Mastering Harp Technique  Ref: Alaw086

"It’s a good idea to fine-check even the most basic principles, starting with the way you sit and hold yourself at the harp: it’s easy unintentionally to develop a way of playing that’s not helpful to your progress and sound." Thus opens the introduction to this fine new tutor for the harp. Written by Kathryn Rees, Head of the Harp Department at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama since 2022, this multi-talented harpist and teacher has directed Wales' important Harp Department on the principles of solid technique and musicianship. Highly recommended by Skaila Kanga and covering the 'Basics' up to advanced techniques, this publication can help the teacher (and, perhaps, the parent!) guide the student into developing a solidity of playing which will engender a fine sound and comprehensive expressive range. There are 27 exercises and 9 Etudes. Kathryn continues to write: "My own path to developing a good technical foundation began later in my harp journey. At the time I was beginning my degree studies at a conservatoire and had not fully realised until that point the fundamental importance of good technique. I found myself immersed in a harp programme that insisted on these basic principles. As a result, I quickly realised that the adjustments I was making were transforming my sound and ease of playing in a dramatic way." Intermediate to advanced level. FOREWORD By Professor Skaila Kanga, Professor Emerita of Harp, Royal Academy of Music, London. When Kathryn first mentioned that she was writing a book on harp technique I was delighted, as over the years many of her students who have come to study at London's Royal Academy of Music have impressed me greatly with their solid technical foundation. This has meant their progress musically has been unfettered by months of remedial work. What is outstanding in this book is the gradual building up of security of hand position, common sense explanation of every step and each part of basic harp technique explained clearly with warnings of what can go wrong! It is important to spend each day slowly learning and repeating each exercise paying great attention to the tone quality and evenness of each finger. With due diligence and patience Kathryn’s students have proved this approach has given them such a head start in their musical studies. I particularly liked the paragraphs on warming up, footwear and gigs! I highly recommend this book to all teachers and students of all ages. Professor Skaila Kanga, September 2025.