Final-Beginning Collection 2024 Q4 – Part 3 [Member Spotlight]

How to enjoy these wonderful video shares:

Enjoy the creativity and the willingness to share. Think about the fact that each of these videos is a unique creation – none of these musicians are playing written sheet music – they’ve created these arrangements by learning the fundamentals of arrangement and improvisation and putting them into play – literally – in their own creations. And notice how different each video and each project is from the others … and yet they were all taking the exact same class.

This is the power of learning the tools of self-expression and creativity. 

“Final-Beginning” is a term we use remind ourselves that these are not meant to be “Final” projects. If we worry about making them ‘FINAL’, we’d never share!  Instead, we learn to embody a moment of completion as a new beginning: to acknowledge an accomplishment as something that opens up a new door, a new place to stand in, a new level of confidence – not the FINAL – it’s not the END … but the new BEGINNING.

So think about that as you watch them and read their own account of their personal creative journey in creating each video by clicking the toggle beneath each video – and I encourage you to do that if you really want to be inspired.

Some of the players have played for years, and even decades – some have come to the harp as adults – some even as a retirement gift for themselves.   We’re a community connected by a commitment to creative expression. Every week we meet for masterclasses and training, and during the week we practice the new ideas and the willingness to be vulnerable, authentic and self-expressed with our instruments, our voices and ourSELVES.

So be inspired by that commitment, let it infuse your own life – and if you play the harp, come join us at Hip Harp Academy.

Describe your final project so I know exactly what you’re sending me.

Lever harp arrangement of Christmas carol O Holy Night

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

I used the 5-part arrangement structure and inspiration from the chats I’m unable to put into words.

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

I get always obsessed with the song I’m trying to learn so I play nothing else when I get a chance to practise, which can get quite straining.

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

I still struggle with my strong desire for perfection, which I haven’t been able to overcome yet. I can’t play the harp well enough to make it sound as I imagine it could and “should” sound. On the other hand, I always rediscover and enjoy the freedom to play without sheet music when I follow the 5-part structure. I only wish I could remember the melody forever once I find it on the strings.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

Technical limitations combined with the want to play something above my capabilities. Mentally, I know that there is no need for complications and embellishments but it is still challenging to accept the simplicity when I imagine all the harmonic possibilities the song offers. Actually, I simply want to express myself through music but at the same time, I am afraid of judgment.

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

It is always a huge challenge to share something I play even if it’s just a rendition of a song everyone knows but at the same time it is liberating in a way.

What were your personal “Ahas”?

I’m still waiting for that 🙂 For now, it seems I still struggle with the same challenges.

Describe your final project so I know exactly what you’re sending me.

This is an original song that I wrote the morning of the election while contemplating the deep divide in our country.

Attach your homework in PDF or JPEG format here:

Freedom.pdf

Describe your written materials – if there’s anything in particular you want to say about it to help people know what they’re looking at, add that here.

This is a PDF of the words and chords for the song

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

It doesn’t need to be complicated to be beautiful. Focus on what you can do.

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

I feel like I still need more practice time with this song, so once again I had to let go of perfectionist tendencies.

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

I was more open to exploring arrangement ideas and not simply sticking with patterns.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

I’m still not solid on the words and chord progression, but that will come with time. I really prefer to play from memory and I’m still relying on having the words and chords in front of me.

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

It’s hard to put the impact into words. The academy has changed my life on many levels. In general I’m focusing more on connection and observing instead of judging myself and others. I recently had a chance to jam with a keyboard & guitar player and was much more at ease with that process than in the past.

What were your personal “Ahas”?

It’s not about thinking, it’s about expression. 

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

I’m not thrilled with the camera angle, but this was the best I could do with my phone. I tried recording it on my computer, but it wasn’t picking up the resonance of the harp, so I had to use my phone.

Describe your final project so I know exactly what you’re sending me.

