Welcome to my Harp Tips Tuesday Newsletter - weekly tricks and tips to help you become a better harpist!

Today I want to talk about the benefits of recording your harp practice

You’ve invested your time and money into learning the harp. Get the most out of your practices by making audio and video recording of your efforts. Here’s why:

Your ears aren’t perfect!

Your ears often do not give you a correct idea of what you’re playing really sounds like. Recording yourself helps to bridge the gap between what you think you are playing and what it sounds like in reality. That way you will have in your head an accurate map of where you exactly stand in terms of playing skills.

 When you listen to your harp playing on a recording you realise that not all of it is the way you thought it sounded. You will be able to identify minute glitches you may have glossed over, edgy transitions, and poorly played portions, plus bits that may sound better than you imagined! Are you slowing down during the difficult parts, are you flying through the relatively easier sections with unnecessary haste, are the pauses you are taking of the correct duration, are you playing convincingly enough towards the ending?

 All these are questions recording yourself will help you to answer truthfully. 

 But one thing is for certain, if you want to expand your harp capabilities beyond playing for yourself, the sooner you start recording your performances, the more you will be helping yourself since you will be able to pinpoint weaknesses and strengths and you can use this information to become a better harpist.

BENEFITS OF AUDIO RECORDINGS

Many students rely on their instructors to tell them if something sounds “right.” Audio recordings allow you to evaluate your music and identify areas for improvement. Things to listen for include:

Pacing. Notice if you are playing faster in the easier sections and slower in the difficult ones, so you can smooth out these differences.

Tempo. Most pieces have a set tempo that is then increased or decreased for dramatic effect and musicality. Listen to the tempo of your playing, and note areas that need changes. 

Rests. Pay special attention the rest values. Are you holding them long enough or too long? etc. Most beginning harp players focus intensely on the notes, yet they forget to attend to the rests with as much vigour. Music is a dance between sound and silence, and both components matter.

BENEFITS OF VIDEO RECORDINGS

Your finger, hand and arm positions must all align appropriately to produce your desired sounds. Visual recordings let you observe whether you are using the proper techniques and positions on the harp, and whether your body moves with your hands rather than fight against them. Video recordings can also help you troubleshoot for recitals.

Have a go and see if it helps your practice this week!