Technique at Your Fingertips Book 3 (Pdl/Lvr)

“Technique at Your Fingertips for pedal harp or lever harp should be used in conjunction with Classics at Your Fingertips.  It may also be used with any beginning to early intermediate harp repertoire.

                The goal of these books is to provide a comprehensive introduction to harp technique for the adult beginner.  It assumes the student has no background in music.  It introduces musical symbols, note reading, and basic theory concepts in addition to the technique exercises.  After a student has completed book four of this course they should continue their technique studies with intermediate and advanced technique books.

                These books have recurring features: Two Thumbs Up, exercises, and Fingerpainting.  Two Thumbs Up helps the student strengthen the thumb joints and maintain the correct hand position with each new concept.  Most of the technique exercises are intended to be played throughout the range of the harp.  The student is encouraged to “get out of the book” and focus on the strings and on their hands.  Fingerpainting gives student a chance to apply their new knowledge with a creative project.

                Book three focuses on flexibility in the fingers and hand.  It focuses on replacing which is needed before the crossover technique and requires skill in avoiding the buzzing of the strings.  Other concepts such as finger independence, legato playing, and ornamentation are introduced here and reinforced in book four.” J. Rabens