Ep 47: Changing Strings, Becoming a Harp Teacher, Playing Faster & Heatwaves

Ep 47: Changing Strings, Becoming a Harp Teacher, Playing Faster & Heatwaves

Heather answers another batch of listener questions in this special Q&A episode. Thank you to everyone who sent questions in - you all made this episode possible! She also shares thoughts on professional harp pathways in Scotland, conservatoire study, harp qualifications, regulation, practice methods, hand shapes, humidity, sun cream, and when to ask your harp maker for advice. In this episode: • What to know when changing harp strings for the first time • Whether changing a string means your levers need regulated • Heather’s thoughts on becoming a harp teacher • Different routes into professional harp playing in Scotland • How to build speed without losing accuracy • Why hand shapes matter when speeding up music • How heat, humidity, sun cream and insect repellent can affect your harp This practical solo episode is full of harp care advice, practice tips, and honest insights from Heather’s own experience as a performer, teacher and educator. Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats) If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow and helps us connect with more harpists around the world! #HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpPractice #HarpTeacher

Ep 46: The 4 Reasons Technique Gives You Freedom at the Harp

Heather explores why technique is about far more than scales and exercises, and how strong technical foundations can give you greater freedom, confidence and expression at the harp. She shares four reasons technique gives you freedom in your playing, from removing panic and building confidence to expanding your musical choices and helping you focus on expression rather than mechanics. In this episode: • Why good technique removes panic and helps you feel more secure at the harp • How stronger technique gives you more musical choices and flexibility • Why technical work builds confidence and independence in your playing • How technique allows you to focus on musical expression instead of mechanics • Why technique and musicality are not opposites, but partners This is a practical and encouraging solo episode about building confidence, creating musical freedom and understanding how technique helps bring your music to life. Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats) If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow and helps us connect with more harpists around the world! #HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpTechnique #HarpPractice

Ep 45: Karin den Rooijen

Heather chats with learner harpist Karin, who shares her remarkable harp journey, from discovering the harp during the pandemic to rebuilding her playing after suffering a life-changing stroke just 18 months into learning. They discuss recovery, neuroplasticity, the power of tiny daily steps, learning online, and how music, community and determination helped Karin reclaim an important part of her life. In this episode: • How Karin discovered the harp and fell in love with its sound • Why she chose to learn online and eventually joined How To Harp • The devastating impact of a stroke on her harp playing • How neuroplasticity, repetition and determination helped her recover • The mirror therapy techniques she used to retrain movement • The role her family, teachers and the harp community played in her recovery • Combining online learning with one-to-one lessons • The importance of community, friendship and shared musical growth • Her ongoing journey towards confident lever changes • Why small daily steps can achieve extraordinary results This is a deeply moving and inspiring conversation about resilience, gratitude, lifelong learning and the transformative power of music. Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp Guest: Karin den Rooijen - Learner Harpist and How To Harp Community Leader (and so much more!!) Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats) If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow and helps us connect with more harpists around the world! #HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #AdultHarpLearning #InspirationalHarpLearner

Ep 44: Why Learning Never Stops (Even for Harp Teachers)

Heather & Angela chat about why nerves, vulnerability & learning never fully disappear, even when you become a teacher or have years of experience behind you. They also discuss why students can feel nervous playing in lessons, how teachers can support learners through that, and how reflecting clearly on progress can help adult learners build confidence and trust the learning process. In this episode: • Why harp learners often feel nervous playing for their teacher • Why teachers still get nervous too • How nerves can be a sign that something really matters to you • Why honest communication between student and teacher is so important • How tutors can help students recognise their own progress • Why visual reflection tools can make progress easier to see • How recording yourself can act as a helpful safety net • Why adult learners are so inspiring This is an honest and encouraging Harpy Tutor Chat about nerves, vulnerability, progress and why we never really stop learning. Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp Guest: Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To Harp Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats) If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow and helps us connect with more harpists around the world! #HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpTeacher #AdultHarpLearner

Ep 43: Nicole Müller

Heather chats with Nicole about moving beyond external expectations and finding a musical path that feels honest, creative and true to who you are. They also discuss classical training, orchestral pressure, burnout, songwriting, improvisation, teaching, performing with others, and the courage it takes to follow musical dreams that might feel out of reach. In this episode: • How Nicole first started learning the harp as a child • Growing up with classical training and a love for different musical styles • The pressure and perfectionism of professional orchestral life • Burnout, sensitivity and learning to trust her own musical instincts • Finding freedom through freelancing, songwriting and singing • Why sharing personal creative work can feel so vulnerable • Playing in bands and discovering a more liberated musical voice • Nicole’s approach to teaching harp improvisation • Why supportive people can help you follow dreams that feel impossible This is an honest and inspiring conversation about creativity, liberation, self-trust, and finding the courage to make music in a way that feels truly your own. Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp Guest: Nicole Müller - Professional Harpist, Composer, and How To Harp Guest Tutor Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats) If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow and helps us connect with more harpists around the world! #HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #ProfessionalHarpist #HarpImprovisation *****Nicole had some video issues during this podcast so occasionally her video is frozen and replaced her pic*****