Hip Harp Academy Weekly: When Harps Speak Lydian: Member-Led Magic at Hip Harp Academy

While DHC is performing and teaching in Europe, Academy members stepped into the spotlight this week …

… turning Monday’s MasterClass into a treasure hunt through the Academy’s hidden gems. What happened proves that sometimes the best teachers are sitting right beside you in class.

Joyce transported everyone to the magical realm of Lydian mode, demonstrating a snippet that had members mesmerized. Starting on F with a hypnotic left-hand pattern (1-5-8-10) and right-hand second inversion chords, she demystified what could have been an intimidating modal adventure. “Try teaching snippets as a way to learn,” Joyce suggested, as members furiously jotted notes about her pentatonic improvisations.

 Ruth followed with what she called a “simple meditative snippet,” though its effect was anything but simple. Her drone bass and alternating chords created such a soothing atmosphere that several members closed their eyes and swayed. “Keep your harp well-tuned to maximize resonance,” Ruth reminded everyone — wisdom that applies equally to harps and lives.

The technical talk turned unexpectedly philosophical when Bonnie shared her intention to “do things slowly,” discovering that deliberate pacing heightened her awareness both in music and life. Cherrie chimed in about her practice of self-awareness, focusing on reacting positively to those critical voices we all seem to have — causing several members to nod in recognition of their own inner Harp Critics.

Vera’s confession of her “love-hate relationship with the harp” sparked knowing laughter, followed by her revelation that breathing exercises and tactile approaches finally helped her break through. “Sometimes you need to feel your way through the struggle,” Sally observed, as members exchanged grateful glances for the permission to acknowledge their own musical frustrations.

It seems Academy harps are subject to rigorous feline quality control

The session took an unexpected turn when conversation shifted to pets and their musical opinions. It seems Academy harps are subject to rigorous feline quality control, with several members reporting cats who insist on “supervising” practice sessions from atop music stands. “My cat is my harshest critic,” one member laughed, “but at least she never asks me to speed up tempos!”

Meanwhile, excitement bubbled about upcoming sessions on strumming techniques and lever adjustments, with Tammy promising a video demonstrating how to adjust lever screws on Dusty Strings harps—news that had gear-minded members practically applauding.

As Sally aptly put it while closing the session:

“The Academy truly shines when we share not just what we know, but also what we’re figuring out together.”

DHC may be off-line for the moment, but the Academy hums along beautifully through the creativity of the members …

… proving DHC’s long-held belief that the magic of music happens most powerfully in community.

How about you? Do you have a community of people who support your creative visions – and help you see them more clearly? People who understand your challenges and share the journey with you so you know you’re not alone?

If you play the harp, we invite you to join with us in “Hip Harp Academy” where music is all about connection – not perfection.

Harpists Who Dare

Ready to liberate yourself from the notes on the page?