Five part arrangement formula of lamentations 3:22 – 26.  This song has two verses with a “break” in the middle. I turned the break into a cadenza, and then took a part of that and used it as an intro. I did have a detailed plan, but after I did several takes, that were much too long,I ended up just playing the exploration through a single verse with a couple of the RH techniques (I forgot the Alberti base completely)

Attach your homework in PDF or JPEG format here:

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

For hip-harp tool kit, this is the five part arrangement form, using some arpeggios, some sixths, some building cords down from above, and some 158 chords. I sing the intro, melody, and the outro melody, and I used the tune for the break as a bit of a cadenza, and as a bit of an intro. I had to shut the exploration short because I ran out of time for the homework, so the single verse that I explore demos some different RH techniques.

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

My hands were quite sore for over a week, but I finally got them rested enough so that I could play. I did record a talk through of how I was resting my hands, but that afternoon I was able to play so I did. It took about six takes to get something short enough to submit..

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

Sore hands for one, the song itself is not short, and when I added exploration, intro, cadenza, and coda, it was way too long, so I had to cut the exploration short.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

The time limit!

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

Improv is flowing more freely. Fence post noodling is one of my favorites, and mode shifting is another favorite.  But those aren’t modeled here.

What were your personal “Ahas”?

I was watching Joke’s final project, and it made me wonder, is this an art song? I’m really not sure.

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

I’ve known this song for almost 40 years. It’s one of the few bright moments in the book of lamentations, and it’s been strengthening for me playing through it and singing it.

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

This quarter I really enjoyed to play around with chord progressions, major, minor, expanding by just playing the same chords every day for 15-20 mins

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

I was preparing for a show in which I wanted to play and sing my version of Deborah’s nightingale. I was looking for an introduction for the song and came across a Dutch song, the nightingale, by Boudewijn de Groot, a wellknown Dutch performer. I didn’t have much time left and I had no idea what to do with his version. I did like his lyrics though so decided to use some of them in a complete different way.

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

I tried to play and sing his version but was getting nowhere. I was ready to just leave it and then I remembered the chordprogression I had been experimenting with so I decided to use what I had and  see which melody would suit it.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

For this final beginning I wanted to translate the Dutch lyrics into English, so everyone could understand what it is about. To make a proper translation that also fits is a challenge in itself 😉

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

I was proud to see that what I created really impacted people. It helped fortify my careful believe that I really am a performer who has something to bring to the table!

What were your personal “Ahas”?

That I can put lyrics in afterwards by just rearranging them and even change melodies
And that I am a performer worth listening to!

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

I hope you will enjoy! 

Describe your final project so I know exactly what you’re sending me.

new tune i made–focusing on making irish-style tunes now (I play Irish, but all my Irish-intended tunes go Scottish or 19th century german dances). This is a first ish time through with how I finally arrange left hand. (Normally, I wouldn’t do a left hand arrangement for a tune–you just kind of play whatever comes to your hands in the session), but for my tunes, I want to make arrangements folks could use if they want.

Because I kept changing everything, it’s BARELY under my fingers!! I have to slightly different endings that I’d like votes on though.

I talk a bit at the beginning to intro–you can skip that part for sure.

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

JUST DO IT

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

HAHA – Sally sharing her experience

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

THe endless self-criticism when I couldn’t play it perfectly for the recording.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

THe endless self-criticism when I couldn’t play it perfectly for the recording.

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

THe endless self-criticism when I couldn’t play it perfectly for the recording.

What were your personal “Ahas”?

THe endless self-criticism when I couldn’t play it perfectly for the recording.

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

ENJOY IT! And watch for the “real” recording coming up before New Year. I promise.

Are you OK with me sharing your final project & answers to the 6 questions on my blog (or just sharing your answers to the 6 questions if you didn’t submit a final-beginning project)?

Yes – and you’re welcome to use my full name

Are you OK with me sharing your final project in the Monday CHATS and if so which Chat will you be attending?

