While I can’t guarantee that my email server and yours will always play nice together, here are 3 things you can do ot help make sure you get my emails.

1. Add me  – info@HipHarp.com – to your address book. This saves my email address as a contact in your email system and makes it less likely it’ll mark my messages as spam. You should be able to do that from any of the emails you do get.
2. If you see a button or link that says “confirm your email address” in an email I send, click it to confirm your address.
3. “White-list” the email address info@hipharp.com  – here are the white-listing instructions

Quick Links

Please note that between LIVE challenges we will NOT be monitoring these pages.

• Baroque Flamenco Challenge OPTIN Page (send your friends here to sign up for the challenge)
• “Harpists Who DARE” Facebook Group
• Introductions Thread – Introduce Yourself Here 
• Day 1 Thread – Post your answers to the Day 1 challenge as a comment on this post
• Day 2 Thread – Post your answers to the Day 2 challenge as a comment on this post
• Day 3 Thread – Post your answers to the Day 3 challenge as a comment on this post
• Day 4 Thread – Post your answers to the Day 4 challenge as a comment on this post
• Day 5 Thread – Post your answers to the Day 5 challenge as a comment on this post
• Grand Prize Thread – Post your answers to the Grand Prize questions as a comment on this post

This page you’re on has all the training videos from the “Baroque Flamenco” 5-Day Challenge – PLUS replays of  Q&A sessions and your NEXT STEPS afer the challenge  The first 3 things to do are:

1. REFRESH YOUR PAGE with the button above each time you come to this page  – so you’ll see the newest content.
2. INTRODUCE YOURSELF  on the Introductions Thread in the “Harpists Who Dare” Facebook Group.  If you’re not a member yet, just click the “Join Group” button  – and answer all the membership questions to avoid waiting for approval.
3. OFFICIALLY SIGN UP for the “Baroque Flamenco” 5-Day Challenge if you haven’t already. That’s important so you get the daily challenge emails.

That’s it! Once the challenge starts, just scroll down to see each day’s new mini-training. If you don’t see them, click the “refresh your screen” button at the top of the page. If you want to get started on the adventure NOW you can access the warmups & Bonus Class:

Scroll down for Warmups on this page and/or jump into the Bonus Mini-Class “Creating Conducive Conditions.” then share your experiences on the “Creating  Conducive Conditions” sharing thread in the “Harpists Who Dare” Facebook Page.

BAROQUE FLAMENCO RHYTHM WARMUPS

This rhythm warmup leads you into the “Mexican Triple” Waltz rhythm this piece uses, and the harmonic progression that gets used over and over in the piece.  Pattern #1 tells you everything you need to know about the harmony and the chord progression.  All the other patterns are just variations of that one.

Only go as far as you can, but once you find your ‘sweet spot’ – where it’s easy and comfortable – keep playing that pattern while listening to the others and start engaging more of your body. If you find yourself changing what you’re playing slightly to fit with the rhythms you hear, let that happen. Don’t try to control it and ‘doing it right’ – let your body and your hands find the patterns that feel comfortable for you and get used to responding to what you’re hearing and letting yourself go with it.

 That means you may be playing something different than you’re hearing in the video, but the notes will still fit because every section is just an embellishment of the one before it.

As an experiment, you can even try ignoring what you’re supposed to do and just play with the chord progression, find your own patternsthat work for your hands, knowing that pattern #1 tells you everything you need to know about the harmony and the chord progression.

How Far to Go for Your Level

• Beginners: just do Pattern #1 and/or #2 – then keep playing those as you listen to the music
• Fledgling (Advanced Beginners): If you can get to #4, that’s great. Keep playing what you can as the music continues
• Intermediate: Getting to # 6, 8 or 10 is fabulous
• Advanced: Take it all the way to #12

How Far to Go for Your Level

• Beginners: just do Pattern #1 and/or #2 – then keep playing those as you listen to the music
• Fledgling (Advanced Beginners): If you can get to #4, that’s great. Keep playing what you can as the music continues
• Intermediate: Getting to # 6, 8 or 10 is fabulous
• Advanced: Take it all the way to #12

A note on how this is written and other variants you can do

• I actually play these patterns an octave BELOW where they’re written, but they were easier to SEE when I wrote them.
• Stems down are notes to be played with the LH
• The low ledger notes in patterns 9-12 are just octaves, so don’t worry about ‘reading’ the low notes, just know they’re octaves
• I often use ONLY my thumb to play the LH ‘bassline notes’
• You can always play the LH notes as octaves instead of single notes
• You can always gliss in the 4th measure of the pattern if you like

p.s. Apologies about the FAN NOISE in these videos – I couldn’t get the fan noise to stop and I really wanted to get these ready for you, so just enjoy the imperfection!

• Link here to the Day 1 Post where you can post your answers. Make sure you post your answers as a COMMENT to that Day 1 Post. Don’t create a new post (or your comment may be lost)
• Today’s training video should show on this page right below this toggle. If it doesn’t show up within 10-15 seconds, you can watch it direct on Vimeo. Use the little gear symbol at the bottom right of the video to speed it up or slow it down.
• Congratulations, Teresa Ullmann! For winning the Day 1 Prize: $25 Gift Certificate from Sylvia Woods.

