch: the instrument allowed was the automatic harp. Several days later, a Wurlitzer salesperson appeared with a shipment of automatic harps, all conveniently available for just $750 apiece. (That's equivalent to $17,000 today.) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">"He bore references from important politicians and experienced no difficulty in making sales," historian Herbert Asbury wrote in the 1930s. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">And that's how Wurlitzer became the premier supplier of Automatic Harps to San Francisco brothels in 1911.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular">https://www.tropicalfishvintage.com/blog/2017/1/31/things-you-didnt-know-about-wurlitzer-3-for-a-brief-period-wurlitzer-was-the-premier-supplier-of-automatic-harps-to-san-francisco-brothels?fbclid=IwAR2QCfFKLbQpEc2AcTDwfA94Fu5-eOhFnUUWpSz0lwnAliqStTMBW-AKbVk</span></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62658942020-03-29T17:22:54-07:002020-03-29T17:22:54-07:00Getting ready for Zoom distance lessons<p>Notes for the Gearing up for Zoom on line </p>
<p>---------------------------------------------------------- </p>
<p>Before your first class: </p>
<p>download zoom onto your phone, or computer or tablet or laptop. It should be on the device you will use for lessons, something that can connect to the internet and has a screen. If you have an external microphone that can help, as can headphones, but the sound is not good if you use the microphone attached to a headset because it is too close to the body of the harp usually. </p>
<p>install Zoom and go through the set up procedure as best you can. You can sign in, set up your profile and all that. Having a photo helps me, but not necessary. </p>
<p>--------------------------------------------------------------------- </p>
<p>test drive, OR minutes before the class begins: </p>
<p>click on your Zoom icon, or run the program if you are on a windows or Mac computer. </p>
<p>Do not sign in, but click join a meeting. This is the only way to get in. If it gives you a choice (and it should not) about audio, click Use device audio. Depending on your device, it may ask you for permission to access the audio and/or video. Say yes. </p>
<p>That will take you to a screen to join, and it will ask for the room id, or person ID. This seems to vary depending on the device. </p>
<p>Type 250-709-2395 (which is my home phone number) in the box, and it will likely change to say Marilyn Rummel’s room. Type your name in the appropriate box, say yes to connect, and the screen will change to seeing you and possibly the rest of the class. </p>
<p>You can actually try this out any time from now on. You won’t see anyone else, but you can test out the process. If I’m around, I might be on, and will say hi. </p>
<p>You can click around the controls on the screen if you like and find the mute button, but I’ll go over all that at your first lesson. But exploring won’t hurt anyone :) </p>
<p>--------------------------------------------------------- - </p>
<p>In future lessons you can just lick the down arrow in the meeting room ID box and you’ll see my name there.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62441632020-03-10T12:24:06-07:002020-03-25T13:52:28-07:00SOLD Nice older Aoyama harp for sale<p>A friend is selling her circa 1980 Aoyama 34 string harp. It's in good condition for its age and would be a good student instrument for an adult student. It has full levers but they are older and not suitable for advanced work. However, if you're needing an instrument to "bridge" you from now till then, this might suit. Here's what she says:</p>
<p><em>I would like to sell my harp. It is about 40 years old. I bought it in Victoria in 1979. </em></p>
<p><em>It has a dust cover, a tuner and a few extra strings (upper) I would like $800 for it. </em></p>
<p><em>I can be reached at <a contents="siambrwen@shaw.ca" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:siambrwen@shaw.ca">siambrwen@shaw.ca</a></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62232622020-02-21T14:11:01-08:002020-02-21T14:18:52-08:00Alice Friedman - Feldenkrais for Musicians<p>Alice Friedman returns for workshops for musicians and other performers - <a contents="registration" data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops">registration</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/df7dccd777f83e788fbd43b8665d4a5bc9736908/original/skeleton-2img-20190319-1415484.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>She's written some descriptions of the classes in the poster below, which you are welcome to send along to your friends!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/a4f97873de084e1c883d50990ef18a6d7556e672/original/feldenkrais-march-2020.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62158572020-02-14T19:52:49-08:002020-02-14T19:55:20-08:00Wellspring 36 for sale<p> This is a really nice maple harp with Truitt levers and a softcase for sale for $3000 In North Saanich/ Sydney area. Use the contact button or email me to her her info.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/9b85f5a1875d5b3c1c0b700a0cdc3e33c00c407d/original/elens-harp.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62111592020-02-10T19:12:08-08:002020-02-10T19:13:11-08:00some great info about Paraguayan music<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/4396074d9e4bdf7b73d79ee67c5f5707d4ba2ff7/original/paraguay-quesada-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>These are lesson plans and resources for teachers for schools, but with much for adult music students to glean here! Videos, photos, soundfiles, and music lessons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="https://folkways.si.edu/colorful-genres-harp-paraguay/polca-guarani/music/tools-for-teaching/smithsonian" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://folkways.si.edu/colorful-genres-harp-paraguay/polca-guarani/music/tools-for-teaching/smithsonian" target="_blank">https://folkways.si.edu/colorful-genres-harp-paraguay/polca-guarani/music/tools-for-teaching/smithsonian</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/62040442020-02-04T22:14:44-08:002020-02-04T22:14:44-08:00Metronomes for the Rhythmic spring<p>We've been talking rhythm in our classes this month, and I've been on about the value of a metronome. I (and are you surprised?) perhaps don't use them in the most usual ways, but I find them very helpful.</p>
<p>I no longer recommend the old pendulum type. They are notorious for becoming unregulated, and don't have the features that modern electronic ones do. So what am I recommending these days? read on:</p>
<p><strong>For adults and teens:</strong></p>
<p>I'm pretty much suggesting apps for your smartphone. The cost little or nothing, and you always have it with you. Easy to use, accurate, effective. There are zillions out there - if you don't instantly know how to use it, it is too complicated - go for a different one. But you do want to have a tap function. This feature lets you tap on the screen to set a tempo. Of course they have the usual dial to get the number you want as well.</p>
<p><strong>For kids without phones or anyone who wants want to leave their distraction in a different room:</strong></p>
<p>Here are three are made by Korg.</p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>TM-60 Combo Tuner Metronome</strong> is a great pick as it also has a tuner. For beginners getting themselves kitted up for their new music adventure, this is a perfect one. Good tuner, excellent metronome, has a tap function, and Korg's tend to last forever.</li>
</ul>
<ul> <li>For your child's birthday - MA-2 Limited Edition <strong>Pokemon Digital Metronome</strong> - Pikachu edition. under $30 and splendid.</li>
</ul>
<ul> <li>
<strong>In-Ear Metronome Korg</strong> - I don't know know what to think of this - subtle, easy to hear they say. Never tried one. Not cheap but roughly $50. If anyone has tried one of these, I'd love to hear about it.</li>
</ul>
<p>And last, but definitely not least</p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>Soundbrenner Core Steel Bluetooth Metronome/Tuner/Decibel Meter/Smart Watch</strong> - This is the over-the-top professional musician's companion. Tuner, metronome, wristwatch, decibel meter, talks to your phone and probably to you. Only problem is I don't know many musicians who can afford one. :( Still I'd be willing to test drive...</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The talking metronome</strong>. </p>
<p>For years I've been waiting for this - like 50 years! and suddenly there was one. These are all smartphone based, and are pretty great. They count for you, in real words. A necessity for distance (Zoom) lessons at an intermediate or advanced level, and very useful for practicing when you don't have a teacher helping you by saying the beats. If you have an apple device the best is Speakbeats. If you have an android, there is not so much choice, but the Iona talking metronome is pretty great. (It also barks!)</p>
<p>I have never seen a standalone talking one, but cellphones seems to be ubiquitous. Have fun, keep ticking.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/61318652020-01-18T13:18:02-08:002020-01-18T13:18:02-08:00Wells Harp School Registration is Open!<p>The <a contents="Registration page is up for the Harp School at Island Mountain Arts. " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://support-imarts.com/2020-registration"><strong>Registration page is up for the Harp School at Island Mountain Arts. </strong></a>As some of you know, we've been waiting to see the outcome of a bunch of studies on the school building. It appears that all is pretty good, and we're now full-speed ahead planning for the summer courses. It's been a little rough and a lot demoralizing, but Julie has held it together and we're ready to roll. I really want to thank everyone for their continued support, and hope to see your registration very soon! </p>
<p>Special Registration fee for now to Valentine's Day of $499! This is a great deal, and we hope will encourage you to get your registrations in. Julie has also reserved some new accommodations - three large "cabins" in Barkerville - info is on the website, along with other options for places to stay. </p>
<p><strong>Sunita Stanislow</strong> is returning after an absence of quite a few years - we're glad to welcome her back teaching int/adv in the am and an advanced class in the afternoon.<strong> Seumas Gagne</strong> returns with two Celtic music classes. We are so lucky to have them both be a part of the school. </p>
<p>Most exciting is that<strong> Sharlene Wallace</strong> will teach the class for Novice and Beginner harpists. This is a wonderful opportunity for those at the beginning of their harping life to study with one of the best! In the afternoon Sharlene and Morag Northey will lead the cello and harp ensemble class, and I will work with any very beginners (or anyone else) who wants to do guided practice of their morning material, rather than taking on something new. This is a new idea for us, and we're curious to see how it will go! </p>
<p>If you've a<strong> cello </strong>player in the family, bring them along. Morag's morning class will be for all levels. </p>
<p>If you've been thinking about coming back to Wells, or have never been - I hope this is your year!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/60932712020-01-12T16:59:45-08:002020-01-12T17:00:26-08:00Wonderful recording of Bridget Kibby<p>The amazing American Harpist, Brdget Kibby is coming to Vancouver to perform with the Dover String Quartet. This is ages away still - March 2021 - but the West Coast Harp Society hopes to have masterclass and recital with her while she is here. Her schedule is still being worked out, so we won't know for a bit, but she is keen to do it if she can.</p>
<p>And why are we so excited? Thanks to Aimee who sent me <a contents='this link to a "tiny desk concert" from NPR - ' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://March%2021,%202021" target="_blank">this link to a "tiny desk concert" from NPR - </a></p>
<p>Have a listen and you'll know why -</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/60653712020-01-06T21:51:02-08:002020-01-18T17:08:24-08:00Paying attention<p>Odd idea isn't it? - paying attention. Why do have "pay" attention - and for that payment, what do we get in return. And what do we pay with? </p>
<p>These are all ideas I want to explore in our learning together this term. I want to hear myself say "notice how your doing it, not what you are doing". Read Larry Goldfarb's article also on the blog page, to get a hint where I might go with this.</p>
<p>Maybe we can get to the place where we add an L and suddenly we are "playing attention". That would be cool. Might even be cheaper :) Talk to you all soon -</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/60653642020-01-06T21:44:21-08:002020-01-27T10:48:20-08:00a beautiful bit of old film<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="569Gy8BE5P4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/569Gy8BE5P4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/569Gy8BE5P4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Harpo Marx cannot be beat!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/60522082019-12-30T18:25:21-08:002022-04-20T08:04:04-07:00Larry Goldfarb on "Taking it with you"<p><strong><em>Larry Goldfarb is a well known Feldenkrais teacher how posted the following blog this week. He is talking about Feldenkrais lessons, but his points apply equally well to harp lessons and how we learn to play music, especially in our proacticing at home, our self-teaching. Here's what he said:</em></strong></p>
