June 6, 2024

Supplies for your very first harp lesson!

YAYYY!!! It's time for your VERY FIRST HARP LESSON!

In this blog post, we are going to walk through everything you need to prepare for your very first harp lesson (including links to any materials I recommend you purchase prior to your first lesson).

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For many of these items I will list two options for you to consider, but if you're looking for the quick and dirty list, this is it!

For the tech savvy students

Have an ipad? Try these styli

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Music Bench

The fun thing about the harp? You get to sit down while you do it! There are many options when it comes to music benches, so here's what you need to look for:

A bench that is sturdy and comfortable to sit on
A bench that is the right height - which means a bench that you can sit on with your feet firmly on the ground, with your legs at a 90 degree angle
NO BACK - if you use a chair, look for a stool without a back. You *can* use one with a back if you pinky promise not to lean back on it, but you need your STRONG CORE for playing!

OnStage KT7800+ Bench

I recommend this bench for adults and anyone in a larger body! I have used the below music bench as well, but over time the metal bends and it becomes less sturdy.

Budget option: RockJam KB100 Adjustable Bench

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Tuner

You will need this to tune your harp! There are free apps available for your phone as well, but real tuners are higher quality and will be more accurate when you tune. There are two options here, one that is a combo tuner/metronome and has something called a "pickup" that you attach to your instrument to get an even more accurate read on the sound, as well as the second option that is just the tuner itself.

Korg TM60 Combo Tuner and Metronome with Contact Clip-on Microphone (TUTM60CBK)

Buy Korg TM60 Combo Tuner and Metronome with Contact Clip-on Microphone on Amazon

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Budget Option: KORG KO-TM60WH TM-60 Combo Tuner Metronome with LED Screen, White

Buy KORG KO-TM60WH TM-60 Combo Tuner Metronome with LED Screen on Amazon

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Music Stand

This is a great option because it comes with a music stand with a SOLID BACK (none of that flimsy stuff!) plus a clip, carrying bag, and a holder for sheet music.

CAHAYA 5-in-1 Dual Use Sheet Music Stand with Carrying Bag, Sheet Music Folder and Clip

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Stand Light

Glocusent 57 LED Super Bright Music Stand Light

This is a great pick for lots of visibility!

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Budget Option: TEECOO Music Stand Light

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Sheet Music Folder

CRANBURY Sheet Music Folder 8.5x11

I love these folders for students because you can both store your sheet music easily in here, while having access to make notes directly on the music itself. Plus, this one comes in fun colors!

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Lesson Notebook

Lined Spiral Journal Notebook

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Pencils

You can use whatever pencils you want/have on hand, but these are my favorite:

Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils 0.7mm

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[All items below are OPTIONAL or for Advanced Students - if you're curious, check it out! Otherwise don't mind this section 😊 )

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For Pedal Harpists and more advanced students: Red Pencils

Ticonderoga® Erasable Checking Pencils, Presharpened, Carmine Red

These pencils help you make really clear, visible markings on your music so it's easy to read while playing. Red should be reserved for things like pedal and lever markings (if you don't know what those are yet, don't worry - and that probably means you don't need these just yet!)