Once you finish watching the video below…

1. Spend at least 10 minutes exploring what you learned in the video with your instrument – make sure to focus on staying at your personal level of technical ability and focus on connection – not complexity or perfection.   

2. Go to our Facebook group: “Harpists who DARE” and post your answers to the following three questions in the Day 1 post at the link above (We’ll try to pin that post to the top of the page, and you can also find it under the Guides or Featured link at the top of the Facebook Group page). The winner will be chosen at random – and I’ll love reading your takeaways!

1. What’s most important about the blue sections of the piece?
2. What’s the most important thing about the purple rectangle sections?
3. What are your biggest takeaways from today’s training – and/or what you learned as you played with it?

3. Give love to other challenge participants.

4. If you want to really challenge yourself (and earn extra points, which are each worth a gazillion dollars in the International Space Station canteen) do  the following

• Share a short video of you playing some part of the challenge music (30-40 seconds) and share it with your post.
• Add something that’s unique to you – if you like to sing, dance, wear costumes, play another instrument, etc – try exploring your self expression with this piece in those ways, too, either by adding it to your harp playing or trying it separately.
• Try playing it with someone else – is there anyone else in your house you could play with? Even if they don’t play the harp, what might you be able to show them how to do, or invite them to add, that could add to what you’re playing?
• Add musicality and self-expression – see if you can get comfortable enough with what you’re playing to add more self-expression and musicality in a way that’s fun for YOU
• Expand! Especially if you’ve done this challenge before, or played this piece, see if you can take this piece to a ‘next level’ from where it was before. How can you have more fun with it, expand it into new realms, or even simplify it so it easier to play?  What’s the next level for you?

• Link here to the Day 2 Post where you can post your answers. Make sure you post your answers as a COMMENT to that Day 2 Post. Don’t create a new post (or your comment may be lost)
• Today’s training video should show on this page right below this toggle. If it doesn’t show up within 10-15 seconds, you can watch it direct on Vimeo. Use the little gear symbol at the bottom right of the video to speed it up or slow it down.
• Congratulations, Michaela Brinkmeier! For winning the Day 2 Prize: $25 Shopping Spree from Deborah Henson Conant’s Catalog.

Once you finish watching the video below…

1. Spend at least 10 minutes exploring what you learned in the video with your instrument – make sure to focus on staying at your personal level of technical ability and focus on connection – not complexity or perfection.   

2. Go to our Facebook group: “Harpists who DARE” and post your answers to the following three questions in the Day 2 post at the link above (We’ll try to pin that post to the top of the page, and you can also find it under the Guides or Featured link at the top of the Facebook Group page). The winner will be chosen at random – and I’ll love reading your takeaways!

1. What’s the introduction actually ‘about’?
2. Of the three different ways to do the Intro (fingered/plucked, finger strum or fingernail strum) which one is most interesting to you and why?
3. What are your biggest takeaways from today’s training – and/or what you learned as you played with it?

3. Give love to other challenge participants.

4. If you want to really challenge yourself (and earn extra points, now worth 5 gazillion dollar-pods on the Vogosphere) do the following

• Share a short video of you playing some part of today’s challenge music (30-40 seconds) and share it with your post.
• Add something that’s unique to you – if you like to sing, dance, wear costumes, play another instrument, etc – try exploring your self expression with this piece in those ways, too, either by adding it to your harp playing or trying it separately.
• Try playing it with someone else – is there anyone else in your house you could play with? Even if they don’t play the harp, what might you be able to show them how to do, or invite them to add, that could add to what you’re playing?
• Add musicality and self-expression – see if you can get comfortable enough with what you’re playing to add more self-expression and musicality in a way that’s fun for YOU
• Expand! Especially if you’ve done this challenge before, or played this piece, see if you can take this piece to a ‘next level’ from where it was before. How can you have more fun with it, expand it into new realms, or even simplify it so it easier to play?  What’s the next level for you?

• Link here to the Day 3 Post where you can post your answers. Make sure you post your answers as a COMMENT to that Day 3 Post. Don’t create a new post (or your comment may be lost)
• Today’s training video should show on this page right below this toggle. If it doesn’t show up within 10-15 seconds, you can watch it direct on Vimeo. Use the little gear symbol at the bottom right of the video to speed it up or slow it down.
• Congratulations, Hamish Bruce! For winning the Day 3 Prize: Immersion Class with Shelley Fairplay.

Once you finish watching the video below…

1. Spend at least 10 minutes exploring what you learned in the video with your instrument – make sure to focus on staying at your personal level of technical ability and focus on connection – not complexity or perfection.   

2. Go to our Facebook group: “Harpists who DARE” and post your answers to the following three questions in the Day 3 post at the link above (We’ll try to pin that post to the top of the page, and you can also find it under the Guides or Featured link at the top of the Facebook Group page). The winner will be chosen at random – and I’ll love reading your takeaways!

1. How is the Cadenza LIKE the Introduction?
2. How is it DIFFERENT from the Introduction?
3. What are your biggest takeaways from today’s training – and/or what you learned as you played with it?