<p>One of the great mysteries of life is how learning seems so often to slip through our fingers. For instance, after a meaningful and effective Awareness Through Movement® lesson, you get up from the mat feeling particularly wonderful. You’re lighter, taller, feel more connected, and, perhaps, that persistent discomfort, the one that’s been haunting you for longer than you care to remember, has vanished. </p>
<p>Sometimes, you’re different from that moment on. More frequently, the feeling fades. Inevitably, you return to the state you started in before the lesson began. Your habit has returned. You remember that you felt different, but have no idea how to refine that feeling. You’re left lamenting the loss of learning. </p>
<p>It’s so easy to decide that something went wrong, to feel discouraged or defeated. However, I’d like you to consider that this is deceptive, that this sense of failure is, in actuality, a diversion from the process of learning. </p>
<p>The return of the habit is not a sign of failure, it is the hallmark of success. You can and should count on it. The autopilot is working! Where would you be without all the things you do automatically, without thinking — or needing to think — about them? From breathing to walking downstairs to turning your head when someone calls your name, so much of what you do happens without deliberation or calculation. You just do it. </p>
<p>It’s all too easy to mistake the product of the lesson, that is to say, what happens at the end — how you feel and what you can do — for what the method is about. This is especially easy to do when the lesson is a success, that is, when you discover a new ability or recover an old one. Sometimes, you do something for the first time (or the first time in a long time), and it’s yours from that moment on. At other times, it vanishes almost as quickly as it appeared, you get only the first faint sign, a shimmering hint of what’s possible. </p>
<p>The process of learning is anything but linear. </p>
<p>Those times when a lesson’s learning happens like Punctuated Equilibrium in evolution: after a plateau, when it seemed like nothing was happening, a sudden change occurs, altering everything that follows. Plateaus are as much a part of learning as are detours, which, in leading you astray, help you figure out the which way you’re heading, and dead-ends, which, by letting you know what doesn’t work, teach you what does. </p>
<p>To mistake a lesson as being about what you learned or didn’t learn, about the place you arrive instead of how you got there, is to miss the point. Okay, maybe I’m being too emphatic. Where you get to — what you get from the lesson — certainly is significant. I am not saying that the capability you discover or develop doesn’t matter, I’m saying it isn’t the only thing that matters. (I might suggest that, perhaps, it isn’t even the most important.) </p>
<p>Moshe Feldenkrais said that his method was about developing abilities a-n-d about learning to learn. That means it is at least as much about how your inborn ability to learn can mature as it is about mastering any specific aptitude or ability. Whether you’re happy you learned to do something or unhappy you failed to (or failed to retain it), you’ve missed a basic benefit if you haven’t learned anything about how to make learning easier, more enjoyable, or more successful the next time around. </p>
<p><em> Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and then proceed to greater ... Epictetus </em></p>
<p>What does this mean? It means that Feldenkrais® lessons are as much about how you learn as they are about what you learn. That’s the promise of the method, that you can get better not just at doing, but at learning. </p>
<p>Okay, that’s all well and good, theoretically speaking. What about the practical aspects? How do Awareness Through Movement classes help you learn better? The first steps are about shifting the gears of attention. They are simple to name, though not necessarily easy to do: </p>
<p>Shift your attention from accomplishing the action to noticing how you’re performing it. How do you track how you’re traveling instead of being focused only on where you’re going? </p>
<p>Slow down because there’s lag in your (and everyone else’s) awareness system: it takes time for impulses to travel from the central nervous system down the spinal cord and out to the muscles, for those muscles, in turn, to contract, and for the signals to return to your brain. You need to go slow enough to register the feedback and you also, crucially, need to be going slow enough to be able to alter your action by changing course or the amount of effort and without throwing yourself off balance and off course. </p>
<p>Is that all there is? Shifting the gears of your attention? </p>
<p>Not by a long shot. </p>
<p>The next phase is all about being able to tune into the aspects of action that you have the ability to change along the way — as they are happening. It’s more descriptive than prescriptive, more experiential than corrective, more noticing than doing. </p>
<p>Observe the initiation. Once you reach the destination, it’s too late to do anything about how you got there. If you’re going too fast, flying out the gate or zooming out of the driveway, you miss the initial moments and, maybe, the starting place as well. The potential for change is greatest at the very beginning of an action because that’s when the trajectory is set. Are you ready to commence or do you have to change position beforehand? In what direction are you heading from the get-go? Where do your muscles engage? If you don’t change what you do when you start, you’ll most likely keep ending up in the same place. </p>
<p>Track the quality of the action, honing in on moments of hesitation. When does the movement get more difficult? Before you get to the end of your range, can you detect when the motion gets thicker? Can you sense when the difficulty begins to ramp up? When do you change speed, either slowing down (and efforting more) or speeding up (to fly through the rough patch)? </p>
<p><em> Practicing is about quality, not quantity ... Yo-Yo Ma </em></p>
<p>Listen to your breath. Does your breathing continue unaffected? Or does what you’re doing interfere with how you’re breathing? (That’s a major warning sign that you’re not moving efficiently and may be putting yourself in danger of injury.) Are you holding your breath or breathing harder or faster? At what point along the way is your breathing affected? From the start? </p>
<p>By developing your interest in what’s going on (instead of obsessing about what’s right) along with your curiosity about the quality of what’s happening, especially about the moments when something isn’t going smoothly or easily, you are preparing for the most surprising and rewarding part of practicing the method. The practices you’re engaging in so often surprise since, instead of fixing what’s wrong, you are acting to increase the number of choices. And this way of engaging with the lesson is surprising because you discover — because you didn’t, and couldn’t, have known — something you didn’t notice or that didn’t make sense beforehand. It’s most startling when, right up until that moment, you didn’t even notice that it didn’t make sense; you were just that way. It can also catch you off guard because the consequences are disproportional: a small change — altering, but only a wee bit, when you transfer weight, the place you start from, or where you’re heading — leads to a dramatic shift throughout. Noticing something here and altering it, all the while staying in the range of comfort and ease leads to a reorganization of your overall orchestration. </p>
<p>This phase of practice is rewarding because, when you notice what’s not easy and explore what’s possible, it turns out you transform adversity into advancement. Learning to tinker with your neurophysical programming is figuring out how to update and upgrade the autopilot. Automaticity loosens its insistent hold, your ability to navigate becomes more nuanced, the way you carry yourself shifts, and, more often than not, your attitude re-adjusts (from “I can’t” to “I couldn’t. Now I can”; in other words, your coordination improves. </p>
<p>Learning is as much about how you do a lesson as it is about which lesson you do. The composition of the ATM® provides a path to somewhere worth traveling. The lesson orbits around one specific, optimal orchestration of the human frame, which is the functional pattern that students are integrating for themselves. Deepening your practice is being on the lookout for the first hints of what can be improved and knowing what to do when you then find them.</p>
<p><strong>Larry has a few workshops coming up, some by Zoom which we can take by computer.<a contents=" Here's the link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mindinmotion-online.com/take-it-with-you/?inf_contact_key=0a1bb05c49d309cbf58d6e3674f32127680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1"> Here's the link</a></strong></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/60437462019-12-23T22:32:06-08:002019-12-23T23:18:00-08:00Thank you for a wonderful afternoon!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/1b447c620ca113a268683cf65fa7592395a42758/original/p1000088-xmas-harps-cropped.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Thank you everyone who played, and all who came to listen, thanks to the composers and arrangers, thanks to St. Peter's for the wonderful space, thank you to the people who support and encourage the players, and thanks for Christmas - such a wonderful opportunity to come together to share beautiful music!</p>
<p>It was a wonderful recital concert. 16 harps (and performers) and a whole lot of group tunes and solos - a Christmas feast for the ears. I'm so grateful for the hours of practicing, the rehearsals together... I really could go on and on.</p>
<p>Thank you Roger for help with the tea, thanks to all the goodie makers. And thanks for the Flowers - I loved it all, but they topped it off in a fantastic way!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/cf914c077f77bc17f10851210340913fb2c97e9d/original/p1000068.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/63d02061c0bc81620e0443f6990144ce38f8426a/original/p1000092-flowers.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/7654c88fba22c78de2126fdd289dc7088b4afa86/original/p1000090-cropped.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/60007272019-12-09T21:31:43-08:002019-12-10T13:18:22-08:00Harps for Christmas<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/d4285577f99d716da373cfbb6735a043ad6c4326/original/christmas-harps-poster-2019.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It's the adults' turn to share their season's work at our Christmas recital concert. Everyone is welcome to join us for beautiful music and some tea and goodies to follow at<strong> St. Peter's Anglican Church Hall, Duncan, at 3 pm, Sunday Dec. 22.</strong></p>
<p>Ensembles from Nanaimo Conservatory and Duncan are joining in some well-known Christmas favourites, several small groups will play, soloists will present their best seasonal takes, and there may be a surprise or two as well.</p>
<p>Please come and join us - admission by donation of goodies - or just come!!!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/59971372019-12-08T20:03:00-08:002019-12-08T20:14:40-08:00Wonderful Winter Harp weekend!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/1488bbd3a80f69de7358d38e2dd3efe9bb28caa8/original/677e4805-48ea-4557-b52c-2af3fbf52824.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Wasn’t that a nice weekend? I confess to not being tired of bragging about my student Hayley and the wonderful playing she did with Lani as the two harpists holding down centre stage! Saw the show yesterday in Nanaimo and my heart was full of beauty indeed. </p>
<p>Thanks to Mariellen and Eleanor for looking after CD sales there!</p>
<p>Then today - the students played SO well to an appreciative audience of supportive families, not to mention the couple hundred audience members who took in the recital as well. Good job! Everyone stayed so focussed, and played with love for the music - can’t ask for better than that. </p>
<p>Of course after that we trooped in to see the professionals - not only harps but many percussion instruments, a zillion kind of flutes, violin, viola, and hurdy-gurdy, and the glorious voice of Roger Helfrick. Quite an afternoon!</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/59920792019-12-04T17:13:24-08:002019-12-09T18:55:52-08:00Wellspring 36 for sale<p>A beautiful, lightly used Wellspring 36 in Mahogany with levers on F and Bb is for sale in Nanaimo. You can expect another $900 or so to finish the levers if you want a full set, but you'll still save almost $1000 off the price of a new one. So this is a very good deal for a pristine, though older, harp with softcase. use the contact button to get the email address. $2250</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/59640412019-11-17T22:06:33-08:002019-11-17T22:06:33-08:00Another tuning video - about key signatures and levers<p><a contents="Anther video that " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq3-Yx3A-JE">Anther video that </a>explains key signatures and and levers as they relate to tuning. A pretty good, slow, peaceful and clear video</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/59398942019-10-26T11:01:11-07:002020-10-06T21:03:39-07:00Symphony, harp, yoga<p>What a combo - Here is something for you who live around Nanaimo - (thanks Kirsty for the note!)</p>
