THE 2011 AHS-LA MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

As part of the American Harp Society's 2-part Music Education Program, the American Harp Society, L.A. Chapter offers local harp students the opportunity to play for others, listen to others play and receive invaluable advice from a knowledgable and respected harpist advisor.

In 1968, then president of the American Harp Society, Catherine Gotthoffer proposed that some sort of music education program be established. The Auditions and Evaluations Program was the result. Lucien Thomson became the program's first Chairman of the Music Education Committee and continued this seat through 2000.

Thomson believed in the benefits of such a program, committing many hours to the preparation of nearly 3000 certificates for its participants during his tenure and performing as a guest advisor to numerous AHS chapters across the country. In Recommendations for Successful Auditions, Thomson wrote “Always bear in mind that it is the average and less gifted student whom we hope to help and inspire.  Given sincere encouragement and inspiration, they may surprise us, and in any case they will comprise the knowledgeable audiences of the future."

THE ADAPTABLE OGDEN LEVER HARP

Touted as an ideal harp for both lever harpers and beginners, the Lyon & Healy Ogden is a practical instrument for very young harpists and for many teachers. 

The Ogden has quickly become popular throughout the U.S. with school harp programs and Suzuki instructors. Its narrow sound box allows smallish students to play with ease. The harp has 34 strings going down 2 octaves below middle C. 

The Ogden is a well-designed, good sounding instrument. Its design and construction lets the harp grow along with a young harpist's needs. The optional sets of 4" and 8" legs can adjust the Ogden for three varying heights. The instrument is offered strung with pedal tension gut or for a lighter touch, can be strung in pedal nylon. 

For teachers, the Ogden is a worthwhile investment as an additional studio harp, and for those looking to offer students a dependable rental instrument*. 

The Ogden lever harp is part of Lyon & Healy's Bounty programs. The Ogden Package* can be financed through Allegro's financing program.


THE OGDEN SPECS:

34 Strings: 1st octave A to 6th octave C
Height: 53" (135 cm)
Soundboard Width: 14" (36 cm)
Extreme Width: 28" (71 cm)
Weight: 28 lbs (13 kg)
Finishes: natural, mahogany, walnut and ebony.

* HILA's Ogden rentals comes with a tuning key and lightweight carrying case. Optional leg sets are not included.

TECH TALK: NYLON OR GUT STRINGS: WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR HARP?

We are pleased to welcome harp technician and guest author Steve Moss of The Harp Herald who will present a series of informative articles to our blog about harp care.  You may read more about Steve on our Tech Info Page.

What better way to begin the New Year than with a discussion about strings! In today's article, Steve explains the differences between nylon and gut and what may be best for you and your harp.

When you purchased your new pedal harp, chances are it was strung with gut strings from the second through the fifth octave. When the time came to replace some strings, you might have noticed an option to buy nylon strings, which cost only a fraction of what gut strings cost. So, should you spend the big bucks for gut strings, or will nylon strings work just as well? The answer is, “it depends.”