Do I Have to Know How to Read Music Sheet?

Learning a musical instrument is a truly wonderful experience, especially the harp! Recently, many parents have been asking, “My child seems to play by memory rather than reading sheet music. Does this really count as learning music?” In fact, reading sheet music is indeed an important part of learning music, but don’t forget that ear training is equally crucial! After all, music is about listening with your ears and feeling with your heart. Diverse Learning Methods Children are naturally gifted with keen hearing. They can develop a sense of rhythm, musicality, and expression through imitation and practice. Playing by memory not only

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ABRSM 2025 Harp Exam Repertoire: Understanding the Unique Characteristics of Lists A, B, and C

Selecting repertoire for the ABRSM exam is an art in itself. The syllabus is carefully divided into three categories—A, B, and C—each with its own unique characteristics. Candidates must choose one piece from each category. But what sets these three types of pieces apart? Let’s take a closer look! Category A: Showcasing Speed and Technical Skills Category A pieces are typically fast-paced and require strong technical agility. These pieces often highlight a performer’s precision in executing rapid passages and staccato articulations, primarily assessing the candidate’s technical proficiency. Category B: A Stage for Emotion and Expression Category B pieces are more

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ABRSM Updates the Harp Exam Syllabus!

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) has updated the harp exam syllabus! The update includes both Pedal Harp and Lever Harp. Most classical pieces have been retained, while some etudes have been removed. New additions include Disney songs and opera music, catering to modern preferences. This gives candidates more options to choose pieces they enjoy and find suitable, making the exams feel more manageable! There are two important dates to note: the old syllabus (2019 edition) will only be valid until December 31, 2025, while the new syllabus (2025 edition) will take effect from June 1,

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A Journey to the Salvi Harp Headquarters — Piasco

Piasco, a small town in northern Italy, might not be large, but it is home to one of the world’s top Italian harp factories. As a harp dealer, I am delighted to take you on a tour of this extraordinary place. For the past 10 years, our company has regularly visited Piasco to select the finest harps for our clients. The craftsmen here are masters in harp making, meticulously crafting each piece. You can personally explore the showroom, carefully test play, and choose the harp that best suits you. I’m sure many of you are already familiar with these exquisite

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Discovering Piasco: The Hidden Harp Capital of Italy

Nestled in Italy, Piasco is a quaint town surrounded by orchards growing apples, kiwis, and peaches. Unexpectedly, it’s also home to one of the world’s largest harp manufacturers. The local government takes great pride in this, showcasing their world-class instruments and acknowledging the contributions of the harp factory to the town’s development. As you enter the town’s roundabout, you’ll notice a beautiful floral harp sculpture, meticulously maintained to celebrate this legacy. However, after the passing of Victor Salvi, this roundabout feature was removed. The photo you see here was taken a few years ago. Upon reaching the Salvi headquarters, you’ll

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Natural Gut Strings: The harpists’ Choice

Natural gut strings have long been the preferred choice for harpists due to their exceptional sound quality and stability. The uniqueness of these strings lies in their natural materials and expert craftsmanship, which allows them to demonstrate unparalleled advantages in music performance. Compared to synthetic strings, natural gut strings offer a wider dynamic range and deeper emotional expression, making each performance an unforgettable musical experience. Comparison Between Gut and Synthetic Strings In the comparison between Natural gut and synthetic strings, natural gut strings demonstrate superiority in many aspects: Stability: Natural gut strings can maintain their original specifications even after multiple

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