Thank you for a very well explained video. I am an adult player, playing a lever harp at the moment but considering to move to a pedal harp... something I never expected to do, considering I only began playing harp, with a little self taught music to play a few songs on the piano as my background. I began my harp playing during Covid-19 and I am at this time 63 yrs old. What an adventure I am on. 😊🎶🎶 Thanks again for helping to explain the pedals and how to move them
The Mnemonic I was taught for the Pedals as well (which I still use, even after a year or more of study) is "Did Columbus Bring Enough Food Going (to) America?" LOL I also found that (even as a 6'3" man) having a pair of mildly pointed shoes with a slight heel, helped foot facility/pivoting- I had to look for something akin to what I call Flamenco shoes- olé. When I wore my tennis shoes (or blunt men's dress shoes), I kept moving the wrong pedal, or even more than one at the same time! It's much like playing the organ (which I took as a second instrument in grad school)- I found out, one needs special shoes. Who knew?
I just got my new pedal harp yesterday. I've been playing on a 36 string lever harp for five years, and now I'm starting on the pedal harp! What a difference in everything! This was a wonderful introduction to the pedals, and I'm excited to get going. Thank you, Jacqueline!
As a newbie to harp playing, I know that I want to purchase a pedal harp eventually, but was wondering, 'How am I going to learn in a simple, direct manner, how to use those darn things?' (And I think lever changes are bad enough!) I just stumbled on to this video, and I am very glad that I did. Your calm, efficient manner of delivery/instruction was most helpful, and I've put your book on my 'wish' list, to order the day I get my pedal harp. As a college professor of Music (voice), I wish to commend your online teaching. Thank you.
I'm so glad to hear you found the video helpful! It is indeed possible to be able to take the pedals in stride, although it takes some practice, of course. Thanks also for your compliment on my teaching. I really enjoy teaching in person, and find making videos like this time consuming but extremely satisfying. I'm trying to figure out how to fit more filming time into schedule. Best wishes in your harp studies!
I love this! I have always wanted to play pedal harp and always wondered about how you remember which pedal is which. So let me see if I remember correctly - the pedals go from left to right: d, c, b for left foot, then e, f, g, a for right. The pedal sits in the middle of its little track (not totally sure of the proper terminology) for the natural note, then you move the pedal in its track upward for flat (cuz it seems like it's lengthening the string to go down a half-step), then you push it down, following the track and pausing in the notch, then you push it down into the lowest position to shorten the string and make it sharp. It strikes me that moving the pedals is sort of like moving the gears on a car, shifting it around the track into the gear you need (like shifting into second gear), so you have to move it with your foot to follow the track. (Admittedly, I never learned to drive stick!) I do play lever harp some (which is closer to driving an automatic, lol!) But your instructions, in short, took the mystery right out, so thanks!!! When I can actually get one to learn to play, I'll have a good head start!
It sounds like you have it all memorized! So glad this was helpful with taking the mystery out of the pedal harp, and I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying playing the lever harp.
I'm actually making a story where some harp action is involved. I myself used to play the violin, but I now play the viola ad double bass. I at least wanted to know the basics of the harp ( since I don't know anything about harps ) and this video really helped me know the mechanics of the harp a bit more, especially the pedal part!!
Hi, Jacqueline! To me, harp music is ALWAYS lovely!!!! I shall share with you an area where I completely agree!!!! To me, the very best type of shoe when playing a harp is one that has a heel as high as those we see you in at first, since they make pivoting work out as well as they do!!!!
Thank you so much for this video extremely accurate and easy to follow. I'm coming back to pedal harp renting a 40 strings one and I need a good refresh how to use pedals and how to approach to them. I'm going to buy also your book and see how I progress as I found your Canon scales book very helpful. Have a good weekend!
@@JacquelinePollauf I'm working on first exercise and I'm going along with your other video and I'm trying to move the pedal as you say between the first and the second note doing the outside and up moves moving from natural to flat. It seems to be easier than I remembered moving pedals in this way because I have a ritmical and direction reference and it's not a messy thing with clangs and buzzes everywhere.