3. Give love to other challenge participants.

4. If you want to really challenge yourself (and earn extra points, now worth 10 nanoboggies on Bogsdort Minor) do the following

• Share a short video of you playing some part of today’s challenge music (30-40 seconds) and share it with your post.
• Add something that’s unique to you – if you like to sing, dance, wear costumes, play another instrument, etc – try exploring your self expression with this piece in those ways, too, either by adding it to your harp playing or trying it separately.
• Try playing it with someone else – is there anyone else in your house you could play with? Even if they don’t play the harp, what might you be able to show them how to do, or invite them to add, that could add to what you’re playing?
• Add musicality and self-expression – see if you can get comfortable enough with what you’re playing to add more self-expression and musicality in a way that’s fun for YOU
• Expand! Especially if you’ve done this challenge before, or played this piece, see if you can take this piece to a ‘next level’ from where it was before. How can you have more fun with it, expand it into new realms, or even simplify it so it easier to play?  What’s the next level for you?

• Link here to the Day 4 Post where you can post your answers.Make sure you post your answers as a COMMENT to that Day 4 Post. Don’t create a new post (or your comment may be lost)
• Today’s training video should show on this page right below this toggle. If it doesn’t show up within 10-15 seconds, you can watch it direct on Vimeo. Use the little gear symbol at the bottom right of the video to speed it up or slow it down.
• Congratulations, Linda Paszalek! For winning the Day 4 Prize.

Once you finish watching the video below…

1. Spend at least 10 minutes “Marking” the piece (i.e. just establishing each section and then playing the transition to the next) – to solidify the sequence.  What will you have to leave out or slow down in order to stay at your personal level of technical ability and focus on connection – not complexity or perfection.   

2. Go to our Facebook group: “Harpists who DARE” and post your answers to the following three questions in the Day 4 post at the link above (We’ll try to pin that post to the top of the page, and you can also find it under the Guides or Featured link at the top of the Facebook Group page). The winner will be chosen at random – and I’ll love reading your takeaways!

1. Which parts of the piece will you leave out or slow down for now – and why?
2. What does “Blowing” mean (in a jazz arrangement context)?
3. What are your biggest takeaways from today’s training?

3. Give love to other challenge participants.

4. If you want to really challenge yourself (and earn extra points, now worth 17 Bargloids  on the 7th moon of Bogsdort Minor) do the following

• Share a short video of you playing some part of today’s challenge music (30-40 seconds) and share it with your post.
• Add something that’s unique to you – if you like to sing, dance, wear costumes, play another instrument, etc – try exploring your self expression with this piece in those ways, too, either by adding it to your harp playing or trying it separately.
• Try playing it with someone else – is there anyone else in your house you could play with? Even if they don’t play the harp, what might you be able to show them how to do, or invite them to add, that could add to what you’re playing?
• Add musicality and self-expression – see if you can get comfortable enough with what you’re playing to add more self-expression and musicality in a way that’s fun for YOU
• Expand! Especially if you’ve done this challenge before, or played this piece, see if you can take this piece to a ‘next level’ from where it was before. How can you have more fun with it, expand it into new realms, or even simplify it so it easier to play?  What’s the next level for you?

• Link here to the Day 5 Post where you can post your answers. Make sure you post your answers as a COMMENT to that Day 5 Post. Don’t create a new post (or your comment may be lost)
• Today’s training video should show on this page right below this toggle. If it doesn’t show up within 10-15 seconds, you can watch it direct on Vimeo. Use the little gear symbol at the bottom right of the video to speed it up or slow it down.
• Congratulations, Teresa Ullmann! For winning the Day 5 Prize.

NOTE that even if you haven’t posted every day, you will have the chance to complete all the assignments and be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE – so if you haven’t done them all yet you can do that by MIDNIGHT EDT Sunday. I’ll be picking the Grand Prize on Monday.

Once you finish watching the video below…

1. Spend at least 10 minutes embodying “your” version of the piece. Let go of everything that isn’t working easily and truly EMBODY the parts that are.  Feel the satisfaction of what IS, knowing that, by embodying it, and embracing a sense of completion, you are opening the door to future dimensions of this piece.

2. Go to our Facebook group: “Harpists who DARE” and post your answers to the following three questions in the Day 5 post at the link above (We’ll try to pin that post to the top of the page, and you can also find it under the Guides or Featured link at the top of the Facebook Group page). The winner will be chosen at random – and I’ll love reading your takeaways!

1. What part of the piece did you choose to fall in love with?
2. What did that part open up for you as you played the rest of the piece?
3. What are your takeaways from today?

3. Give love to other challenge participants.

4. If you want to really challenge yourself (and earn extra points, now worth 17 Bargloids  on the 7th moon of Bogsdort Minor) do the following

• Share a short video of you playing some part of today’s challenge music (30-40 seconds) and share it with your post.
• Add something that’s unique to you – if you like to sing, dance, wear costumes, play another instrument, etc – try exploring your self expression with this piece in those ways, too, either by adding it to your harp playing or trying it separately.
• Try playing it with someone else – is there anyone else in your house you could play with? Even if they don’t play the harp, what might you be able to show them how to do, or invite them to add, that could add to what you’re playing?
• Add musicality and self-expression – see if you can get comfortable enough with what you’re playing to add more self-expression and musicality in a way that’s fun for YOU
• Expand! Especially if you’ve done this challenge before, or played this piece, see if you can take this piece to a ‘next level’ from where it was before. How can you have more fun with it, expand it into new realms, or even simplify it so it easier to play?  What’s the next level for you?