<p>A Special Invitation for YOGA LOVERS! </p>
<p>Yoga Afternoon with the Vancouver Island Symphony <br>Thursday, November 14, 3:30-6:00 p.m. <br>in the Port Theatre lobby </p>
<p>FREE Symphony EVENT – Registration Required <br>60 spaces available. </p>
<p>The #1 reason that people attend the Symphony is to de-stress. You are invited to REJUVENATE. A unique orchestra experience with the Vancouver Island Symphony in Nanaimo. </p>
<p>Come to the Port Theatre and enjoy a forty-five-minute yoga class directed by Kelly Murphy of Bend Over Backwards Yoga, from 3:45 to 4:30 followed by an exclusive invitation to watch a rehearsal with the Symphony from 4:45 to 5:45, featuring our guest artist, <strong>harpist Lani Krantz </strong>as she prepares <br>for our REJUVENATE concert on Saturday, November 16. </p>
<p>Have you ever wondered how the Symphony prepares a concert? Come experience it LIVE on Thursday November 14. </p>
<p>Please bring your own mat. You will be on the floor. Wear comfortable yoga clothing and enjoy your Classical and Casual yoga experience! </p>
<p>Park underground at the Port Theatre; entrance using the Stage Door off Museum Way. </p>
<p>Pre-registration is required by November 12. 60 spaces available. </p>
<p>To Register: send email with name and number of people in your party to: <br>projects@vancouverislandsymphony.com </p>
<p>Kathleen Ramsay, Special Projects Coordinator, Vancouver Island Symphony</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/59393892019-10-25T18:28:42-07:002019-10-26T10:55:31-07:00What a great time we had!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/bc7ab55f124e214175d1c6b043e5fbf8c9706bb8/original/dsc07314.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The idea of playing in a concert, when I've been teaching pretty exclusively lately, was quite an idea - and one I rejected any number of times over the past couple of years. But happily, my friend Ann Mendenhall just wouldn't take no for an answer. I was fortunate/foolish enough to say yes to her idea of a harp concert for Chemainus Classical Concerts. Most happily she agreed to play as well, along with my Nanaimo Conservatory colleague Alexandra Lee. I was able to put together a program around the idea of the Three Strains of Music which were both a ancient celtic myth/origin story and a way of training harpers for a few hundred years in the first half of the last millenium.</p>
<p>It was a fantastic experience to work with these two wonderful musicians, and a great chance to get my chops in order, to play. I did play a lot of my own pieces, as part of the idea of the ancient harper/composer as well as new and old pieces that included piano and cello.</p>
<p>It was so nice - such a supported feeling - to have so many of my students there! The concert was sold out and I know some people could not get a ticket, while others were not able to come that day. For all of you in that category, I can say that we are working to try to present it elsewhere on the island in January or February, and if you have a favourite venue or concert series where you are, let me know - have scores, will travel!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/59393862019-10-25T18:17:18-07:002019-10-25T18:17:52-07:00nice article about the benefits of music lessons<p><a contents="https://www.mic.com/articles/110628/13-scientific-studies-prove-music-lessons-were-the-best-thing-your-parents-did-for-you?" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mic.com/articles/110628/13-scientific-studies-prove-music-lessons-were-the-best-thing-your-parents-did-for-you?" target="_blank">https://www.mic.com/articles/110628/13-scientific-studies-prove-music-lessons-were-the-best-thing-your-parents-did-for-you?</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/58913222019-09-13T14:46:22-07:002019-09-13T14:46:22-07:00Rachel Peacock Thesis<p>Here's a good read, for students of all ages and stages. Rachel Peacock was a student at IMA fro many summers while a teen, and has gone on to do graduate studies at York University with Sharlene Wallace. She submitted a <a contents="thesis with a lot of harp history" data-link-label="peacock-rachel-m-2019-ma.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/411006/peacock-rachel-m-2019-ma.pdf">thesis with a lot of harp history</a>, nicely presented, and 2 pieces she composed as part of her course work last spring, which is downloadable at the link above. Congratulations Rachel !</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/58826352019-09-05T21:47:12-07:002019-09-05T21:51:36-07:00Cowichan Valley Youth Choir<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/2eb873858ead9ec878846b6183f975b43bc0a2b7/original/youth-choirimg-6843.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Parents - I've spoken to several of you over the past while about the amazing opportunities for children and youth to develop their musicianship by singing in the family of choirs known as the<strong> Cowichan Valley Youth Choirs</strong>. Kids from 7 - 12 begin in the Junior Choir, and as their skills develop move on the concert choir, the mixed choir, and the now famous Acafellas.</p>
<p>If your child is free on Thursday after school, you could not ask for a better adjunct to harp lessons. Yes, the leaders are friends of mine :) but it is an enjoyable and valuable set of music lessons for a very reasonable fee!!</p>
<p>Rehearsals are 3:30 to 4:30 on Thursdays at Duncan United Church. If you would like to audition for this choir, please contact Connie Masson @ co.jo@telus.net, or Sheila Johnson at jsjconcenti@shaw.ca. Tuition is $190 per year. (I'm very sure all of my students would pass the audition, as we do the tone matching and rhythm work needed to get started in their harp lessons, so don't let that scary word stop you!)</p>
<p>Connie has let me know that enrollment is very low for the junior choir this year, so if you've an idea to be part of it, please waste no time in getting in touch.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/58826282019-09-05T21:33:40-07:002019-09-05T21:34:11-07:00Concert this Sunday <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/4656cea718f677fb781ae5e59f3bf675899d4a69/original/poster-8-hands-88-keys.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Four local - and fabulous - pianists gathering to play solo and together - including one piece for 8 hands at one piano! Don't miss it!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/58826272019-09-05T21:30:51-07:002019-09-05T21:30:51-07:00A concert Sept 15th<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/261947be0a767093c52ca9d848aac6f588323b70/original/sari-alesh-and-friends-duncan-sept-2019-poster3.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I promise this will be a wonderful concert - hope to see you there - M</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/58607252019-08-16T19:06:00-07:002019-09-05T21:31:40-07:00Ear training and theory classes for adults and kids<p>Here's a great opportunity to prepare for your exams, or just improve the fun and learning at your instrument. Brenda is a wonderful teacher - classes are in Mill Bay. Here is what she sent me:</p>
<p><em>Go beyond the beginning steps in reading music. Begin putting the puzzle pieces together to achieve the full music picture for more enjoyable and confident performances. See the symbols and hear the sound or hear the sound and write the symbols. If you play an instrument at any level, in any style, or sing in a choir, don’t procrastinate any more. Taking your knowledge to the next level has the side-effect of making instrumental study easier. Tuesday morning times still available from 9:00-11:00. Group, private and semi-private lessons available. </em></p>
<p><em>Read more about this exciting program: www.soundadvicetheory.com </em></p>
<p><em>The instructor, Brenda Braaten co-authored the very popular Sound Advice Theory and Ear Training Program, Celebrate Theory, and the ear-training sections for the Four-Star Program for the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto and has many years teaching students of all levels. These morning classes will be adapted to suit your music involvement (bring the whole choir or band) and are most suitable for adults and home-schooled students. Contact the instructor for information and for a level-assessment. </em></p>
<p><em>Material Fee: (approximately $30) includes access to over 175 quality ear training sound files </em></p>
<p><em>Instructor: Brenda Braaten: eartraining@shaw.ca</em></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/58511352019-08-07T21:24:47-07:002019-10-08T10:43:36-07:00Harping for peace!<p>The Lanterns for Peace event, hosted by the Nanaimo chapter of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, was held Tuesday night at Maffeo Sutton Park. Our own Eleanor Sinclair played harp for the event, and her "soundtrack" was used by the newspaper's video of the event. You can see it, and read all the details <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/community/lanterns-floated-on-the-lagoon-in-nanaimo-along-with-hope-for-peace/">here</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/58308692019-07-20T12:25:06-07:002019-07-20T12:25:06-07:00An inspiring interview<p>Adam Cole is a musician and teacher of both music and feldenkrais lessons. He was interviewed for a "thrive global" series about mental health earlier this month. He said, in part of the interview:</p>
<p><strong><em>"Musicians, whether they have a mental illness or not, walk the line between security and insecurity every day. They have to live with their current capacity to meet their own goals, process their failure and success, and ultimately present themselves and what they have learned to an audience. Developing these skills creates remarkably strong minds and resilient emotional selves".</em></strong></p>
<p>So well put!! I often struggle to articulate exactly these things as the chief value in studying music, and I'm delighted to have such a precise and powerful paragraph now at hand. <a contents="The whole article is an interesting read." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thriveglobal.com/stories/mental-health-champions-making-music-helps-me-to-address-my-anxiety-my-goal-setting-and-my-ability-to-self-assess-with-jazz-musician-adam-cole/" target="_blank">The whole article is an interesting read.</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57924982019-06-14T22:23:03-07:002019-10-09T12:11:28-07:00Tuning<p>Trying to gather up all the tuning videos in one place. Most of these are most applicable to new harpists, or those with new harps, but the troubleshooting one may be of interest - well, I hope in all of them you'd find at leasst one worthwhile thing. And it is easy to slide into habits that may not be the best for your tuning pleasure or that of your harp.</p>
<p><a contents="the short form" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://marilynrummel.ca/videos/tuning.MOV">the short form</a></p>
<p><a contents='the really really long "watch me tune a harp in my system" video' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.harpcanada.com/marilyn-beginner-class-tuning.mp4">the really really long "watch me tune a harp in my system" video</a></p>
<p><a contents="tuners" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://marilynrummel.ca/videos/about-tuners.mp4" target="_blank">tuners</a> - a quick overview of what you should know about kinds, settings, etc.</p>
<p><a contents="tuning problems -" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://marilynrummel.ca/videos/tuning-disasters.mp4" target="_blank">tuning problems -</a> I'm talking about what I've heard from many students over the years about the various problems they might experience when tuning.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57885652019-06-11T22:28:34-07:002019-06-11T22:29:17-07:00Lyon and Healy article<p>nice article about Lyon and Healy and the making of their pedal harp</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/May-2019/The-Chicago-Harp-That-Rules-the-World/">http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/May-2019/The-Chicago-Harp-That-Rules-the-World/</a>shttp://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/May-2019/The-Chicago-Harp-That-Rules-the-World/</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/b4575275b5330203544ee515a46cc35534572944/original/c2019-05-01-117harp.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57790812019-06-03T20:33:00-07:002019-07-04T22:47:40-07:00Alice Friedman is back - Feldenkrais lessons in July<p>July 11 - 13th for two sets of lessons, one for adults (mornings) and one for teens and youth (afternoons). <a contents="Here's what she says about the classes" data-link-label="july-ducan-workshop-pr.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/399892/july-ducan-workshop-pr.pdf">Here's what she says about the classes</a>. Registration is on the <a contents="workshops page" data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops">workshops page</a> where you can register as well. Her classes here in March were fantastic - don't miss this one!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57790722019-06-03T20:23:44-07:002019-07-05T23:10:02-07:00Tristan Le Govic in Duncan!<p>Happily we shall have Tristan Le Govic here on his way to Wells in August. He will play a concert at 7 pm, St. Peter Anglican Church, Wednesday August 14th. Tickets are on the <a contents="calendar listing - " data-link-label="Calendar" data-link-type="page" href="/calendar">calendar listing - </a>$20 each Bring your friends and family - this will be a good one!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/657d95fcab86562f56e3f51831b88ad5eb6c50bb/original/about-tristan-b.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57587972019-05-31T16:55:00-07:002021-06-12T09:47:03-07:00summer christmas practicing<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/194bc2948e2fd1239ec0728e772a117a972223df/original/christmas-holly-clipart-5.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Yes, crazy as it is, I'm prepping for the fall. As I may have told you, I resolved to make this a Christmas year, and do a big concert on Dec. 22 with all the adult harpers and some special guests. </p>