@@nicot.741 That's great that you're feeling good about your pedal changes so far! It is so easy to buzz with pedals, so glad to hear that they're clean for you.
Nice video! Only suggestion would be to use a contrasting colored shoe for the shots that are from behind as the pedals are black and your harp has a dark finish as well. That might be a little more helpful for the novice. Overall though, well done and a video I would pass onto a student for reference.
Just to let you know , you can boost the volume of your voice recording (I have my volume completely in overdrive-mode, and I can barely hear a word you are saying) in a free program called Audacity ... just import the sound file , and highlight the soundwave and go to amplify, you can also click the envelope button , and work on it that way , but this sound file needs about 10 DB , hope that helps :)
I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with the volume! I can hear it on my laptop speakers and did boost the volume level significantly in editing. I think the larger problem is that in this (older) video of mine, I don't have any sort of mic for speaking and especially as I move around the harp, my voice is not always picked up well. I now own a mic to solve this!
This video was so informative for me, as I've decided to teach myself harp using videos and hopefully private teachers. However, I'm looking for a harp to rent or ultimately buy and I'd like to know your advice on which one I should get. The one I can most likely afford is a 34 string, however I could splurge for a 40 string if I end up loving playing. What would you suggest?
There are lots of different factors to take into consideration, but in a nutshell, here's what I think: If you're looking for a harp to get started and think eventually you might want to move up to a pedal harp, then I'd go with the 34 string harp. You can play most lever harp music on a 34 string harp. If you're only looking to buy one lever harp and want to have it be everything you're looking for, then I'd go with the 40 string. Good luck to you!
Thank you for a clear and well communicated lesson on the pedals. I am new and I’m not sure where the pedals should rest when you are not playing. Do you have a suggestion? Thank you. :)
Smart aleck question: If I write a C major arpeggio, and a C minor arpeggio IMMEDIATELY after it, can a harpist use an alternate pedaling and play the minor as C, D#, G (instead of C, Eb, G)? Loved the video, and, yes, the volume is not too loud, but I could hear it perfectly well.
Certainly you could play C D# and G instead for a c minor chord, but unless it's super fast, it would probably be easiest just to move a quick E flat pedal. Glad you enjoyed the video!
As someone who is learning composing, this--and the article from your website which lead me here, was incredibly helpful! I am curious to know your thoughts as to what a general rule of thumb for a reasonable pedal change speed is? I was recently transcribing a piece where the composer wrote in a pedal change between in the middle of some eighth note triplets where notes/strings played were only a couple seconds apart, and when I mentioned this he seemed dismissive, so I wasn't sure if he was right or if my concerns were valid.
First of all, I'm so glad that you found both the article on my website and this video helpful! Your question about the speed of moving pedals is one I've been asked before and it's really difficult to come up with a rule. Personally I can move a pedal in 0.5 of a second, but that doesn't mean I want to do so constantly through a piece. Frequently also, the challenge is not whether or not there's enough time to physically move the pedal, the challenge is whether you can do so silently, without hearing the resonance of the strings change. Generally if I'm working directly with a composer on a new piece, I tell them to write whatever they want, but to be open to revisions based on what actually works after I've had a chance to work through their first draft. It sounds like the situation you describe would be challenging with the resonance. Good luck in your composing for the harp!
@@JacquelinePollauf yes and there’s a funny story behind it. I had a friend called Dave at uni and he was a huge pastry enthusiast, had his own mini flour mill in his student dorm! And he would talk a lot about his own recipe for Bavarian eclairs and how he would open an eclair shop. One night I had a weird dream that Dave was abducted by giant ant aliens and forced to cook dessert for them. That’s how the mnemonic was born. I don’t do drugs or even drink alcohol, I just have strange dreams 😂
Yes, I agree that the sound could be better! This was one of my first videos, before I knew much about mics. In my later videos, the sound quality is definitely improved: ua-cam.com/video/6nhmtc3WX-Q/v-deo.html
Yes, I agree that the audio is too low. I turned it up during editing, but that wasn't sufficient, so in videos made later this one, I got a new mic that really helped. Example: ua-cam.com/video/6nhmtc3WX-Q/v-deo.html
Very informative but the audio needs work. I have the volume turned all the way up but at times you're hard to hear. The harp comes through fine. You need to speak up or wear a lavalier mic.
