Course 103:
Learning the Waltz of the Flowers Cadenza
PODCAST: Click here to listen to the lesson. Free!
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In this podcast, Anne Sullivan talks with Mindy Cutcher, harpist for the Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia.
Mindy discusses every aspect from the technique you need, to the musicality of the cadenza, to the different ways to play it in concert or for the ballet. Plus she has some funny stories about life in the ballet pit! And when you’re inspired by the conversation, you can begin working on the cadenza right away using this three-week practice plan to get the cadenza ready in time for Nutcracker season!
PRACTICE REGIMEN: Click the button below to purchase the exercises.
- Week 1 - Understanding the Notes
- Week 2 - Developing the Technique
- Week 3 - Understanding the melody and Putting it All Together
- PLUS - Anne Sullivan's personal edition of the cadenza
- Price: $19.95
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Course 202:
How to Get the Tone You Want
One of the harp’s magnetic qualities is its tone. The sound of the harp is magical. It can be rich and warm. It can be sparkling and brilliant, velvety and rippling. So how we play is at least as important as what we play. A good tone expresses the music, makes practicing more enjoyable and is a pleasure to hear.
A beautiful tone isn’t something only the best harpists have. It’s something we all can achieve. But how do you get that magical sound? What can you do on your own instrument have the best possible tone?
The practice regimen is divided into three lessons.
Lesson 1 is on Tone Production. You will work with each finger to focus on its sound and to ensure that all your fingers can play with an equal sound. You will also work to keep that even tone between both hands, and practice playing without counter-productive tension.
Lesson 2 helps you use your sound across the dynamic spectrum. You will practice crescendo and diminuendi, making them evenly paced and smooth. Once again, you will focus on the balance between the fingers and hands.
Lesson 3 experiments with a tone “repertoire.” It will help you develop a range of tone colors and articulations and show you how to use them to express the character of whatever piece you are playing.
So what are you waiting for? Your own beautiful tone is just a few lessons away…
EXERCISES: Click the button below to purchase the exercises.
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