Yes – and I’ll be attending the Monday AFTERNOON Chat

Describe your final project so I know exactly what you’re sending me.

A blues song i made up.

Attach your homework in PDF or JPEG format here:

Lyrics to The Wanderers Blues – FINAL

Describe your written materials – if there’s anything in particular you want to say about it to help people know what they’re looking at, add that here.

The lyrics of the song as requested by some students.

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

I used a descending and ascending baseline, playing a slap bass and octaves. In the cadenza I used 6ths to ascend and 3rds to descend. I used a train horn sound l heard in the blues class.

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

I had difficulties with eye co-ordination and the beat. I realised just before i did this, a technique which works well – to sound the notes. I needed more practice… The more i played, the more settled i became with singing the words, and some words took on a ‘colour’ (sound emphasis)  of their own. E.g. Soul, Beast.

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

Technology. The video screen when recording. I can’t get around that atm. So I record video for myself music writing, and on my phone to edit the videos to. I had heaps of problems with my editing software, so its basically a slap together assemble edit.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

Knowing what i wanted to play, and how. And having the patience to do it slowly. There is one place in the cadenza that i am worry about, the space before the descending thirds. But i couldn’t think of anything else. The space in the video is a bit too long. I forgot momentarily to keep playing!

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

I wanted to get on and write the next song that i have lyrics and a tune made up. And not fiddle around with this.

What were your personal “Ahas”?

To keep on track, do what I saw a harpist in Sydney to, and ta ta ta the notes out. Its great to connect that way when practicing with the fingers together.

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

Its rough.

Describe your written materials – if there’s anything in particular you want to say about it to help people know what they’re looking at, add that here.

After my AHA moment, I created this Canva business card as a parody.  Each line and image presented was a challenge I had to overcome.  I used alliterations, wit and life as context for its completion.

Although I saw it as a parody and poking fun at myself, I could hear DHC adding her spin on it – ‘Why can’t you use that?!’ Which got me thinking, hmmm.

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

The premise of Q4 is Structure is Freedom course.  Using Canva was my way into another structure for developing and creating a business calling card. Take the Canva template > drop in the element > *poof* you have a product > rinse > repeat.

In addition to the Canva structure, and more importantly, is the structure of community – the structure of a mentor, coach, colleagues, shared ideas, etc.  And of course, the structure of just showing up and then showing up again (rinse, repeat).

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

When presented with the idea of creating a Canva business calling card, I had some reservation because my gut was saying this wasn’t the project for my final beginning project.  My hesitancy wasn’t in using Canva, somehow I just wasn’t ‘feeling it’; Canva was easy, no issue there.  I felt there was something else for me to do as a final project.  And the universe was right – Canva was only the backdrop of what was to come.  There were several non-Canva-related delays – unexpected family gatherings, emergencies, traffic, technology meltdowns and lack of internet connectivity. 

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

Somehow as simple as Canva was – you see, I had already created and distributed a few cards by this point,  I still encountered creative blocks and needed, to my surprise, a mindset shift.  …And then on top of all that, a missed deadline.  I was like, “Whoa. Where did all this come in from.”  <<see Universe and question #2>> 

I went from “Ugh! Should have listened to my gut” to “Let’s get it done.” The latter phrase has always worked in my favor – but I was now receiving a deeper revelation.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

I’ll just say here, “Done” can take on many different flavors.

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

The process of walking through creating this final-beginning project, from the initial ask/inception through completion and filling out the Q&A form, helped me see what processes work for me, when to listen to intuition, when to loosen the reins, asking for help, defining what “done/completion” looks like for me, how to show up, just to name a few..

(I did have an epiphany as I inched my way in what should have been a 20-minute drive, but turned into a 2-hour ordeal.  I thought, what if I had a gig!  Yes, as harpists there’s always that 1-hour+ lead time.  But I would not have guessed 2-hours for 20 minutes!  What to do and who to call?!!!)