<p>So, could you please let me know if you can reserve Sunday afternoon, Dec. 22 for a harp time? It seems that many of the Christmas busy things will be done by then, and we can use beautiful harp music to settle us, and all we invite in, for Christmas. </p>
<p>To that end, I want to tell you now what we'll be working on so that, if you choose, you can be prepared for the start of ensemble classes in the fall. </p>
<p>Ideally, I would like to do all of these, but realistically, that can only work if you know your parts well, because we won't have a ton of rehearsal time on each. </p>
<p>The definite list: </p>
<p>Infant Holy - whatever part you played previously, or ask me at your lessons. We'll need quite a few people on the "solo harp" version . Can be the same each verse. </p>
<p>Joy to the world - lots of parts possible: the version in harp start 1bk 1, one of the parts from the 4 part arrangement, or the newer solo harp part I did a few years ago. There will be bell scales, and glisses! </p>
<p>Carol of the Bells - lots of people have not played this. If you haven't, please ask me what part to prepare. NC people, can you keep your (named) parts, please?. I need to make at least one more part. </p>
<p>Deck the Hall - learn either the main or the easy version of the one I gave you a few years ago. This may be the hardest to do as we have done it the least. </p>
<p>Silent Night / Bells - printed version. I will be prepping a version for more beginners </p>
<p>O holy night - the printed version. please learn the melody - we need that, and if you can add the lh that is good, but we need more melody than lh. I'm writing a second harp part for arpeggio lovers. </p>
<p>Rudolf for adults - either harp part form Xmas 2018. Beginners rh only harp 1</p>
<p>------- </p>
<p>Ideal list </p>
<p>Huron Carol - I need to write out the parts if we are to do this, but you can start by learning the tune by ear and playing it with only 2nd fingers pdlt key of am (C) </p>
<p>Ding Dong Merrily - from the printed copies. If you don't know this already, you can learn the flute parts. </p>
<p>Silver Bells - need to write this out </p>
<p>Wexford Carol - probably a smaller group, rather than complete ensemble. more or less unison. So learn the tune at least with all the lever flipping if you want to be part of the small group. </p>
<p>--------------- </p>
<p>Sing along list </p>
<p>Away in a manger (learn chords or tune) </p>
<p>Holly and the Ivy - likewise (i'll post chord chart one of these days) </p>
<p>Dona Nobis - from the pink book key of F </p>
<p>-------- </p>
<p>I have given you many of these pieces over the years, so you should have most of it. Newer people will need to get many bits of it, but if anyone needs anything, just ask. (except for Silver Bells, if I do it, will need to be purchased as it is under copyright).</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57644452019-05-22T13:47:27-07:002019-05-22T13:51:24-07:00some lovely music for your listening pleasure<p>harp and guitar</p>
<p><br><a contents="movt 1 " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/nT57YZEFir4" target="_blank">movt 1 </a></p>
<p><a contents="Corda Celesti" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/LzrAemfn1cs" target="_blank">corda celesti mvt 2</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>there apparently is more - I'm on the you tube trail</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57397432019-05-01T23:44:14-07:002019-05-01T23:45:27-07:00Phyllis Robinson<p>There is a nice article I just read from a small paper in San Diego near where Phyllis Robinson lives. She and her husband were hugely important in getting the California harp scene happening in the 70's and she still runs the string part of the business - maybe you've ordered Robinson strings yourself.</p>
<p>Robbie was a force of nature and I will always be indebted to him for the interest he had in Paraguayan music and especially for the folk harp journal which he began. He and Phyllis were so kind to me when I went to Paraguay to participate in a big harp festival and stayed on to study there. And they definitely were an inspiration to Joseph as well, as he attended the first Folk Harp conference in San Diego which they organized, in 1984.</p>
<p>Sadly Robbie died about 15 years ago, but Phyllis has continued the business. <a contents="You can see the article on-line here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2019/may/01/golden-phyllis-and-robbie-robinsons-harp-heaven/#" target="_blank">You can see the article on-line here</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/57340932019-04-26T16:37:31-07:002019-04-26T16:37:31-07:00poem in your pocket day<p>since I didn't see you on the day, here is my poem for this year:</p>
<p><em>Jazz (A Variation) </em></p>
<p><em>by Lorie Miseck </em></p>
<p><em>A minor key swings open the blue door <br>of the heart. Brassed and unhinged <br>sound unwinds. Sunset slides <br>down the day’s spine. Slides down to <br>the hour of smoke and wine, <br>to artless sway of belonging. <br>To the one, to the lonely, to the only <br>to each of us held in <br>evening’s aching arms. Listen <br>to the division of chord and time. <br>And time again. Listen. Listen, <br>we take our night with one part wisdom <br>and five parts song. </em></p>
<p><em>And the darkness goes on for miles.</em></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/56910122019-03-23T19:23:28-07:002019-03-23T19:51:03-07:00Feldenkrais lessons for Musicians<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/2d8329d1e541bf7bf2812ccc10482d4de5f4421c/original/skeleton-img-20190319-1410419.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />What a great week - here we are thinking about the skeleton and how it relates to support through the feet for playing or singing. More lessons coming in July - stayed tuned, watch you newsletter for more info. If you know someone who might benefit, or be otherwise interested, ask them to sign up for the newsletter on the home page and they'll get the info too.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/df7dccd777f83e788fbd43b8665d4a5bc9736908/original/skeleton-2img-20190319-1415484.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/56910112019-03-23T19:20:01-07:002019-03-23T19:20:01-07:00Diane - the kindest "stranger" <p>Of course she is no stranger to those who've stayed at the Hub Motel in Wells while they've attended the harp school, but she is anonymous in this story from CBC a couple of weeks ago:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/bfeabba72f212bc8403bb5e7d11767996002dc03/original/raymond-desjardins.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em><a contents="CBC Radio One's The Early Edition" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kindness-of-strangers-canoe-trip-1.4992954">CBC Radio One's The Early Edition</a> is asking listeners to share their stories of kindness from strangers for a series that runs on Thursday mornings. </em></p>
<p><em>This week's story begins when Raymond Desjardins' car broke down on his way to a five day canoe trip in Bowron Lake Provincial Park. </em></p>
<p><em>Dear stranger, </em></p>
<p><em>My friend and I had just set off from Vancouver to do a five-day canoe trip in Bowron Lake Provincial Park when we met. </em></p>
<p><em>We'd been planning the trip for quite a while — reservation at the park need to be booked months in advance, I'd taken some time off work and my friend was squeezing in the adventure the weekend before university classes started. </em></p>
<p><em>We were about eight hours into our drive to Bowron Lake, which is southeast of Prince George in B.C.'s northern Interior, when our car broke down. </em></p>
<p><em>Luckily, we were just outside of a small town called Wells which has a little restaurant and motel — where we met you. We walked into your motel and asked for help calling a tow truck. You gave us the number of a mechanic in town who could help us out. We called him, but as it was quite late, decided to sort out the car the next morning and so booked into the motel. </em></p>
<p><em>It turned out our car issue wasn't a big deal to fix, but the mechanic needed to order a part that would take a few days to show up. At that point, we figured our trip was cancelled. If we were going to finish in time, we had to leave that very morning and the lake was at least another hour away. </em></p>
<p><em>When we mentioned the change of plans, you insisted that we not miss our trip. </em></p>
<p><em>You offered to drive a two-hour round trip to drop us off at the lake, coordinate with the mechanic to fix up the car while we were gone, and then pick up us after we finished canoeing. It all happened very quickly and, suddenly, we were back on track for our trip and heading out. </em></p>
<p><em>I remember as you dropped us off at the lake, you even handed us a bag of fresh, homemade cookies to take along. Everything you did to help us was just unbelievable. It was gorgeous, amazing trip that never would have happened unless you'd come along and helped us. </em></p>
<p><em>I'll never forget your kindness; it's people like you that make me want to go out of my way for others who are travelling and in need of help. </em></p>
<p><em>Thank you. </em></p>
<p><em>Yours, </em></p>
<p><em>Raymond Desjardins</em></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/56824252019-03-15T22:24:05-07:002019-03-15T22:26:02-07:00wonderful video - and not even about music!<p>This has knocked me off my feet. A video from Paris compiled from footage shot from 1896 - 1900 by the Lumiere brothers who were by and large the inventors of the moving picture (and their last names WERE Lumiere!) They were from Lyons, where there is a park/museum in their honour - time to dig out the photos I took when I visited there maybe 10 years ago.</p>
<p>But I digress - A Canadian, Guy Jones, has made it his mission to restore old bits of footage he has found. Superb!! And of course he has plenty more besides this one, but I can't imagine anything topping it -</p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjDclfAFRB4" width="1057"></iframe></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/56372602019-02-10T23:40:13-08:002019-02-11T19:47:43-08:00Feldenkrais movement for Musicians with Alice Friedman in Duncan and Nanaimo<p><strong>WORKSHOP FOR MUSICIANS 2019 </strong></p>
<p>“Improvement of talented people comes through their awareness of themselves in action. Their talent arises from their freedom to choose their modes of action.” (Moshé Feldenkrais) </p>
<p>An Introduction to Feldenkrais for Musicians </p>
<p>I'm very excited to be offering a wonderful course during spring break this March. Mar 18 ,29, 21, 22. It will be taught by Alice Firedman, a renowned introctor of Feldenkrais movement ideas.The first half of the course will be in Duncan, and the 2nd in Nanaimo in order share the commuting and because of venue bookings. You can register on the workshops page - but here is what Alice says about the course:</p>
<p>Are you satisfied with your playing? Can you express your musical intentions on your instrument? Do you find playing your instrument a physical pleasure? Is your practice efficient? Do you know what to change to get a better result? Do you suffer from playing - related injuries or pain?</p>
<p>This workshop will address helping you become more aware of the intimate relationship between the way you use yourself and the music you create. This enhanced awareness can support the ability to express musical intention, prevent pain and injury and expedite healing from current injury. It can refine the connection between your intention and action and you and your instrument. </p>
<p>Everything you do in playing your instrument, as in all coordinated actions, is a complex process that begins with intention. In this case musical intention which requires the coordination of a series of movements involving changes in weight, speed, orientation in space and adaptations to gravity. When any part of these are inefficient they result in unnecessary friction wear and tear on the muscular - skeletal system and less than optimal results. </p>