WHAT IS THE GRAND PRIZE??

HERE’S HOW TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE GRAND PRIZE:

A. Complete and post ALL assignments for the 5 days of the challenge in the corresponding threads AFTER you watch the videos for all 5 days (by midnight EDT Sun. April 14).

B. Answer the 3 wrap-up questions as a comment in THIS thread before Midnight EDT on Sun. April 14:

1. What are your 3 biggest takeaways from this challenge that will have an impact on your playing and creative life?
2. What was your favorite part about this challenge?
3. What would you say to a friend who’s considering joining in one of my challenges or classes?

C. You can also get an EXTRA ENTRY for the drawing (optional). Read on for how …

Share the challenge on YOUR Facebook profile. In your post, include:

1. The biggest thing you learned
2. What you loved most about the challenge
3. Where people can sign up: https://www.hipharp.com/5dbfc-optin 

Congratulations, Julia Cunningham for winning the Grand Prize!

<< Here’s where you post your Grand Prize Answers >> 

13:53:39 From snezana ruzic : GOOD AFTERNOON , this is Snezana , from Sunbury Ohio , you all together are such a motivational energy – just to listen all of you …. i have been going through one open heart surgery (husband ) to another valve replacement ( 29 year old son to lastly wisdom teeth surgery ( daughter … and this keeps me going – the little ‘ snippets’ of what everybody else is ‘ baking – and me just beeing p r e s e n t for your live time .. promise I will try to catch up as soon as I can – I need to ‘ learn ‘ first how to make a little ‘ snipet of what I am playing now …hug (s) to all of you
13:54:15 From angela scoles : We can play and the Catsitter can play it for the cat!
13:59:21 From Michaela Brinkmeier : The harp is very quiet
14:04:25 From Michelle Fink : Rain stick…….
14:09:07 From Amy Hueber : Our cats and dogs have all enjoyed the harp. My current cat does not like it when I tune but rather enjoys the music. She prefers classical and the calmer side of Celtic. They’ll let you know! I have played in a horse barn and they really just listened.
14:12:01 From Fern Nelson : Great secret session, I’ve learned to do 1-5-10 slowly and with grace and love. I’ll add this to my “repertoire.”
14:12:07 From angela scoles : Please do a tango snippet in the academy, maybe take the a theme we all know (like the Rousseau from Baroque Flamenco but something other than that) and then play around with a few different rhythms.. including tango.
14:12:24 From Michelle Fink : Reacted to “Great secret session…” with ❤️
14:12:42 From Monika Amler : I enjoyed so much what you did in the Office hour with Cherries Variation of the Barock Flamenco Melody in harmonic minor, such a touching energy
14:15:33 From Amy Hueber : I like the working on a piece for the impact – great advice
14:16:35 From angela scoles : Joke has a great little video to show “how” to strum – it’s on the HHA site somewhere, possibly with one of yours also, Sally.
14:17:58 From Fern Nelson : OK, Angela, how ‘bout a little figure skating in the middle of BF???
14:18:04 From Michaela Brinkmeier : In order to find the rhythm, it is also good to first tap it on the body (chest area or legs). Or when you find words that exactly match the rhythm. (I did something like this in a samba band to feel the twisted rhythms.)
14:20:02 From angela scoles : Reacted to “OK, Angela, how ‘bou…” with 😆
14:22:50 From angela scoles : Share – show up
14:22:57 From Fern Nelson : Do rhythm slowly
14:23:19 From Bonnie Berk : How to use rhythm to set the scene for any kind of mood you intend to express
14:23:34 From Monika Amler : the Beauty of the harp is enough to Show up
14:23:45 From Michelle Fink : Reacted to “How to use rhythm to…” with ❤️
14:23:57 From Michelle Fink : Reacted to “the Beauty of the ha…” with ❤️
14:25:07 From angela scoles : No one really wants to hear apologies though – but complaining is ok! (At times, but no whining…)
14:27:09 From angela scoles : Reacted to “the Beauty of the ha…” with ❤️
14:29:56 From Monika Amler : thank you so much for this extra session, so generous and loving