What were your personal “Ahas”?

After having missed the official Sunday submission deadline for the Final-Beginning projects, my big aha was Monday morning, minutes before the masterclass, as I was taking a shower and I kept repeating the words, “I should have listened to my gut.  Go with your gut, Stephanie, just go with your gut.” 

Then the lightbulb moment happened – “OH! Go with my gut.”  <<mindset shift happening – aha moment>> “Let’s make a parody out it – ‘Go with your gut’!”  Yes, I may have wanted new photos and not use the same green dress photo, but that’s what I have.  Now, let’s get it done!

I’m logging into the both to DHC’s masterclass and Canva. And just as DHC was finishing up the snippet, I too was completing my Canva business calling card!

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

It’s a jpeg, not a video.

After my AHA moment, I created this Canva business card as a parody.  ; poking fun at my ordeal.  Each line and image presented was a challenge I had to overcome.  I used alliterations, wit and life as context for its completion.

Describe your final project so I know exactly what you’re sending me.

Improvisation based on a repeated vamp and some small chorus sections + singing over the top. there’s no video! as i recorded it all audio only so i could do the vocals and harp seperately

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

I learnt how to improvise based on the chords i picked out, I learnt how to turn my vamp idea into a tune and then further develop into a song, I learnt how to incorporate this  tune into my improvisation 

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

I took belief in myself and trust that I can give myself creative freedom, to play around with ideas, where as previously i felt very creatively blocked. It took focus on my ideas and structuring/repeating them which taught me a lot about how to be methodical about it

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

I struggled with being confident in what I was playing, and often changed ideas and got a bit into the trap of perfectionism, eventually I let this go which was a lot freeer.

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

I struggled a lot with the lyrics and putting what I was thinking into words, i often find it a lot easier to communicate the emotion through the music

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

I find it alot easier to go with the flow and let go of perfectionism now whereas before i was more anxious about getting things right

What were your personal “Ahas”?

Realising that repetition is not a bad thing

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

I recorded audio and video seperately so there’s no video, the song is based off off the three vamps i created in my homework two weeks ago, sorry this project is so late!!! i haven’t found the time to submit it 🙁 it’s a bit different to what I would normally write, so bear with.

Describe your final project so I know exactly what you’re sending me.

This is a one take draft of my holiday video card.  It is sort of gloomy but spiritual.  I’m trying to learn Canva so that I can have Gayle’s pictures fade in and out as I speak, and only have me shown at the beginning and end,  I’ll be reworking the whole thing,

What principles from this course or from chats did you use to develop, perform, and record this project – and how did they play a part in your process?

I’m continuing to learn to let myself be seen, to be vulnerable, to let the audience see who I really am and that the harp is just part of that whole.

Give a short description of what it took for you to be able to play what you did – both logistically and emotionally.

Logistically, DHC helped me develop a snippet that was sad but not gloomy and easy to play.  I accomplished that,  Emotionally I had to decide how much of my pain I wanted people to see.  I don’t want to ruin anyone else’s holiday with my grief.

What freedoms and blocks within yourself did you connect with (or struggle with) in the process?

Blocks within myself to play simply and not be worried that others think I can play only a few notes after all of this work.  Freedom to play a few notes and share what is in my heart,

What challenges did you meet while connecting with your own freedom of expression in this project?

My alter self wants to play as a virtuoso, my real self is a perpetual beginner.  I need to embrace my perpetual beginner self.  

What other parts of your life were impacted by what you learned in this class, and how?

Two friends that I am visiting soon have asked me to bring my harp.  I’m nervous about what I will be playing/offerig,  I am challenging myself to work on one snippet a day for one week so that I have 7 snippets to call on at a moments notice.

What were your personal “Ahas”?

Aha that I can play through grief.

Is there anything else you want people to know when they watch your video?

This is a one take.  Let me know how it makes you feel.