<p>The Feldenkrais Method® uses gentle, slow movements to develop and refine the ability to sense subtle changes in quality. This tool of awareness makes possible more efficient and expanded choices that can prevent or heal injuries and improve performance. Learning is done through experiment and attention to ease and comfort rather than effort. Interest is in How you do what you do rather than on the accomplishment of any particular action. </p>
<p>Through the Feldenkrais Method’s Awareness Through Movement® lessons we will address issues that pertain to playing such as: </p>
<ul> <li>Finding support from the ground through your skeleton </li> <li>Proportional use of muscles: Using the large central muscles to free the use of arms and hands. </li> <li>Maintaining an ease of breath throughout performance </li> <li>Shifting weight smoothly to improve sound </li> <li>Improving the Coordinated use of eyes, arms, and body </li> <li>•Improvement of sense of orientation in space </li>
</ul>
<p>Alice Friedman a Registered Psychologist, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and Assistant Trainer and dancer has explored the intersections of motion and emotion her entire life. This includes exploring ways of refining ones relationship to ones primary instrument, one s body and how this improves life and what every one loves to do. </p>
<p>She has taught in many Feldenkrais® trainings internationally and has been offering individual sessions, classes and workshops on Salt Spring and beyond for 30 years</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/56240482019-02-01T17:23:45-08:002019-02-01T17:40:14-08:00O waly, waly indeed<p>Waly is Scottish for Wail, and the long history of this song would make most scholars wail! But Jürgen Kloss, a folklorist from Bonn, Germany has really done it here: <a contents="http://www.justanothertune.com/html/wateriswide.html" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.justanothertune.com/html/wateriswide.html">http://www.justanothertune.com/html/wateriswide.html</a></p>
<p>It's a loooooong read, and mostly about the 7 zillion different versions of the words, but with interesting versions of the tune, and how it came to be attached to the words of the song as we know it now. </p>
<p>He also has a long history of The Parting Glass, which I do mean to set a nice arrangement of soon - http://www.justanothertune.com/html/partingglass.html</p>
<p>Historians note - this man has en eye for detail!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/56011782019-01-17T21:36:44-08:002019-01-17T21:36:44-08:00A new tuner - info for all harpists!<p>As many of you know I'm pretty obsessed with the search for a great tuner. For a while I very happily recommended the Intelli MT500 which is the main tuner I use, having bought up all the ones left in Canada when they decided to stop production. Why did they do that??? (I've seen some what I think are knock-offs on the web for very high prices. ignore that.. and read on)</p>
<p>In the past 5 years, since the Intelli's were discontinued I have purchased way more clip on tuners than anyone should - and rejected them all as irritating in one way or the other. (I should hold a garage sale!)</p>
<p>But - when I was in China last fall I brought back 5 of the new Aroma AT-102 clip on tuners. The screen is not as nice to use as the intelli, but everything else is as good or better. Easy to find a position you can read it in. Picks up the really low notes and the highest strings - amazing. Tells you how many cents your up or down, which is more fun than the lights going to the middle of the display. But here is the best part - it's powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery and comes with its own USB cable. I've been using then on various tuning keys for a couple of months now, and have more than half a charge in all of them. No more polluting the world with those mercury coin batteries. Happy day!</p>
<p>I see that they are on amazon.ca for 15.99 <a contents="https://www.amazon.ca/Rechargeable-Rotatable-Electronic-Battery-Chromatic/dp/B01FUFVHWY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.ca/Rechargeable-Rotatable-Electronic-Battery-Chromatic/dp/B01FUFVHWY">https://www.amazon.ca/Rechargeable-Rotatable-Electronic-Battery-Chromatic/dp/B01FUFVHWY</a></p>
<p>You need to order in bulk to get the red and blue and white ones, so you'll have to stick to black - no, I didn't know colours were available when I was in China - mine are black. It's fine.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/51b4c90ad32960d8f6e45dd8556d5e7523eecec9/original/512-dmhvq9l-sl1000.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/55994792019-01-16T21:04:29-08:002019-01-16T21:04:29-08:00Sivan Magen in Vancouver<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/033d08a78f5689e5f1db6ec35601a606483d512d/original/magen-poster.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>info and tickets <a contents="www.westcoastharpsociety.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.westcoastharpsociety.org">www.westcoastharpsociety.org</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/55990512019-01-16T16:30:11-08:002019-01-16T16:30:11-08:00Wine and Chocolate<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/ccf1f9edb94b366938dbaf7634f8e941b8910cd0/original/wine-and-chocolate.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/55839832019-01-06T22:02:28-08:002019-01-06T22:02:28-08:00Hello New Year!<p>2019 - hard to believe... but we've made it more or less intact and I hope you're all ready to launch back into lessons or whatever your harp direction takes you. </p>
<p>Coming up this spring: Sivan Magen in Vancouver, Wine and Chocolate Night in Duncan, our Carolan Celebration somewhere..., and I'm hoping, a Feldenkrais for Musicians course in Nanaimo and Duncan. Lots to be excited about - see you in the studios!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/54737712018-10-17T10:40:33-07:002018-10-17T11:33:57-07:00New beginner group class announced<p>I know that a few people have been waiting for this to happen - sorry it has taken me so long to sort it out. The class will happen in Duncan, starting Jan 18, Friday, at 2 pm. And continuing for 5 Fridays until Feb. 15th. The cost will be $150 for the class plus $45 for the books and materials, and $40 for two months rent for a harp. (harps are normally $40 a month, but for this course you can collect it any time after Jan 1 and keep it till Mar 1)</p>
<p>Of course, if you have a harp, you will not need a rental. I have 3 rental harps available, so register soon if you want one of them.</p>
<p>This class is also available live, on-line. This is not as good as being in person in some ways, as I can't move you around except with my words, but still better than not being to take it at all! Email me through the contact page if you want to discuss how it all works on-line. I would take a maximum of 3 people on-line so I can see everyone.</p>
<p>The class is meant for those who have no previous playing experience, or for those who want a refresher on the basic technique that lets you play beautifully and expressively and releases the sounds of the harp for your pleasure!</p>
<p><a contents="Registration is open" data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops">Registration is open</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/54715112018-10-15T22:10:28-07:002018-10-15T22:10:28-07:00News from French Polynesia <p>A lovely young student who Hayley and I shared in the Nanaimo Conservatory has been travelling the world with her parents and sister on their sailboat. They sent me this wonderful video of their latest adventures including a concert on the beach. Sure looks like a beautiful spot.<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="pflWfrTeXpU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/pflWfrTeXpU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pflWfrTeXpU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/54625792018-10-09T20:34:37-07:002018-10-09T20:34:37-07:00Carolan update<p>The board is growing. Now people are starting to ask what we'll do with all this beautiful repertoire. Any ideas?</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/54625782018-10-09T20:33:36-07:002018-10-09T21:00:01-07:00hearing loss<p>I recieved an interesting email today from a company that provide background music for business. However, they were drawing my attentions specifically to a nice article on their website about the proevention of hearing loss, and how the ear works, etc. Nice section about musicians. A good read <a contents="https://cloudcovermusic.com/prevent-hearing-loss/#musicians" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://cloudcovermusic.com/prevent-hearing-loss/#musicians">https://cloudcovermusic.com/prevent-hearing-loss/#musicians</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/872fd54a91d0c7f86b0c93b02148e7cc804c487f/original/tour-through-ear.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/54323072018-09-17T14:21:48-07:002018-09-17T14:21:48-07:00The carolan year is up and running<p>Week 2 and we're up to 5 cards on the board. Spent Sunday making nice boards for both Duncan and Nanaimo so we can see our progress! I've learned 2 new tunes already that I've only seen, but didn't really know.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/7766c80a09bd9117825d114abefac670038cdca8/original/img-20180917-1416283.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/54031632018-08-27T10:05:35-07:002018-08-27T10:06:36-07:00Kantele or Psaltery<p>Called by many names and used almost as widely as harps, t<a contents="his beautiful video should inspire " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shRaMExlWqs">his beautiful video should inspire </a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/53208152018-06-27T14:42:55-07:002018-06-27T16:38:02-07:00technology day - June 30 10 am<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/e81b167238131b345a66186d0186013d62c42274/original/metronome.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />Tech Day is a chance to explore some aids to music learning that we can carry around with us on our tablets or cell phones. It is a new world, and the learning opportunities are truly wonderful. But the learning curve exists, and frustration is always around the corner, so I'm providing this morning workshop to try and alleviate any problems, while getting people up and running with new music learning tools.</p>
<p><span class="font_large">What we'll use:</span></p>
<p><strong>Tuning apps</strong></p>
<ul> <li>Pano tuner, Strobe tuner, G strings</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Metronome apps:</strong></p>
<ul> <li>Speak Beats (IOS)</li> <li>Iona Voice metronome (android)</li> <li>Camtronome</li> <li>others</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Zoom (for distance learning)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ear trainer and note trainer apps</strong></p>
<ul> <li>The Ear Gym</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Evernote</strong> for record keeping of audio and text notes and photos</p>
<p><span class="font_large">What to bring</span></p>
<p>bring your phone, and/or your tablet. Do bring both if you plan to do some distance learning. If you don't have a tablet bring a laptop if you have one, (for zoom) and your smartphone for the rest</p>
<p>Bring passwords for your phone/tablet, and for google playstore or itunes which is the place we'll mostly download from. All the apps we'll download are free, though most have paid versions without ads. You can change from free to paid at home, or here if you want.</p>
<p>Bring a note book as well - write down your passwords in it for easy reference (tear out the page later is you like) You can take notes as well about what we're doing.</p>
<p><span class="font_large">How to prepare </span></p>
<p>You can test drive the process by downloading Zoom at home. If the downloading works, and you are able to open the program, you'll know you have everything you need to get on with the other programs.</p>
<p>Most of the programs here have versions for both android and IOS (iphones) but if you can't find them, it may not be available. We'll just use a different one.</p>
<p>If you're feeling ready to go, download anything on this page. If we have mostly that done before you get hear, then we can spend our time learning how to use them. But if this is all greek to you, and you can only come with passwords and gear, that is fine. You doubly qualify for this workshop and we'll get you up and running before you know it!</p>
<p> We'll use wi-fi to connect and download, but you can also use data if you have a data plan large enough.</p>