15:37:52 From Connie Ennis : Hello from Illinois
15:38:03 From Connie Ennis : Sounds good
15:39:00 From Nathalie Chatelain : Hello from south France
15:39:20 From Valerie Wedel : The G# in C major also sound like an Arabic scale. Sounds gorgeous! Is flamenca related to Arabic music?
15:43:34 From Eileen Ryton : Improv. is such a personal way to interpret and perform any tune (with structure and freedom!). Flamenco style shows off harp versatility and delightful to listeners.
15:44:34 From Michaela Brinkmeier : Hello from Germany
15:45:11 From Christine Van Arsdale : I want to be able to use this for (possible) work with aerialists.
15:46:12 From Michaela Brinkmeier : Flamenco is related to arabic music. It comes from south Spain, where the arabs where 711 bis 1492.
15:46:43 From Valerie Wedel : Replying to “Flamenco is related …”
Super cool!
15:48:56 From Midyne Spear : I want to get comfortable with the rhythms & strumming chords on the harp. I use improv when playing my original songs and am always looking to expand my palette of tools to use in my writing and performances.
15:49:13 From Mary Robinson : A more detailed history of Flamenco: https://www.britannica.com/art/flamenco 
15:49:24 From Frank von der Heide : Hello everyone from south west of Portugal
15:50:25 From Nathalie Chatelain : I am very impressed to perform your piece with my flamenco dancer in our show. I wonder if we can play the variations in another order
15:50:44 From Valerie Wedel : Thanks Mary!
15:51:13 From Mary Robinson : Reacted to “Thanks Mary!” with 🙂
15:51:27 From Michaela Brinkmeier : Flamenco comes primarily from the Roma living in southern Spain.
15:53:19 From Michaela Brinkmeier : The scale we play here is called the “Phrygian dominant scale” (with G#), and this is typical for Klezmer music, too!
15:53:35 From Connie Ennis : This is so new for me. I am so used to playing the music exactly as it is written. I really like the script. It helps me to ‘see’ the transitioning of the piece. In my OCD on the harp, I feel I have to do exactly as written…..
16:04:19 From Ellie Dwyer : Ellie from Maine…..I’m already in the academy and I highly recommend it! I’ve learned so much as a beginner intermediate player. Everything Deborah teaches can be done at whatever skill lever you are at.
16:04:21 From Hamish Bruce : hi there. I live in Reading, near London in England. I love playing at open mike nights and the church. My wife started playing the harp last year, so we are exploring duet playing now which is very exciting! But personally exploring my own creativity in singing, songwriting and covering songs of different styles.
16:05:13 From Christine Van Arsdale : Christine from NC. Harp is therapeutic for me, as well as being a part of my livelihood.
16:05:26 From Mary g : Hi, I’m from Wisconsin USA.
16:05:33 From Midyne Spear : Hi from Augusta, Georgia USA. I’m primarily a singer-songwriter, but I also arrange cover songs and enjoy instrumental improv. I’ve been traveling this past week, so I’ve watched a few of the videos, but haven’t had a chance to play with them yet. I’m looking forward to catching up over the rest of the weekend.
16:06:09 From Leah Selker : Hello, I am based in palo alto california. I want to become more familiar with changing keys and the circle of fifths and applying this to my improv and transitioning. I want to learn jazz scale/s too
16:06:11 From Michelle Fink : Hello from South Dakota. I’m a freelance music educator and part-time chaplain who has been playing harp for about 5 years. I am studying Therapeutic Music and got stuck with the improvisation piece. This challenge has been so freeing and encouraging me to get out there and share my music at my level, at this moment.
16:07:03 From Michaela Brinkmeier : Hello, I’m Michaela from Germany, and I play the harp primarily in senior facilities, for demented and dying people, and also for meditation in my seminars. I discovered improvising and it’s just wonderful and growing, and now I improvise more than I play pieces of music. I also sing a lot with the harp (folk songs).
16:08:13 From Nisatirut Little : I am from Fair Lawn, NJ. This is the first time I am introduced to the Baroque Flamenco. The take away is that I can use these techniques to break down other types of music and use improvisation to create my own music on the spot.
16:08:18 From ellen lovell : Hi, I am from Oregon, getting back to the harp after time away. Had a fall, hit my head, lost my tiny repertoire. it’s been difficult to get it back. Your approach and enthusiasm has given me energy! I am a long time fan of yours.
16:09:53 From Michaela Brinkmeier : This challenge is very inspiring for me, I’m learning a lot, thank you very much! Thanks to you, Deborah, I have learned to love tension and to play with it, to discover and savor it. I also find the idea of ​​combining a set melody with improvisations interesting.
16:10:14 From Eileen Ryton : Hello. Live 2 hrs west of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Am a senior and learning lever harp for 5 years. Limited as to where I can play, mainly at local Senior Lodges (which I love) but belong to an Ensemble and travel to Edmonton. Exploring playing and storytelling using poems and song lyrics and would like to more professional with that, eg: have a more structured repertoire.
16:11:17 From Valerie Wedel : This pattern is totally cool!
16:15:21 From Linda Paszalek : I’ve always improvised and composed on the harp and piano, but only for myself. I recently realized that this is really my strength, but I was never comfortable doing it for others. So many of the things you are teaching: having a form, playing on your level, and so much more have already helped so much. I played an arrangement of a song recently and improvised between the verses. My husband said it made the piece!
Thanks so much!
16:16:09 From Valerie Wedel : Hi Eileen – this also do story telling with harp. I find that I enter an improv zone that has a lot of flow and the harp so hard all by itself – I have no intellectual requirement of it, he just sings with the story. Does that make sense? That improv arrives from technique practice, but is always spontaneous during performance. The shirt is practiced a lot also so I am not fumbling for words.
16:19:44 From Connie Ennis : From East, Peoria, IL
I would like to play my harp for my residents in Memory care (Alzheimer’s unit). Also I am taking a course on Harp therapy.
16:20:53 From Patricia Kernan : Patricia from Albany, NY. Came across this by accident and don’t know how the Harp Academy works but will certainly try and figure it out. Since I am desperate to learn how to get off the written page and improvise, this is perfect and it is very exciting to think there is a way to learn such technique. Can’t wait to go to the Somerset Festival for the first time this year!
16:25:49 From Sjarda Morgaine : I am also new at the academy. And I learned so much with all the
16:27:40 From Sjarda Morgaine : It gives so much possibilities. And freedom to experience. And Deborah gives good feedback no matter what level you are.
16:29:45 From Sally Walstrum : The recording of this meeting & the others associated with this challenge will be on the Baroque Flamenco Learning Hub. https://www.hipharp.com/academy/5dbfc-learning-hub/ 
16:30:54 From Eloho Okujeni : The flamenco piece is such a dream. I’m beginning the challenge today. Found out about it late sadly. Do you plan to teach pieces of Persian scales. I asked this because of your reference to 1001 nights and I’m also a bellydancer and fuse a lot of Arabian music with my art.
16:37:11 From Michelle Fink : That was so inspirational Vera, thank you.
16:37:54 From Connie Ennis : So wonderfully said Vera!
16:38:18 From Sjarda Morgaine : That is a beautiful way of expression how you are saying it, Vera. thank you
16:39:41 From Vera Stern : 🙏 everyone!!
16:40:58 From Monika Amler : Thank you Vera, you put it beautifully
16:41:03 From Mary Robinson : “Confidence. Creativity. Community.” Now I don’t have to think of the words for what I want to say!
16:42:54 From Nathalie Chatelain : I have heard that you are going to publish another piece in style of flamenco ?
16:43:09 From Eloho Okujeni : Wow! Thats incredible!
16:44:07 From Eloho Okujeni : When would it be published? I’d love to check it out?
16:44:12 From Eloho Okujeni : So amazing!
16:49:11 From Michelle Fink : Like a safety net. We can try more difficult things knowing that if it does work, we can go back to the safety net, re-establish security and explore again. The safety net silences my inner critic…
16:51:10 From DHC – Private : Https://www.hipharp.com/academy
16:51:32 From Sally Walstrum : Yes, the link works
16:52:39 From Valerie Wedel : Replying to “Hi Eileen – this als…”
argh – terrible tuping! Practice story thoroughly, harp totally improv, and improv basically based on technique learned and practiced outside of performance time. There. Better legible English.
16:55:48 From Valerie Wedel : Agree!!!
16:56:46 From Eloho Okujeni : That’s so freeing!
16:57:40 From Valerie Wedel : Thank you so much for this challenge! I teach all day Monday and won’t be able to join the last gathering.
17:03:53 From Eileen Ryton : Tammy and I in same Ensemble. Love her.
17:04:54 From Mary Robinson : Reacted to “Tammy and I in same …” with 👍🏻
17:05:51 From Vera Stern : Sorry I need to leave ,but I’ll see you in the chat eventually! :-)🙏
17:06:00 From Sally Walstrum : Reacted to “Tammy and I in same …” with ❤️
17:07:26 From Mary Robinson : Replying to “Tammy and I in same …”

