Valentine’s Day – Gift for that special harper

Valentine’s Day – just the words can strike fear into the hearts of many!  There is often the question of what to give as the perfect present.  Who should get those presents? Is it too soon? Is it too late?  These are clearly angst ridden questions!  One person we sometimes forget to get a gift for – ourselves!  (If you’re one of those people who goes Christmas shopping, “one for them, one for me, one for them, two for me” – that doesn’t count here!  You still deserve a present (or two!)).

You should get yourself a gift that reflects your love of your instrument, your talent and your time.  Here are some ideas* (because you want to give a good gift!):

1. Buy some lessons. The time and money you invest in becoming a better musician and a better harper can only be time and money well spent.  It is, after all, an investment.  So, really, it’s a gift that will keep giving for years.  If you don’t think you need lessons, you might invest in a “tune up” or some coaching.  Most teachers will offer this type of lesson too (be sure you explain what you’re looking for before going).  Coaching can also be done via Skype (or similar app).  I also offer an “executive” lesson which is an intensive full day for a special price.  You know you can find me here.
2. Have some work done.  When was the last time you had your harp regulated? Your friendly neighborhood luthier can be your best friend – especially if your harp needs repair.  And that repair can range from a little TLC to a regulation to a major repair.  I am a huge fan of my local luthier – Rick Kemper.  If you are near Washington DC, I highly recommend him. And if you’re not nearby – find the luthier closest to you and start baking a batch of cookies to woo them!!
3. String yourself along.  Check your string chart and your string stash.  Do you have an entire spare sting set? Are you keeping your string chart up to date? When you replace a string, do you replace the replacement? You never know which string will break next and you want to be prepared!.
4. Buy some music. Sometimes people are surprised to hear me, the purveyor of aural teaching and learning, say this. But – I have loads of music.  I have harp music but I also have fiddle books, pipe books, piano books, and I just discovered I have a saxophone book (no clue – I’ve never played that – but it has some fun tunes in it!).  Books are full of reminders of the music and they are a great way to find new material, learn something new, go in a different direction, or work on your sight reading.  
5. Acquire a new harp! This doesn’t even need an explanation!  Do you know how many harps is the  right number to own? One more!!
6. Buy some harp bling. Given that it’s a relatively small market, there’s loads of harp bling available.  I am a big fan of the stuff I have and I find that my favorite piece is an excellent business card because people ask if I play and that starts the conversation.  
7. Get a manicure.  You might think manicures are all about filing and polishing, but I find the best parts are the massage and the moisturizing. Massage – yumm! And it’s winter, so take care of your skin (especially important in the current flu epidemic). Enough said.
8. Get some new walking shoes. What?  You know that taking care of you in the global sense is good for your harp playing so just get out there! And if it’s been a while, get yourself some good walking shoes so you enjoy it more, and get out for a walk more often. 
9. Sign up for a workshop. Workshops are an excellent way to learn because you get to work with someone you to whom you likely don’t have ready access most of the time.  They’re typically taught by “names” who are darn good musicians and amazing teachers.  I’ll be detailing some of my favorites later when I line up summer vacation ideas. Remember that workshops are offered at competitions and by organizations so take ‘em when you can get ‘em!
10. Start a new journal.  Capturing your ephemeral progress in some tangible way will help you immeasurably. To capture your progress you’ll have to think about what you have done, where you’re trying to get and how you might make the journey between then. It also means you have to recognize your hard work. On bad days, leafing through it can rekindle your hope and focus, and on good days it makes patting yourself on the back so much easier because you can see in one place how hard you worked and that you truly deserve a reward. Whether you write it down, do audio recordings, draw it, scrapbook it – you will be glad to see that you’re not making it up – you are developing as a musician!

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day and giving that special harper in your life a lovely gift.

Harp in the Highlands and Islands Tour - only 2 seats remain!

Scotland was recently voted Most Beautiful Country in the World!  So jump on the opportunity to see it this year.  When you add in the wonder of having a harp and learning tunes that fit in with the highlights of your visit – you know you have a trip that’s the total package!

Join me and our tour guide David for the 2018 Harp the Highlands and Islands Tour 9 – 16 June.  David has crafted a journey that encompasses a magnificent route through to the west coast of Scotland, the source of so many wonderful tunes. We’ll see beautiful scenery and you will experience the majestic beauty of the Isle of Skye, the Western Highlands, the Spey valley and more!

This is no huge crowd on a giant tour bus chunterring down highways while you only see concrete and billboards!  Our visit is designed for people who want to see the country - and it’s for harp players at all levels. 

We’ll collect everyone in Edinburgh and then we’ll be off for a week of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast accommodation.  We’ll meander towards the Western Highlands and the west coast.  You’ll enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Falls of Dochart and the haunting splendor of Glencoe, the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal.  We’ll cross ‘over the sea to Skye’ for two nights, then spend the rest of our time seeing corners of the Highlands you didn’t even know were there.  On our final evening, David and his wife Heather will welcome you to their own home where you will be treated to authentic Scottish cuisine and hospitality. Our last day, we will speed you back to Edinburgh to complete your visit.

Each day you will enjoy a harp event – learn a tune, add to your harp lore, or learning songs – all while experiencing the history of the music. We will play together in the midst of incredible scenery. The tunes taught will be related to our visit - the places, the history, and the incredible Scots people we will meet.  To ease your travels, a lovely small harp will be awaiting you, ensuring that everyone can travel with a light heart, while your own harp stays home - not being treated roughly by airline baggage handlers. Invite another harp player or bring a harp loving companion (listeners are welcome too!). Play a different traditional instrument?  We’d be delighted if you’d join us in learning and sharing music!

We have honed our trip to assure that every day is full of amazing! Even the weather, which can be moody, only improves our visit. This intimate tour will consist of only five travelers.  This very small group size allows flexibility so that each day David can show you the very best Scotland has to offer while also including those special things that can’t be planned. Jen will flex the tunes to match our travels, experiences, and mood. 

There are only two seats remaining.  For details, look here.  Double or twin en-suite or private bathroom $3499 per person or if you prefer a room to yourself, single supplement is $350 (all prices US dollars (USD)).  If you’d like to come along, please complete and return this information form with your $1000 deposit before someone else snaps up those seats.  

Feel free to ask questions – I want to hear from you!