<p>There is no charge for this workshop. We'll go out for lunch together when we're done - 12 or 12:30.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/53207672018-06-27T14:12:22-07:002018-06-28T15:32:35-07:00recital wrap <p>a few photos in from the recital season -</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/c1951fb38f27e238641f2993c4e1d7572c2d78d0/original/image.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Duncan Youth harpers - thanks Jennifer!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And two from the Duncan adult recital - thanks to Joanna and Joyce<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/4524bd86cdfef057758214c85d34db77bf149162/original/group-img-1626.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/eff75ba5427580d1286d622c2a6bf4352de9bd1c/original/joanna1623.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/52324432018-05-13T18:26:30-07:002018-05-17T20:07:50-07:00Nanaimo Youth Ensemble Recital - May 31<p>Three students who have been studying with me for many years - really, since they were young children - will present a beautiful recital of solos, duets and and trios at the Conservatory in Nanaimo, Thursday, May 31st. Please come and hear some spectacular playing, and support these young harp artists! Ava Barakso, Philip Morosan, and Kaleigh Stroink, in concert. 7 pm</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/52324142018-05-13T18:00:42-07:002018-05-13T18:00:42-07:00Duncan Adult Recital at Ts'i'ts'uwatul' Lelum Assisted Living<p>5755 Allenby Rd, Duncan BC V9L 0E6 - We'll play for the residents and for each other and our invited guests. It is a beautiful room to play in! The ensemble tunes, and solos by the adult students studying in Duncan. Coffee and tea and goodies to follow.</p>
<p>6:30 pm, Friday June 15th</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/52324122018-05-13T17:56:03-07:002021-03-31T00:20:27-07:00Duncan Youth Recital - Monday June 11<p>All Duncan harpists from 5 to 25 will play a recital piece or two at our year end event. The location will be at Glenora Farm (there is a map on the calendar listing for this) Bring your harps, and family and enjoy the beautiful Trillium space at the Glenora Farm. Go to the big house and then go left to the red roofed building.</p>
<p>5 - 6:15 approximately, but all students should arrive by 4 pm, for set up and a little run through.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/52218862018-05-07T18:47:17-07:002018-05-07T18:47:17-07:002018-19 Schedule<p>I needed to give my schedule to Nanaimo Conservatory this month so have organized it all on one sheet. It will be too tiny to read on a phone, but will work for a larger computer, and you can download it yourself to print.</p>
<p>Just click <a contents="calendar here" data-link-label="Calendar" data-link-type="page" href="/calendar" target="_self">calendar here</a> or on the tab above</p>
<p>Of course things happen, but I hope they won't change too much. The big gap is in November when I'm hoping to teach in China again. If that doesn't work out - it is tentative at the moment - there may be some changes. The spring break dates might move around a bit as well.</p>
<p>The group dates will stay as close as possible to the days shown for both NC and Duncan.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/51947932018-04-21T14:44:00-07:002018-05-13T17:57:20-07:00SOLD - used Wellspring at Long and McQuade<p>We've heard from Long and McQuade in Victoria that they have a Wellspring 36 for sale. $2500. I don't know anything else but if you are interested you could call Dustin 250-384-3622</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/51239762018-04-06T10:55:00-07:002018-04-06T10:55:18-07:00spring listening challenge<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgQtcU4zbZs - A whole hour - mariano gonzalez</p>
<p>Nicholas carter el tren lechero</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/51535222018-03-28T21:51:24-07:002018-03-28T21:51:24-07:00no lessons no group no pedagogy Theusday March 29<p>I've been attacked by a bug - have to stay in bed. So sorry...</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/50014092017-12-31T22:29:55-08:002018-01-28T23:27:36-08:00Harp and Cello Fest - Feb 23 and 24. 2018<p>Registration is open - and I hope it will be filled up - so please if you're planning to come, go to the <a contents="Harp and Cello Festival page" data-link-label="Harp and Cello Festival" data-link-type="page" href="/harp-and-cello-festival">Harp and Cello Festival page</a> and register on-line. I'm so excited about this opportunity to work more with Morag, and to share her with you all! Tell your cello playing buddies as well!</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49837862017-12-18T22:54:13-08:002018-10-11T09:25:00-07:00SOLD Harp For Sale<p>Just in time for the holidays - a good beginner instrument - an older Aoyama in good condition, well cared for and played every day by its owner who is acquiring another harp! includes a spare set of strings, $1200 <a contents="email" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:Badavids@shaw.ca">email</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49498202017-12-08T18:55:00-08:002017-12-16T13:33:53-08:00Listening Challenge - an even dozen!<p>It's a wrap - the last in the series - don't forget to log your response - what you've learned, what was your favourite, what you'll work on for the new year!</p>
<p>Here is the harp played in a non-traditional way for those who are thinking of a more electric use for our favourite instrument -</p>
<p><a contents="Tristan le Govic (who I'm pleased to say will be back in Wells this summer!) " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk2efibiNFA">Tristan le Govic (who I'm pleased to say will be back in Wells this summer!) </a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49498192017-12-01T18:50:00-08:002017-12-12T08:32:14-08:00listening challenge week 11<p>Anne-Marie O'Farrel and Brendan Power - nice combo and wonderful tune!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdiZI0ZfZh4" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdiZI0ZfZh4" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdiZI0ZfZh4</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49297422017-11-24T14:10:00-08:002017-12-12T08:41:07-08:00listening challenge week 10<p>Tchaikovsky - another romantic for you -</p>
<p>My senior youth group are working on this - so beautiful -</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wFGGKMuJs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wFGGKMuJs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wFGGKMuJs</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49297332017-11-17T14:00:00-08:002017-12-12T08:47:44-08:00listening challenge week 9<p>The ancient Irish harp was wirestrung, and the long resonance of its tones was accounted for in the compositions, either ringing or stopped. Those who went with me to Scotland might remember Vincente from that week. Playing O'carolan here:</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Ca9tMpEfc&amp;list=PLZM9yT8vav_IMkjbl0-Jxt3o5-gIxvhIR&amp;index=4" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Ca9tMpEfc&list=PLZM9yT8vav_IMkjbl0-Jxt3o5-gIxvhIR&index=4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Ca9tMpEfc&list=PLZM9yT8vav_IMkjbl0-Jxt3o5-gIxvhIR&index=4</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49297432017-11-12T14:13:50-08:002017-12-12T08:48:51-08:00Canada Music Concert<p>This week is Canadian Music week, and our featured listening challenge is a fantastic Canadian harpist. But if you want to hear music by Canadian composers, plan on the concert presented by the Cowichan Music Teachers next Sat. Nov. 18. There will be 2 different concerts, at 2:00 and 3:30 pm with an intermission between - an amazing show of Canadian pieces, for cello, violin, piano and harp. Many young performers and a number of adults as well.</p>
<p>Duncan Christian Reformed Church , 2 and 3:30 pm (or stay for the whole thing). Sat. Nov 18th, 2017 Admission is free.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49297302017-11-12T13:54:29-08:002017-11-25T19:51:08-08:00listening challenge week 8<p>Judy Loman - to whom we owe so much - (if you're enjoying learning to play the harp with me, you do owe a good bit of that to her) She's the Canadian grandmother of the harp, and a national treasure! </p>
<p>And lest you're ready to throw in the towel, this was recorded 2 years ago. One year ago, she celebrated her 80th birthday in Toronto with a big recital. </p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdH9EVpueU" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdH9EVpueU" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdH9EVpueU</a></p>
<p>She is playing a whole variety of pieces. Extra points to anyone who can name them!!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48922572017-11-03T18:35:00-07:002017-11-08T21:08:31-08:00the listening challenge week 7 <p>Maeve taught in Wells a couple of years ago, and it was her work with the fabulous "foot percussionist" that first sold me. Just wonderful.</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr0u-HIRiMY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr0u-HIRiMY" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr0u-HIRiMY</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48922542017-10-26T22:20:00-07:002017-11-08T21:01:06-08:00the listening challenge week 6<p>probably my favourite you tube video of all time - well at least right now - I have the whole thing on a CD, but this part is well worth the listen and nice to see as well. I think it is just beautiful playing, beautiful music.</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDl1vjJwBLc" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDl1vjJwBLc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDl1vjJwBLc</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/49055082017-10-24T22:25:53-07:002017-10-24T22:25:53-07:00Harp and Organ Concert in Parksville<p>Know United in Parksville is running a 3 part series of Organ concerts and the second in their season will feature Janelle Nadeau, harp. Should be a wonderful concert -<a contents=" more info" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kucparksville.ca/events/organworx-harp-organ/2018-01-14" target="_blank"> </a><a contents="more info" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kucparksville.ca/events/organworx-harp-organ/2018-01-14">more info</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48922512017-10-20T22:05:00-07:002017-11-05T08:52:20-08:00the listening challenge week 5<p>Debussy - so great</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTe3C_RoDo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTe3C_RoDo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTe3C_RoDo</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48922532017-10-14T22:15:27-07:002017-10-16T07:53:55-07:00The listening challenge week 4<p>You can probably guess that I'm practising my snaps just now. She's pretty great!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnoEtYNov8" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnoEtYNov8" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnoEtYNov8</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48652892017-10-05T22:30:00-07:002017-10-16T07:39:36-07:00the listening challenge week 3<p>Samantha Ballard was one of Elizabeth's studnets at UBC. If people are learning any of Elizabeth's pices, I send them to Samantha's recordings - a great reference.</p>
<p>But this is the Smetana's famous Moldau. It was written for orchestra but harp transcriptions are very popular. If you love this, you can find a zillion more people playing it on YouTube.</p>
<p>It could get you saving up for pedal harp - just too chromatic for levers - and I don't say that easily</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMqBvaUke6k" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMqBvaUke6k">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMqBvaUke6k</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48652702017-09-28T22:10:00-07:002017-10-16T07:56:39-07:00the listening challenge week 2<p>This is Arpanatolia from Turkey (well, Anatolia) The 3, (not the whole orchestra were in Hong Kong, and I hope will be in Vancouver at end of October. They're having consular delays...</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUp_dISM1rs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUp_dISM1rs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUp_dISM1rs</a></p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48552602017-09-18T12:41:13-07:002017-10-16T07:45:56-07:00The listening Challenge<p>a selection every week. and a prize in Dec. for the most check-ins in the comments to say you've heard it. Or what you liked. or didn't.</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgtdixOhaaY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgtdixOhaaY" style="">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgtdixOhaaY</a></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48223902017-08-22T19:27:02-07:002017-08-22T19:31:41-07:00New ensemble class in Duncan<p>Open to all levels, and running the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays of the month at the Duncan studio. Each five-month term, $199 (Sept - Jan), Feb - June) You can si<a contents="gn up and pay via paypal on the workshops page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://harpcanadastudio.com/workshops">gn up and pay via paypal on the workshops page</a>, or bring your cheque to the first class.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/48223892017-08-22T19:25:21-07:002017-08-22T19:25:21-07:00Home and home again!<p>Just back from a wonderful week in Wells. A little smoky at times - like we've experienced here, with short bursts of clear, and of more smoke. But inside - all was wonderful!! Sunita Stanislow, Tristan le Govic, Mairi Chaimbeul all taught harp and the amazing Morag Northey taught the cello class. Grand fun was had at the Breton dancing class led by Tristan. All those up for another session of <em>fest noz</em> raise your left foot!</p>