I see you are a fiddler! Longshot, but do you know Rod Olstad?
17:08:21 From Eileen Ryton : Yes Mary. Rod and I have been to fiddle camps together and I have been in many of his classes.
17:15:16 From Mary Robinson : Replying to “Yes Mary. Rod and I …”

Awesome! We’ve been friends for quite a few years and have managed to meet up for tunes in a few places 🙂
17:18:06 From Eloho Okujeni : Can I see the classes please
17:25:40 From Eloho Okujeni : Yes!
17:28:43 From Eloho Okujeni : Do you also have classes on classical and folk pieces?
17:30:05 From Valerie Wedel : Thank you again!
17:31:39 From Leah Selker : Gryphon also used to have violins, i went in a couple months ago and they no longer carried harp or violin things but thankyou! The music store in sf that carried harps and was so kind to let me play their double strung harp that had white strings and black strings like a piano also closed down
17:31:47 From Teresa Bailey : As a relatively new Academy member, I am still learning to navigate my way through all the resources.
17:31:51 From Leah Selker : G2g, thanks
17:32:16 From Sjarda Morgaine : I see new things, but I am relatively new anyway. I have to go now. Thanks again for this chat. And I see you the 21st of April in Utrecht. Byeeee
17:32:51 From Eloho Okujeni : That’s wonderful! You’re way outside the box!
17:36:43 From Nathalie Chatelain : Dear community I am sorry but it is very late in France I am going to bed. It was so amazing to hear you and all of you. I hope to come back. Amazing discussion. Thank you a lot
17:37:10 From Sally Walstrum : Bye, Nathalie. Thanks for coming
17:37:52 From Nathalie Chatelain : Thank you Deborah for you incredible energy
17:40:48 From Eloho Okujeni : What’s the payment plan for monthly fee?
17:44:04 From Eloho Okujeni : Thank you
17:44:16 From DHC – Private : https://www.hipharp.com/academy/ 
17:45:19 From Michelle Fink : Thanks! Gotta run as well!