Yes, I agree! This video is from 2016 when I was just getting started. Shortly after making this, I did buy a mic and find it very helpful. You can hear better sound and more about pedals here: ua-cam.com/video/6nhmtc3WX-Q/v-deo.html
Thanks a lot. This is the best and most informative video about pedal technique!
So glad you found it helpful!
Thank you for a very well explained video. I am an adult player, playing a lever harp at the moment but considering to move to a pedal harp... something I never expected to do, considering I only began playing harp, with a little self taught music to play a few songs on the piano as my background. I began my harp playing during Covid-19 and I am at this time 63 yrs old. What an adventure I am on. 😊🎶🎶 Thanks again for helping to explain the pedals and how to move them
My pleasure! So glad to hear that playing the harp is going well for you and that you're considering a pedal harp. Good luck to you!
I love your beginner videos, they are so helpful. Thank you!
I'm so glad to hear you're finding them helpful! Thanks for watching!
A super helpful video! I love how you break everything down. And your pedal technique is amazing!
Thanks so much!
The Mnemonic I was taught for the Pedals as well (which I still use, even after a year or more of study) is "Did Columbus Bring Enough Food Going (to) America?" LOL I also found that (even as a 6'3" man) having a pair of mildly pointed shoes with a slight heel, helped foot facility/pivoting- I had to look for something akin to what I call Flamenco shoes- olé. When I wore my tennis shoes (or blunt men's dress shoes), I kept moving the wrong pedal, or even more than one at the same time! It's much like playing the organ (which I took as a second instrument in grad school)- I found out, one needs special shoes. Who knew?
Did Columbus Bring Enough Food Going to America is a classic mnemonic for the pedals! It's a great one. Glad you found shoes that work well for you!
I just got my new pedal harp yesterday. I've been playing on a 36 string lever harp for five years, and now I'm starting on the pedal harp! What a difference in everything! This was a wonderful introduction to the pedals, and I'm excited to get going. Thank you, Jacqueline!
Congratulations on your new harp! That's very exciting and I hope you enjoy it. Glad you found the video useful.
As a newbie to harp playing, I know that I want to purchase a pedal harp eventually, but was wondering, 'How am I going to learn in a simple, direct manner, how to use those darn things?' (And I think lever changes are bad enough!) I just stumbled on to this video, and I am very glad that I did. Your calm, efficient manner of delivery/instruction was most helpful, and I've put your book on my 'wish' list, to order the day I get my pedal harp. As a college professor of Music (voice), I wish to commend your online teaching. Thank you.
I'm so glad to hear you found the video helpful! It is indeed possible to be able to take the pedals in stride, although it takes some practice, of course. Thanks also for your compliment on my teaching. I really enjoy teaching in person, and find making videos like this time consuming but extremely satisfying. I'm trying to figure out how to fit more filming time into schedule. Best wishes in your harp studies!
I love this! I have always wanted to play pedal harp and always wondered about how you remember which pedal is which. So let me see if I remember correctly - the pedals go from left to right: d, c, b for left foot, then e, f, g, a for right. The pedal sits in the middle of its little track (not totally sure of the proper terminology) for the natural note, then you move the pedal in its track upward for flat (cuz it seems like it's lengthening the string to go down a half-step), then you push it down, following the track and pausing in the notch, then you push it down into the lowest position to shorten the string and make it sharp. It strikes me that moving the pedals is sort of like moving the gears on a car, shifting it around the track into the gear you need (like shifting into second gear), so you have to move it with your foot to follow the track. (Admittedly, I never learned to drive stick!) I do play lever harp some (which is closer to driving an automatic, lol!) But your instructions, in short, took the mystery right out, so thanks!!! When I can actually get one to learn to play, I'll have a good head start!
It sounds like you have it all memorized! So glad this was helpful with taking the mystery out of the pedal harp, and I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying playing the lever harp.
