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WALSTRUM – Sally (USA) “Come to the Library Blues” (BHS3)
One thing I love about teaching at Hip Harp Academy is getting to see the “Final Beginning Projects” that each student does. This is a culmination of Sally Walstrum’s experience in the Blues Harp-Style class – and this is just the beginning! This post is from a series...
KING – Kathy (USA) “Fairy Tale Princess Blues” (BHS3)
One thing I love about teaching at Hip Harp Academy is getting to see the “Final Beginning Projects” that each student does. This is a culmination of Kathy King’s experience in the Blues Harp-Style class – and this is just the beginning! This post is from a series...
I think I can? I think I CAN!
BAROQUE FLAMENCO – Discovering that you CAN! A harpist, who didn’t think she could play Baroque Flamenco, discovers in 15 minutes that she CAN. We all have opportunities for growth, feedback, and support in what we do. In Hip Harp Academy, Half-Bake and...
The Piece of Music that Taught me HOW to Improvise
I realized that the music for “Baroque Flamenco” was the foundation of me learning how to improvise. It was all about creating safety, creating structure, and having adventure. And Baroque Flamenco is still all that to me. Learning to improvise was urgent,...Scrambled Eggs (and improvisation)
Let’s talk about cooking up a piece of music. When we see classical music written out, we usually see a bunch of notes on a page – and it can be daunting. Who am I kidding? It’s ALWAYS daunting – at least it is to me. Now think about scrambled eggs – a recipe...
Do You Speak Music FLUENTLY??
Fluency isn’t about perfection, it’s not about being elaborate or fancy. Fluency is about being able to express yourself without constraint with the tools and skills you already have. It’s about unlocking what you’ve already got. I’m Deborah...
$5-Bill to Symphony Stage (Part 2: The Lady with the 5-Dollar Bill)
[Read Part 1 here] [Part 2] A woman walks up to me with a five-dollar bill and says, “Can’t you play anything upbeat? Like ‘La Vie en Rose’?” I wanted to say, “Ma’m, I don’t know what the h*ll I’m doing and this is...
$5-Bill to Symphony Stage (Part 1: The Handsome Waiter)
It all started with Lead Sheets: I’m 10 years old. I’ve never read a note of music in my life. But I want to play and sing my favorite song, “April Love,” on the piano and I want to do it NOW. So my mother sits down on the piano bench next to...
Secret Download Page for “Play by Numbers” BOOSTER HANDOUT
Here’s how you can get the super secret Hand out for the “Play By Numbers” Booster Session. >> Here’s Your “Play by Numbers” Handout – ENJOY!<< Download yourSomerset Saturdays"Play by Numbers" BOOSTER...