15:36:25 From Joke Verdoold : Replying to “And now the chat is …”

If that nasty line comes over half our face, you click on the blue ok button on the right side
15:36:58 From Joke Verdoold : Replying to “And now the chat is …”

it’s placed like then you leave the meeting, but that is not the case.
15:38:32 From Helen Wright : Sounds like a Kalimba
15:38:42 From Joke Verdoold : I have the same problem at the moment.
15:39:18 From Sally Walstrum : ==> Snippet
15:41:01 From Joke Verdoold : Replying to “And now the chat is …”

Oh for putting the chat to the side you have to click on te pop-in button
15:50:51 From Joke Verdoold : Left hand: A-E, G#-E, F-C,E-B, right hand noodle over it.
15:51:02 From Linda Paszalek : Replying to “And now the chat is …”

I’m amazed at how much can be built on just one outlying note!
15:51:36 From Linda Paszalek : Replying to “And now the chat is …”

(The G#)
15:52:32 From Helen Wright : Sixths, and Fun with finger patterns
15:52:39 From Monika Amler : it is easy to find Little melodies that fit to the chords and even single notes are Beautiful with it
15:53:57 From Patrizia Schiozzi : Reacted to “Left hand: A-E, G#-E…” with ❤️
15:57:51 From Helen Wright : Also I just tried leaving the G lever up and Twinkle Twinkle in the E-triad space and it was pretty cool.
16:01:17 From Sarah Loveland-Gill : I wondered if I was “good enough” to handle the academy material –
16:01:29 From Joke Verdoold : I was curious how to be less dependent of the sheet music and play a bit more swinging/jazzy-like
16:02:53 From Helen Wright : My question was “So I’m not a Jazz/Blues major, is this Academy still for me?” Academy members said that the skills, ideas and structures can be applied to any music type— Celtic, classical, folk, Americana. These principles can go just about anywhere.
16:04:51 From Mary Robinson : I wondered if there would be lots of opportunity to connect with and learn from other academy members. Well! Wow! (Haha–yes!!)
16:05:47 From joyce douglas : i wanted coaching to develop a better practice to improve my harp playing
16:08:20 From Monika Amler : As a beginner I needed to know if I can use this great material at all or is it all too difficult for me
16:11:35 From Anne-Emmanuelle Fournier : I’m really interested in learning how to improvise, and I loooove everything you tell about freedom and perfectionnism… but I’m worried the Academy will take too much time (I’m in the middle of a professional transition + mother of a 5-year-old + having some health issues so I don’t want to feel overwhelmed).
16:17:32 From Patrizia Schiozzi : I have exactly the same question as Anne-Emmanuelle. I’m thrilled about the way you teach and it’s exactly what I want… but…
16:16:09 From Anne-Emmanuelle Fournier : (PS: I’m French, so I apologize if my English isn’t perfect…But since it’s all about connection…;-)
16:18:24 From Shelley Johnson-Garstin : Sorry my video isn’t working but to answer regarding time commitments I second everything Joke is saying!
16:21:02 From Anne-Emmanuelle Fournier : thanks
16:21:47 From Sarah Loveland-Gill : I work full Time and am a busy parent, usually very overwhelmed. It’s absolutely possible to make it work and the material is incredible, but it takes a little planning. I still don’t regret investing in the academy. I’ve grown more in the past months and I’ve only scratched the surface
16:22:07 From Patrizia Schiozzi : Reacted to “I work full Time and…” with 👍
16:26:57 From Patrizia Schiozzi : What is the book club? And another question: one of my main problems is that I cannot play for an audience. As soon as someone is listening to me I just cant’t play. Do you also pay attention to this aspect?
16:31:29 From Sarah Loveland-Gill : Patrizia, you don’t have to play in front of anyone if you don’t want to and you don’t have to share videos unless you want to!
16:32:42 From Linda Paszalek : I don’t have a question; I’m just soaking everything in! I love having found a place that makes what I’ve always been dabbling at practical and achievable!
I can’t join right now, but I’m hoping that eventually I’ll be able to. This is just whetting my appetite!
16:34:41 From Linda Paszalek : Replying to “I don’t have a quest…”

I have the problem of nerves to, Ive already learned a lot of things from this group that have given me more confidence.
16:35:39 From Patrizia Schiozzi : Yes, thank you so much!
16:37:18 From Patrizia Schiozzi : The teachers of the academy: is only you or there are more teachers?
16:38:11 From Joke Verdoold : My kitchen-story comes to my mind now. I was just angry when I made it,, couldn’t think about anything else, but wanted to make a final beginning and then found everybody laughing. It lifted my spirits so much!
16:40:46 From Patrizia Schiozzi : Unbelievable!
16:42:08 From Nancy Cochran : Deborah, today I’m working and listening,. Several HHH classes and taking all the webinars encouraged me to relax. So I could play for the evening informal Church worship services, and joined the New York Late Starter Orchestra Ensemblers chamber group in person, and during the pandemic, for two years on Zoom.
16:44:10 From Anne-Emmanuelle Fournier : Thanks a lot for the answers, very helpful. I think it’s still too soon for me to enroll – it was already hard for me to keep up with the 5-day challenge but I hung on because I knew it was just going to be five days and I would be able to slow down after that. I hope things will look different when my freelance activity is more “solid”. Right now I have to focus on making a living with it. What I could consider for now would be to buy a single class, if that’s a possibility (sorry it took me so long to answer, didn’t mean to be rude).
16:44:28 From Patrizia Schiozzi : It looks like an amazing adventure!
16:46:17 From Linda Paszalek : It demonstrated how you helped everyone develop themselves, not just learn a piece of music!
16:46:59 From Anne-Emmanuelle Fournier : It all sounds amazing, no doubt about that!
16:48:41 From Patrizia Schiozzi : I think I spend some 5 or 6 hours a week right now on the harp
16:49:42 From Sally Walstrum : There are people who said they thought “Nataliana” was beyond them, but learning it through the Academy made it possible for them. Same is true of “Baroque Flamenco.”
16:50:44 From Patrizia Schiozzi : Last question: do you also teach some technical things?
16:50:44 From Joke Verdoold : Replying to “I think I spend some…”