Fantastic video. Very clear and informative
Thank you very much! I'm glad you found it helpful.
I'm actually making a story where some harp action is involved. I myself used to play the violin, but I now play the viola ad double bass. I at least wanted to know the basics of the harp ( since I don't know anything about harps ) and this video really helped me know the mechanics of the harp a bit more, especially the pedal part!!
Glad to hear it! If you want to know even more about how the harp works, check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/Jj3LRpspe7k/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for this instrumental video! I'd been looking for awhile, and this has been most helpful :).
I'm so glad you found it helpful! Good luck to you!
Hello Jacqueline, thanks for this video, helped me a lot for my class of instrumentation. Greetings from Colombia!
I'm so glad to hear it was helpful! You're very welcome, David.
Hi, Jacqueline! To me, harp music is ALWAYS lovely!!!! I shall share with you an area where I completely agree!!!! To me, the very best type of shoe when playing a harp is one that has a heel as high as those we see you in at first, since they make pivoting work out as well as they do!!!!
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for this video extremely accurate and easy to follow. I'm coming back to pedal harp renting a 40 strings one and I need a good refresh how to use pedals and how to approach to them. I'm going to buy also your book and see how I progress as I found your Canon scales book very helpful. Have a good weekend!
I'm glad you found this video so helpful. That's great that you're playing the pedal harp. If you have any questions about my book, just let me know!
@@JacquelinePollauf I'm working on first exercise and I'm going along with your other video and I'm trying to move the pedal as you say between the first and the second note doing the outside and up moves moving from natural to flat. It seems to be easier than I remembered moving pedals in this way because I have a ritmical and direction reference and it's not a messy thing with clangs and buzzes everywhere.
@@nicot.741 That's great that you're feeling good about your pedal changes so far! It is so easy to buzz with pedals, so glad to hear that they're clean for you.
Nice video! Only suggestion would be to use a contrasting colored shoe for the shots that are from behind as the pedals are black and your harp has a dark finish as well. That might be a little more helpful for the novice. Overall though, well done and a video I would pass onto a student for reference.
Thanks so much! I hadn't thought of using a different color of shoes, as I always wear black for everything, but I'll keep it in mind for the future.
Thanks for elaborate explanation 👍🏻🙌🏻
Has no idea harp has pedals 😳
Thanks for watching! If you want to learn more about the harp generally, I have a full overview video here: ua-cam.com/video/Jj3LRpspe7k/v-deo.html
This is so helpful thank you♥️
You're welcome!
I probably will never afford one but I could put the broken rod on thanks to you.
You are well-prepared for eventual ownership! I love it.
I like the way you use your shoes for pedal pumping.
Just to let you know , you can boost the volume of your voice recording (I have my volume completely in overdrive-mode, and I can barely hear a word you are saying) in a free program called Audacity ... just import the sound file , and highlight the soundwave and go to amplify, you can also click the envelope button , and work on it that way , but this sound file needs about 10 DB , hope that helps :)
I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with the volume! I can hear it on my laptop speakers and did boost the volume level significantly in editing. I think the larger problem is that in this (older) video of mine, I don't have any sort of mic for speaking and especially as I move around the harp, my voice is not always picked up well. I now own a mic to solve this!
This video was so informative for me, as I've decided to teach myself harp using videos and hopefully private teachers. However, I'm looking for a harp to rent or ultimately buy and I'd like to know your advice on which one I should get. The one I can most likely afford is a 34 string, however I could splurge for a 40 string if I end up loving playing. What would you suggest?
There are lots of different factors to take into consideration, but in a nutshell, here's what I think: If you're looking for a harp to get started and think eventually you might want to move up to a pedal harp, then I'd go with the 34 string harp. You can play most lever harp music on a 34 string harp. If you're only looking to buy one lever harp and want to have it be everything you're looking for, then I'd go with the 40 string. Good luck to you!
Jacqueline Pollauf thank you so much!
Thank you for a clear and well communicated lesson on the pedals. I am new and I’m not sure where the pedals should rest when you are not playing. Do you have a suggestion? Thank you. :)
When you are not playing, it is best for the pedals to be in flat, the top most position. I hope playing is going well!