<p>Reminder that lessons start Sept 10. NCM students, please register at the conservatory. Call them, or come by at one of their sessions. Duncan people, check in if you don't have a confirmed time - almost everyone does, but I'm juggling in the youth department. Will email you soon.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/47617422017-06-29T14:44:21-07:002017-06-29T14:44:21-07:00World Harp Congress here we come!<p>Leaving tomorrow for a sojourn to Hong Kong and China where I will be attending the World Harp Congress, and then playing a few concerts in mainland China. I'm beyond excited, and will keep you posted. The World Harp Congress is held every 3 years, in a different location. Six years ago we hosted it in Vancouver, and I'll be delighted to see what Hong Kong presents.</p>
<p>I am sharing photos from the trip via twitter in Hong Kong - I'll have to add my China photos when I get back as twitter is blocked there as far as I know. If you're on twitter you'll get the feed directly is you follow me @canharp</p>
<p>If not, you can check the far right of this page - scroll down - to see the tweets. Clicking on the photos will take you to full size version of them. Have fun while I'm away - I sure plan to!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/47617392017-06-29T14:38:36-07:002017-10-16T07:58:54-07:00Theory apps for iPad<p>Just got an email from the Royal Conservatory of Music saying their new theory apps, only for iPad, are now available - free. They have from prep level to level 4, so for beginners, and especially for kids and adults needing help with reading this could be good. Of course, I have no iPad, so can't check it out, but sould love to hear if anyone else does. Leave a comment below so people can read about it!</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/47608062017-06-28T17:58:09-07:002017-06-28T17:58:54-07:00Duncan Harp ensemble class<p>Open to all levels, and running the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays of the month at the Duncan studio. Each five-month term, $199 (Sept - Jan), Feb - June) You can sign up and pay via paypal on the<a contents=" workshops page" data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops"> workshops page</a>, or bring your cheque to the first class.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/47608002017-06-28T17:37:22-07:002017-06-28T17:37:22-07:00Harp Pedagogy 101<p>I'm offering a new course through the Nanaimo Conservatory which will equip harpists to become teachers of beginners and beyond. We will use the Harp Start Series as our basic text, and add info about how and why I do particular things. We need more harp teachers on the island - and there is no better way to learn to play well than in studying and helping others to achieve a good foundation.</p>
<p>The class costs are still being worked out by the conservatory but I would so love to hear from those who might be interested. It will be 10 hours total from Sept to May, last Thursday 2:20 - 3:30 with a couple of extra 12:15 slots to round out the time. It may be possible to include an on-line component, so please contact me if you are interested in that.</p>
<p>It is open to most skill levels, particularly if you have a teaching background. Just email me to talk more about it!</p>
<p>And I'll post a link to the registration at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music as soon as it is ready to take your enrollment.</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/47544322017-06-22T18:13:55-07:002017-06-24T23:11:05-07:00Summer Harp Days<p>Folks have been asking - and there must be some kind of harp scent in the air, because I've been busy with new-harper enquiries. As regulars know, schedules have been a little tight lately. Well, frankly, very tight. But help is on the horizon in the form of a student teacher for next year, and a new harp pedagogy class to train and empower some more new teachers. More about that in a separate post.</p>
<p>So, to get us ready for that, here's a summer class plan:</p>
<p><strong>August 4 & 5 - Summer Harp Days!</strong></p>
<ul> <li>Aug 4, Friday, - 10 am - 12:30 Very beginners, and those wanting a technique brush up. Harps available for the very beginners without one.</li> <li>Aug 5, Sat. - 10am - 12:30 pm - Harp day workshop - I'll find us some summer-ish music to play - maybe something from China!</li> <li>Aug 5 - 1:30 - 3 pm - mini lessons - 3 or maybe 4 people can have short lessons, and the folks who want to stay for this part of it can listen. Always a good way to learn - from observing what others are working on. </li>
</ul>
<p>The registration is on the <a contents="Workshops page" data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops">Workshops page</a> - you can register for either day, or for both for a reduced rate. If you're going to Wells, and want a brush-up before you go - take advantage of this. Or get a jump start on the fall - and for those who are planning to do exams in January, this will be the perfect time to have a mini lesson to keep you practicing. Don't lose the work you've done! In fact, let's say that first dibs on mini-lessons will go to you 4 - but please let me know if you would like one of the spots. And anyone else, please email me to claim one.</p>
<p>Don't forget to have a swim in the lake - or maybe the ocean before you practice - enjoy your summer!</p>
<p> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/47266392017-05-29T21:15:43-07:002017-05-29T21:15:43-07:00Motoshi Kosaka in Vancouver <p>Sunday, June 25th 2017 Motoshi Kosako- </p>
<p>Jazz Harpist from California, USA at the Vancouver Academy of Music</p>
<p>1270 Chestnut Street in Vanier Park, Vancouver</p>
<ul> <li>9:00am to noon: Private Lessons </li> <li>1:30-2:45pm Jazz Harp Concert </li> <li>3:00-3:45pm Workshop part.1 </li> <li>4:00-4:45pm Workshop part.2 </li>
</ul>
<p>Tickets: </p>
<ul> <li>Concert: General $25 </li> <li>Students & Seniors $20 </li> <li>2 Workshops $50 ($25 each) </li> <li>Concert & Workshop Combo $65 </li>
</ul>
<p>Please email: aoyamaharp@shaw.ca to book your spot.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/47002962017-05-08T00:08:49-07:002017-05-08T00:10:02-07:00Bernard Andres Night - So Great!I didn't count but at least 13 harpists played Ribambelle #3, a host of other harpsists played (solos) Ribambelles and Automates, we had a round of duets, and an ensemble version of La Gimblette. Then we topped it off with the Youth Harp Ensemble playing La Ragazza. Maybe the biggest Andres night this side of the Atlantic!!<br><br>Thanks to all who participated, who came to listen, and for practicing so hard to do so well. C'est magnifique!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/ac4a46a70b8304da6f5598bf36ed43673f650abf/original/dsc02794.jpg?1494227305" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/46570352017-04-03T22:15:18-07:002021-01-03T23:07:12-08:00Kunghou Concert in Vancouver April 8thThe Westcoast Harp Society is delighted present a concert by the amazing Nathania Ko. Tickets by donation - please come and support Nathania and the West Coast Harp Society! The concert will be at Pyatt Hall at the Vancouver Symphny School of Music in downtown Vancouver.<br><br>The Konghou is the name of the ancient Chinese harp, but the modern kunghou is as different from the historical one as the pedal harp is from the medieval gothic harp. It is fully modern and fully beautiful. Here's an example:<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZi1NHyL8I0<br> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/46570252017-04-03T22:03:24-07:002017-04-03T22:06:46-07:00Concenti Concert<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/3051bbc0df891338c8ea42aa4d1c67a22adff697/medium/spring-poster.jpg?1491282266" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p>The choir I sing with is doing a concert in Duncan April 23rd. Sunday, 2 pm. The music is mostly Canadian, celebrating our sense of place - it's call "this Land is What I am". I have tickets ($15 if you're interested in coming) See the post above for changes to the schedule this music-making hath wrought.</p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/46566452017-04-03T15:25:47-07:002017-04-03T15:25:47-07:00Bernard Andres night May 4th7 pm at Nanaimo Conservatory of music. Bring you French flavoured snacks, and your appetite for beautiful music. Everyone is invited to play their Andres tune, and we'll finish with a group play of Ribambelle #3.<br>The Vancouver Island Youth Harpers will play La Ragazza, his famous piece in 4 gorgeous movements for 4 harps. Be there or be square as we used to say!Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/46465342017-03-26T15:48:08-07:002017-03-26T15:48:08-07:00I played this better at home I've heard this a time or two... It went perfectly well at home, but here at the lesson...<br><br>Many of you know me fairly well by now, and if you've been working with me for a while you'll know how I love to experiment, especially with ideas about the brain, the body, and the learning!<br><br>I've been thinking for a few weeks about the phenomenon of forgetting things as you walk through doors. The last five years has seen quite a bit of research into this, and it turns out we do have a tendency to forget things when we walk through doors. There are many articles about this on the internet but here is one that is a good overview of the subject: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160307-why-does-walking-through-doorways-make-us-forget<p>What I've been especially thinking about is how many doors people pass through between their practice room and my studio. Your home, your car, the front door, the studio door, maybe more. And research shows that metaphorical doors can be just as obstructive. The traffic, the appointment en route...<br><br>It's not easy to construct a good experiment without going to your practice rooms for lessons - nice but a little impractical. But I'll thinking of ways to connect those two spaces, and you might do the same. If you're sitting in the waiting room, don't try to remember a piece, but perhaps conjure up the room where you practice. Notice your memory of the harps, the floor, the things around you, your stand, the music a s it sites there. And we'll try to continue that a bit when you get through the last door. Can't hurt...<br><br> </p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/46460072017-03-25T20:28:53-07:002017-03-25T20:28:53-07:00New Beginner Group Class in NanaimoHappy to say that I've worked a new beginner class into the schedule for this April and May. There will be 5 classes over 6 weeks (no class on May 4, I think). 6:30 7:15 with time before for tuning and set-up, so come at 6:15 if you can. Cost will be $99 plus registration, book fee, and possibly harp rental. If you already have a binder/book package, a harp and are a current conservatory student, it will be $99 total. Otherwise, the extra costs apply. <br><br>The class assumes complete beginners, but sometimes people with a little experience like to take it to work on basic beautiful sound-making techniques. Either way, you are welcome. Class size is limited to 4 people, so do register soon by calling the conservatory.(250) 754-4611<br><br>I am also very excited to be test driving an on-line video class system for this. I am not very sure about the internet connection speeds at the conservatory, so though I will try to test it live, it may be only available from Friday mornings on. Can't tell; that's why we test! If you are interested in registering for the on-line access, <a contents="please email me" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:marilyn@harpcanada.com">please email me</a>. Or click on the contact tab above. I'd like to have up to 4 testers.<br><br>And for those who were looking for an elements of music class this term in this time slot, I apologize - I'm planning one for the fall though, so let me or the conservatory know if you're interested. It will help with allocating space which is in high demand there!<br><br><br><br> Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/45783722017-02-06T09:13:29-08:002017-02-06T09:13:29-08:00Show snow snowIt's been quite crazy here for 3 days watching the snow turn to rain turn to snow turn to rain, but I know some of you have had non-stop whiteness. Be safe!<br><br>I'll update this regularly through the day - so stay tuned if you want the latest.<br><br>Monday - Skype lessons all day. find me on skype at harp canada.<br>Tuesday - ?<br>Wednesday - ?<br>Thursday - ?<br><br>Monday - BC day - no regular lessons, but I'm thinking it will be a free make-up day, and workshop. I'll figure out how to do that as we see what happens over the week.<br><br> Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/45610182017-01-23T14:59:17-08:002017-01-23T14:59:17-08:00Wine and Chocolate and Music - Feb. 4thThis is a chance for all adult music students to celebrate music and learning, whether by performing, or enjoying, or both! The event is an initiative of the Cowichan Valley Music Teachers Association, and will feature adult students of music from across the valley and beyond. Beginners to accomplished will share their music in short selections, with a silent auction, a draw for a free lesson, and music galore by donation. And did I mention the chocolate fountain???<br><br>St. Peter Quamichan Church hall is the location, in Duncan, 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 4th.