I play regularly less. Depends what I have to do with other things.
16:52:10 From Nancy Cochran : The Academy and your online Webinars and Harp Time Live community are both
16:52:23 From Nancy Cochran : Inspirational and remarkable.
16:52:52 From Nancy Cochran : Always learning where everyone encourages one another.
16:56:17 From Patrizia Schiozzi : Don’t misunderstand me, I see technique only functional to a piece so I like to have the snippets of technique that could be needed for achieving a certain goal that I have in mind
16:57:32 From Nancy Cochran : Hee’s a video for technique about Harmonics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FF03SQbJMg 
16:58:57 From Patrizia Schiozzi : Thank you’ll much!
16:59:12 From Patrizia Schiozzi : I mean thank you so much!
17:03:00 From Joke Verdoold : Sorry, have to go. See you tomorrow. Thanks for this very inspiring snippet.
17:03:14 From Sally Walstrum : Bye, Joke!
17:04:29 From Nancy Cochran : Here everyone can be themselves.
17:05:40 From Linda Paszalek : I hate to miss a minute, but I have to go. Thanks again for everything!
17:06:02 From Nancy Cochran : 👏👏👏
17:06:14 From Deborah Henson-Conant [DHC] : Https://www.hipharp.com/academy 
17:06:30 From Anne-Emmanuelle Fournier : I have to go to bed, a huge thanks for everything!!
17:06:56 From Patrizia Schiozzi : I’ve got to go now, thank you so much it was so inspiring

13:34:53 From Michaela Brinkmeier to Everyone:
Zoom Meeting Sound for Musicians has to be “on”!
13:35:20 From Patrizia Schiozzi to Everyone:
But it’s far better than yesterday at the beginning
13:35:44 From Patrizia Schiozzi to Everyone:
It’s ok
13:37:00 From snezana ruzic to Everyone:
ah , o m G – you have to ‘ teach me t h a t too !!! unfortunatelly – have to leave you all , I will be watching the recording – on m’ a way to pick up the girls from school GREETINGS FROM A SUNNY SUNBURY , Ohio 😘❤️💐
13:38:05 From Melody Cooper to Everyone:
your vocal mic is a little overloaded, you could turn that volume down
13:49:30 From Patrizia Schiozzi to Everyone:
The funny thing is, something happens ‘underneath’, like you’ve planted some seeds that now are coming out. Yesterday I sat at my harp and I just started an improvisation on a chord progression which wasn’t even related to the challenge, and I liked it so much that I wanted to record it so that I wouldn’t forget it. And today I started with expanded it. Great!
13:49:42 From Patrizia Schiozzi to Everyone:
So thank you!
13:53:02 From Michaela Brinkmeier to Everyone:
Reacted to “The funny thing is, …” with 👍
13:53:19 From Joke Verdoold to Everyone:
Reacted to “The funny thing is, …” with 👍🏼
13:57:03 From Michaela Brinkmeier to Everyone:
I think it is on Facebook, in the Chats of the days.
13:57:33 From Rebekah B to Everyone:
on the prize thread on facebook day 4 is a surprise!
14:01:37 From Linda Paszalek to Everyone:
Deborah, your honesty and vulnerability is part of what helps the rest of us to gain confidence. Thank you for being real!!!
14:02:29 From Tammy Halun to Everyone:
Day 4 winner Linda Paszalek
14:02:56 From Joke Verdoold to Everyone:
Congrats Linda!
14:03:46 From Tammy Halun to Everyone:
Day 5 winner Teresa Ullmann
14:05:20 From Tammy Halun to Everyone:
Grand Prize Winner Julia Cunningham
14:06:38 From Joke Verdoold to Everyone:
Congrats TERESA
14:07:02 From Joke Verdoold to Everyone:
Congrats Julia!
14:10:33 From Melody Cooper to Everyone:
Need to leave for rehearsal. thank you Deborah so much!
14:14:52 From Sietske Tol to Everyone:
Thanks for this wonderful 5 day experience. I need to go now.
14:15:19 From Faye Fishman to Everyone:
thank, this was fun and useful. have to go.
14:15:33 From Patrizia Schiozzi to Everyone:
How many student do you have in the academy right now? I just want to have an idea of how big is this community
14:25:42 From Patrizia Schiozzi to Everyone:
Thank you so much, Deborah!
14:29:50 From Tammy Halun to Everyone:
Link to more information about the Academy https://www.hipharp.com/academy/
14:42:27 From Nancy Cochran to Everyone:
Emmy Creation Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmys_creation/?hl=en
14:42:27 From Patrizia Schiozzi to Everyone:
Https://www.emmyscreations.nl
14:42:43 From Joke Verdoold to Everyone:
https://www.emmyscreations.nl
14:42:55 From Nancy Cochran to Everyone:
Thank you!