harp

Aquiring a harp was not on my 'to do' list...it wasn't on my radar at all, but this beautiful harp found me recently and insisted on coming home with me! (No, really...) I resonated with it from the moment I touched it and we've been having lovely conversations ever since.

It came to me via my dear friend and soul sister Gabrielle Hart, who called her 'Grace' and I am happy to honour that.

Grace was beautifully crafted in Australia by Geoff Welham. She is a lap (half size) harp - a hybrid blend of Celtic harp and Latin American harp.

I have not had any formal lessons, and if you consider things from a conventional perspective, I have no idea how to play, but the affinity is there, as is an aptitude (past life perhaps?)

My training in playing piano and violin many years ago, some instructional notes Geoff kindly sent in the mail and viewing some YouTube harp playing tips have all been helpful, and sufficient enough that when her strings resonate, it sounds divine.

One day soon after I got her, I sponteneously closed my eyes while I was playing. Not only did it sound beautiful, but I found tears running down my cheeks. Sahayak was there and was struck by it also...that's enough for me.

Only a few short weeks after she came home with me, I started to include her in performances. I suspect she wants to reach more ears and hearts and who am I to say no? She's divine with the flutes, the hang, the sansula and the bowls, as well as solo. She's a very welcome addition to our musical family and I feel more than blessed.

I also intend to honour how our musical journey has been unfolding thus far and go with the flow of intuition, improvisation and trusting in and surrendering to the present moment...an interesting mix of risk and liberation! I have shared my perspective on trained and untrained musicianship here, and my journey with the harp offers a classic example. It will be fascinating to see how it unfolds...

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound...