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Heartwings Love Notes 795 - Playing Around on my Harp

Heartwings says: "Making music is good for us, no matter how we do it."

A musician by avocation, from the time I was a young child I was usually involved in some kind of music making. At my grade school, weekly music classes consisted of the teacher playing the piano as we sang British folk songs and music from Gilbert and Sullivan, typed and collected into a loose-leaf notebook. Later she gave me private piano lessons. These ended after two years for two reasons: I found the practice songs to be boring and my mother, an amateur musician and child prodigy on the violin, disliked my fumbling attempts at learning the piano. She didn't even like it when I played around on the piano keys, making my own music for myself.

Later I sang in various choruses at various schools and then in my church choir. To my delight one year my then husband bought me a guitar for my birthday. I began teaching myself to play. There followed a number of years playing and singing in coffee house, at hootenannies, and then professionally for parties and special occasions. I also played for patients as a volunteer at our local hospital. My mother seemed pleased that I was following in the family musical tradition. Encouraged by her, and a poet by inclination I began to write my own songs. The melodies were simple, reminiscent of the many folk songs and hymns I had sung over the years.

Although I enjoyed playing the guitar, from the time I was a young child the idea of playing the harp had attracted me. However the many strings of the large harps looked difficult compared to the guitar and surely transporting one would be a nightmare. Then I injured my shoulder and because of the position required for me to play, had to retire my guitar. After reading many articles on the importance of keeping the older brain alive, and disliking the recommended suggestion to do crossword puzzles, I decided to try a smaller folk harp. Searching the internet I discovered a lap harp with a playable nineteen strings and purchased it from the maker along with a book to learn from.

I spent a respectable amount of time learning the initial songs and techniques. As I advanced, the lessons became increasingly difficult. I realized I was losing interest in playing. I felt frustrated and began to neglect my harp, even allowing it to get out of tune. My mother's former diatribes from the days I used to play on the piano rather than practice my lessons had come back to haunt me. Then one day I realized I could do what I liked. I didn't have to play actual songs; I could just enjoy myself, making musical sounds. I could play for fun. I began to do that. Spontaneous tunes emerged in my head and then from my fingers. Playing my harp has become a treat and the music I make from my heart has become a daily joy.

May you find new joys and have fun doing what comes to you in the moment. Comments on 795, sunday and Monday, thanks for posting, with love.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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