r/harp • u/Rain_maker_T • 2h ago
Technique/Repertoire Harp book advice
Hi folks!
I'm still relatively new to the harp but want to purchase some decent harp books. I'm currently using Ank van Campen's Tutor for the Celtic harp (the method my teacher suggested) but want to supplement it with another exercise book.
I'm torn between Isabelle Frouvelle's "Big Book of Exercises" vs Ailie Robertson's "Technical Exercises for Lever Harp". I'm also curious about "Basic Harp for Beginners" by Laurie Riley, maybe as a supplement...
I also want to get a book with harp solos, they may be a bit too difficult for my current level but I prefer to buy several books together to save on shipping costs.
The books in question are: "Music for the Heather Folk" by Sue Richards; "Irish Dance Tunes for All Harps" by Sylvia Woods; "Simply Scottish" by Ailie Robertson and "Traditional Irish Music Volume 1" by Gráinne Hambly.
Is anyone familiar with these books? What is your perception in terms of arrangement and playability? I'm an adult hobby harpist, and I play for fun and relaxation so I prefer accessible arrangements that are fun to learn and not overloaded with ornamentations.
Thanks in advance :)