<br><br>Admittance is by donation and includes a ticket for a glass of wine and the aforementioned chocolate fountain! We have a number of harpists performing and I'll be singing as well. Please come and bring your adult companions for a most enjoyable and inspiring evening. All the proceeds go to the Scholarship and Bursary fund of the CVMTA - most to support families who would otherwise find it difficult to provide music lessons for their kids. So please come, and donate generously, as they say - MMarilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/45506862017-01-14T21:42:42-08:002017-01-14T21:55:46-08:00 New Beginner Group ClassStarts this Wed. Jan 18 - March15th. 1:45 2:30 8 sessions, (no class Feb. 22) $150.00 This class is for beginner level work, and will be group version of private lessons, with the fun of sharing the learning, and being able to play multiple parts at once! And enjoyable and challenging follow-up to the Beginner immersion we held last month. Register <a contents="through the website " data-link-label="Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/workshops">through the website </a>or by emailing Marilyn through the<a contents=" contact page. " data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" style=""> contact page. </a>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/45503942017-01-14T14:03:21-08:002022-07-29T12:29:14-07:00The Ass and the Lyre - or the goat and the ass and the harpKatrina asked me last week where I go the image of the goat and the ass playing the harp that I've used on this website. My answer, I'm sorry to say, was that I don't remember. I have quite a big collection of images medieval animals playing the harp - many scooped off the internet, but others that I've photographed when visiting medieval structures in Europe. I just chose this one because I liked it at the moment. It is from some psalter (a book of the psalms) - and I will try to look it up in the next while. But in the meantime, she's sent me this interesting link - who knew??? Enjoy!<p><a contents="https://artsymbol.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/the-ass-and-the-harp/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://artsymbol.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/the-ass-and-the-harp/" style="" target="_blank">https://artsymbol.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/the-ass-and-the-harp/ </a><br><br>An addendum - went back and found my goat and donkey - one of the initials in the Hunterian Psalter, also know as the York Psalter. Dating from about 1170, it has another beautiful harp whose image you might have seen of David tuning it. Even the great King David need to tune his harp. The goat is the first letter (E) in psalm 67. Here's a page from the psalter showing how the initials appeared, and the beautiful writing. I got that image <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/exhibns/month/may2007.html" target="_blank">here</a>, along with a long story about the psalter - most interesting... The website is from the Glasgow museum, Special Collections, which owns the psalter. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/54dc6fa1cefcb9fcc037cbf983beed14f4c2f26a/medium/h229-double-from-hunter-psalter.jpg?1484447561" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/44774392016-11-21T10:10:21-08:002016-11-21T10:10:21-08:00Immerse yourself in a new year's Harp Bath!A <strong>beginner immersion workshop</strong> <strong>Jan 5 and 6, 2017 </strong>at Marilyn's Duncan studio is up next. This is for those who have never played the harp, or who want to review beginner techniques. It will be a small class, and plenty of fun without stress. There have been several people looking for beginner lessons in the past couple of months and while I work on a new schedule to accommodate them I want to get people started. Please dive in - Thursday and Friday of the first week in January! You can register by going to the new workshop tab on this site. The cost is $89.00 and includes a harp for the 2 days which you can take home Thursday night if you want to practise. Classes are 9:30 - 12:30. (and if you know someone who wants to learn, here's a great Xmas gift!)Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/44549032016-11-06T16:45:10-08:002016-11-07T13:05:56-08:00Wonderful crowd at harp day Saturday!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/c2c25a5702a21e0dba6905a13bbc0a826b57a7f3/original/harp-day-dsc01620.jpg?1478480055" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Thanks to all who attended the big harp day workshop yesterday. It was enjoyable, if exhausting, for your instructor and the feedback I've received has been most encouraging of more of the same. One person has asked about bringing it to Vancouver. This is a good possibility, though perhaps a bit late to organize. On the other hand there is so much prep time on my end for these workshops, and now that is done, so I'd be very open to hearing if anyone wanted to host an event in the lower mainland. Maybe the last weekend in November?</p>Anyway, it is something I'll keep in mind for next year. Congratulations on your progress, and I hope everyone takes bits and pieces of yesterdays 3 tunes, and makes something for themselves they can really play with heart and enjoyment for the beautiful Xmas season. Let me know how it goes... I really do care!Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/44524832016-11-04T12:38:10-07:002016-11-04T12:38:10-07:00Joy to the World for Harp DayFor anyone wanting some written parts for Joy to the world for Harp Day, here they are: (and also on the download page, I hope) pick your level. These will be at the workshop, and more besides, but in case you want to head start:<br><br>Very Beginners - I'll give you a part at the workshop<br><a contents="Beginners - use your harpstart bk 1 - or here it is again" data-link-label="01-harp-1.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/264496/01-harp-1.pdf">Beginners - use your harpstart bk 1 - or here it is again</a><br>harp 2, 3, 4, parts from the published Demand Music 4 harp version will work (will be at the workshop if you need it - review either of the others is you want to know what's up in advance)<br><a contents="Harp 5 - bonus solo fo" data-link-label="joy-for-2016-workshop-solo-or-ensemble.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/264495/joy-for-2016-workshop-solo-or-ensemble.pdf">Harp 5 - bonus solo fo</a>r more advanced readers. Only a couple will do this tomorrow, but you'll have it for down the road.<br><br><br> Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/44184412016-10-13T16:50:05-07:002016-10-13T16:50:05-07:00harp day registration and MusicI've posted some of the music for the Nov. 5 Harp Day - specifically the parts for Infant Holy which we'll work on. This should be an enjoyable review for anyone who worked on it last year, and a chance to explore this beautiful music for those who did not. The arrangement is the same as I gave my weekly students last Xmas. If you didn't get one, the parts are downloadable<a contents=" here" data-link-label="~ sheet music downloads" data-link-type="page" href="/sheet-music-downloads"> here</a> (there are those reading this who live too far away to attend - help yourself to the music!)<br><br>We'll be working on bell scales as well, and some music I"ll hand out on the day. I've had one person ask for another crack at April Point Rain, so you might like to look that up on the same page. Not sure if I'll squeeze it in....<br><br>I really hope to see a few of the Duncan group people as this is more or less a replacement for the Sunday monthly group classes. It's an experiment - a work in progress, so I'll see how it goes. If you intend to come, you could help my planning by <a contents="registering in advance" data-link-label="The Store" data-link-type="page" href="/the-store">registering in advance</a> - thank you so much to those who already have!<br><br>Nov. 5, 2016 , St. Peter Quamichan Church, Duncan, BC 10-3:30 with a bag lunch concert.<br><br> Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/44184452016-10-13T16:49:20-07:002016-10-13T16:49:20-07:00Congrats to the Gold MedalistsThree of my students have earned gold medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music, for receiving the top mark in the province for their level and discipline. They are:<br><br>Hayely Farenholtz - Level 10!!!<br>Susan Hoeffer - Level 2 (Manitoba)<br>Lesley Hartford - Level 2 (BC)<br><br>The ceremony is Sun. Nov. 6, and I hope to have photos of the winners and their medals after that.Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/43927972016-09-27T12:12:42-07:002017-01-16T05:41:08-08:00Baby NewsI know many of you have been waiting, with me, for this good news. Kirsty, Nanaimo student and member of the adult ensemble, (and frequent attender at Wells Harp School) has had her baby. Here's what she said, "She was born on sept 20th. she was a perfect 7.5 lbs at 2 weeks late. we will name her soon..."<br><br>If you click on the title you can see the place where you can add your congratulations if you wish - she'll read them, I'm very sure!!<br>(and if the BEAUTIFUL photo doesn't appear on the front page, you'll also see it) <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/211573/4ca482e9370cd15336104933ebab5cdedf19fd53/original/kirsty-and-baby-img-0002-resized.jpg?1475003549" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/43789162016-09-18T20:12:25-07:002016-09-18T20:12:25-07:00All Islands Harp Day - Nov. 5thAs you may have seen on the calendar, I'm proposing another Harp Day. This will be in Duncan, St. Peter's Church hall, Sat. Nov 5 . 10- 3:30. We'll have the workshop most of the day, with a concert while you eat your bag lunch, a time for a walk and then we'll resume the workshop. I'll be doing some Xmas music, and some other things. Planning is still happening, so if you have a request, feel free to leave a comment and I'll surely consider it! I'd be super happy have a message saying you're coming for sure.Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/42728142016-07-11T00:07:47-07:002016-07-26T18:37:18-07:00Another take on Vivaldi concerto I was looking for a recording for Joseph today, and so searched for Yo Yo Mah - my favourite cellist, and found this where he's teamed with Bobby McFerrin (my favourite Musical Genius!!) For people who might not have encountered Bobby McFerrin before - maybe the under 20's - he just uses his voice as an entire orchestra, and he has about the same range. This is the entire recording of the two of them, produced I think by McFerrin. Stunning. The whole recording is there <a contents="but this link takes you to the Andante movement of the Vivaldi 352" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rImh0eVzor8&list=PL6C0F607B90939733">but this link takes you to the Andante movement of the Vivaldi 352</a> that the harp students performed so beautifully. <br><br>(I also found the recording for Joseph, the Meditation from Thais that several of you have learned this year. <a contents="played by cello and piano" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JLWSdRvGwY">played by cello and piano</a>. )<br> Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/42422502016-06-21T22:45:22-07:002016-06-30T23:11:21-07:00Harp Day Follow-upWow! what a great day. Wonderful turnout at the workshop, happy participants who played so well, and then a concert that delighted even the teacher! Of course I was delighted with 11 students playing SO WELL together and individually. I really couldn't have asked for more.<br><br>Some people only got a truncated, or maybe blank-in-the-middle sheet of the Dalvimare variation 4b. Here it is to<a contents=" download." data-link-label="variation-4-b-the-waltz-harp-1.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/247148/variation-4-b-the-waltz-harp-1.pdf"> download.</a> If you need anything else, please use the forum above this to ask. If you want the 1812 version it is<a contents=" here" data-link-label="dalvimare-variations.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/247147/dalvimare-variations.pdf"> here</a><br><br><a contents="Scarborough Fair" data-link-label="scarborough-fair-for-all-island-harp-day.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/247149/scarborough-fair-for-all-island-harp-day.pdf">Scarborough Fair</a><br><br>I did say I'd post some audio files of the April Point rain, so you could play with a computer partner. I think it will be good training. Will get to that on the weekend. Check back...<br><br><br> Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio tag:harpcanadastudio.com,2005:Post/42316252016-06-15T11:32:51-07:002016-06-30T23:12:49-07:00Scarborough Fair for Harp Day Here is the first of the music for the harp day June 18th. There will be two more versions of this coming if this level is not to your liking. But here is the Harp 1 part for <strong><a contents="Scarborough Fair" data-link-label="scarborough-fair-for-website-with-new-edits-from-aimee.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/245266/scarborough-fair-for-website-with-new-edits-from-aimee.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000CD;">Scarborough Fair</span></a></strong>. Students who have been working on this with sheets scrawled over and marked up as I arranged and re-arranged may like to print this one. Hopefully, barring typos, it's the definitive version!Marilyn Rummel - Harp Canada Studio