I have a couple of harps but they're not peddle harps but I do want one of these how can I get one
There are many types of pedal harps out there. You could try starting here: www.lyonhealy.com/
Smart aleck question: If I write a C major arpeggio, and a C minor arpeggio IMMEDIATELY after it, can a harpist use an alternate pedaling and play the minor as C, D#, G (instead of C, Eb, G)? Loved the video, and, yes, the volume is not too loud, but I could hear it perfectly well.
Certainly you could play C D# and G instead for a c minor chord, but unless it's super fast, it would probably be easiest just to move a quick E flat pedal. Glad you enjoyed the video!
please tell me what this harp model is called?
Sure, this is a Venus Diplomat with 47 strings (full size).
@@JacquelinePollauf Thank you!
As someone who is learning composing, this--and the article from your website which lead me here, was incredibly helpful! I am curious to know your thoughts as to what a general rule of thumb for a reasonable pedal change speed is? I was recently transcribing a piece where the composer wrote in a pedal change between in the middle of some eighth note triplets where notes/strings played were only a couple seconds apart, and when I mentioned this he seemed dismissive, so I wasn't sure if he was right or if my concerns were valid.
First of all, I'm so glad that you found both the article on my website and this video helpful! Your question about the speed of moving pedals is one I've been asked before and it's really difficult to come up with a rule. Personally I can move a pedal in 0.5 of a second, but that doesn't mean I want to do so constantly through a piece. Frequently also, the challenge is not whether or not there's enough time to physically move the pedal, the challenge is whether you can do so silently, without hearing the resonance of the strings change. Generally if I'm working directly with a composer on a new piece, I tell them to write whatever they want, but to be open to revisions based on what actually works after I've had a chance to work through their first draft. It sounds like the situation you describe would be challenging with the resonance. Good luck in your composing for the harp!
I don't even play the harp and can't remember why I'm looking this up. Anyway... thanks!
That's really funny! Who knows, maybe the info will come in handy some day!
Hermosura en taco alto apretando los pedales.
“Dave Cooks Bavarian Eclairs For Giant Ants” is one I used 😂
That's hilarious! Did you make it up?
@@JacquelinePollauf yes and there’s a funny story behind it. I had a friend called Dave at uni and he was a huge pastry enthusiast, had his own mini flour mill in his student dorm! And he would talk a lot about his own recipe for Bavarian eclairs and how he would open an eclair shop. One night I had a weird dream that Dave was abducted by giant ant aliens and forced to cook dessert for them. That’s how the mnemonic was born. I don’t do drugs or even drink alcohol, I just have strange dreams 😂
@@tokkia1384 That's really funny! Eclairs are delicious though, and it helped with your pedals, so seems great all the way around!
You have two pedal harps is that correct?
Only one at a time! This is my old pedal harp here.
Thank you! She is beautiful!!!
Thank you so much!
@@JacquelinePollauf I blushed haha!
I almost had a heart attack seeing the Harp tilt from the base view
That's really funny! If you want to see more, try this video: ua-cam.com/video/WiWfL0O4k08/v-deo.html
Great lesson but hard to hear.
Yes, I agree that the sound could be better! This was one of my first videos, before I knew much about mics. In my later videos, the sound quality is definitely improved: ua-cam.com/video/6nhmtc3WX-Q/v-deo.html
Need to kick up the audio level. She's down 15db.
Yes, I agree that the audio is too low. I turned it up during editing, but that wasn't sufficient, so in videos made later this one, I got a new mic that really helped. Example: ua-cam.com/video/6nhmtc3WX-Q/v-deo.html
pajaro campana, cua crua cua ,
Very informative but the audio needs work. I have the volume turned all the way up but at times you're hard to hear. The harp comes through fine. You need to speak up or wear a lavalier mic.
Yes, I agree! This video is from 2016 when I was just getting started. Shortly after making this, I did buy a mic and find it very helpful. You can hear better sound and more about pedals here: ua-cam.com/video/6nhmtc3WX-Q/v-deo.html