How To Harp Podcast

Heather chats with Karen about carving out a meaningful harp life as an adult, from rediscovering the instrument after college to building a career centred on service, teaching, and creativity.They explore therapeutic music in hospitals, hearing and using modes by colour, and what makes the double strung harp such a freeing instrument to play.In this episode:• How Karen went from violin and pedal harp at school to finding lever harp as an affordable way back into playing• How an in-person harp event became the turning point for choosing an instrument and a direction• Therapeutic music in hospitals: what the training involves, what the work is like, and how to avoid burnout• A thoughtful discussion on volunteering vs getting paid, and how to donate your fee without taking paid work away from others• Modes as colour and mood: comparing modes by keeping the same tonal centre for clearer “light and shadow” hearing• Karen’s Dorian work and arranging approach, plus where to find her resources• Why she chose the double strung harp, how she adapted to it, and the musical benefits of having two string courses• Highs and lows of learning therapeutic music, including the reality of making mistakes with a vulnerable population• Karen’s advice to adult learners: stop stopping, practise recovering, and build confidence through continuityThis is a warm, practical conversation about making music that serves, learning with curiosity, and giving yourself permission to play with more freedom.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Karen Peterson - Harpist, Teacher, Certified Music PractitionerLearn 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!#HowToHarpPodcast #HowToHarp #HeatherDownieHarpist #TherapeuticHarp #DoubleStrungHarp

A well-rounded warm-up helps you play with better sound, more ease, and clearer focus, even when your practice time is limited. Heather shares the simple structure she uses to prepare both body and mind before moving into repertoire and explains how to choose exercises that directly support the skills you need in your pieces.In this episode:• Why skipping warm-ups can actually make your practice less effective• The two key purposes of warming up: physical preparation and mental focus• “Settle and centre” and how a short reset can transform your session• Close work, stretch work, and creative work explained simply• How to match warm-up exercises to the techniques in your repertoire• Why creative time belongs in your warm-up• An introduction to Heather’s new warm-up book and her upcoming Edinburgh International Harp Festival courseThis episode is a practical reminder that warm-ups can be short, structured, and powerful when chosen intentionally.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn 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!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #AdultLearner #HarpPractice

Heather sits down with Melanie, a German harp learner and active member of How To Harp, to talk about building confidence, creativity, and consistency as an adult harpist. They explore how the harp “chose” her, how harmony study unlocked improvisation and composition, and how goals and community helped her move from simply playing notes to truly making music.In this episode:• Melanie’s journey from discovering the harp in Ireland to starting lessons in 2020• Using the harp as a “duet partner” for singing rather than just an accompaniment instrument• How the harmony courses helped her understand chords, lead sheets, and musical freedom• Writing her first composition and overcoming the fear of the blank page• Why recording feels so difficult and how she gradually built confidence• Studying for ABRSM Grade 3 and earning a distinction• The importance of goals, routines, and community support in adult learningThis episode is an encouraging reminder that progress comes through curiosity, small goals, and staying connected to the joy of music.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Melanie Kalb - Harp Learner & How To Harp MemberLearn 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!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #AdultLearner #HarpPractice

Heather and Angela share honest health updates and talk about how to keep learning harp when your body and energy levels are unpredictable. Together they explore practical, compassionate strategies for adapting your practice, staying motivated, and finding support when chronic illness or long term health challenges affect your harping.In this episode:• Heather shares an update on recovering from a DVT and pulmonary embolisms• Angela shares her diagnosis of a rare chronic blood cancer (MPN) and the fatigue that can come with it• Why listening to your body and following medical advice matters more than pushing through• How to practise self compassion and avoid catastrophizing on harder days• The power of tiny steps (even when you cannot play) and finding positives in the struggle• Why your identity is not defined by your productivity, service, or illness• The importance of community and support when health challenges feel isolatingThis episode will help you feel less alone, and give you flexible ways to keep moving forward as a harp learner, one small step at a time.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To HarpLearn 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. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #ChronicIllness #HarpMotivation

The conversation explores an unconventional route into the harp, beginning during postgraduate study and growing into a life immersed in traditional music, teaching, and performance. Heather and Karen reflect on what gives Scottish harp playing its distinctive voice, from ornamentation and clean sound to phrasing, history, and musical identity.In this episode:• An unexpected journey into the harp and the mentors who shaped that early path• How Scottish traditional style influences sound, technique, and musical choices• Why ornamentation matters and how it transforms fingering and flow• Behind the scenes of recording an album across multiple harps and collaborations• A powerful reminder for adult learners to enjoy the learning process and stop apologising for mistakesThis episode will help you feel more connected to the tradition behind the music you play, and offer inspiration to listen more deeply, play more intentionally, and enjoy learning for what it is.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:Karen Marshalsay - Professional Harpist & How To Harp Guest TutorLearn 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. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #ScottishHarp #HarpOrnamentation

Heather gives a quick update on her health and answers a wide range of listener questions about upcoming events, learning opportunities, and what is next inside How To Harp. Alongside the update, this episode offers clarity on retreats, festivals, and new ways harp learners can set goals and measure progress.In this episode:• A short health update and how things are progressing• Details about the upcoming How To Harp retreat and how to take part• What Heather is teaching at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival• An overview of the new How To Harp certification and how it works• How level-based pathways support long-term harp learningThis episode is ideal for learners who enjoy behind-the-scenes updates, practical information, and clear guidance on how to stay engaged and motivated in their harp journey.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn 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. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpQandA #HarpCommunity

Heather shares a personal health update after a serious medical event that forced her to hit pause, and reflects on the emotional impact of suddenly not being able to harp. She also shares one simple mindset shift to help you keep moving forward when your plans get interrupted, by focusing on the smallest next step you can take today.In this episode:• A personal update on what has been happening behind the scenes• Why guilt can show up when you cannot practice, and how to handle it with more kindness• A simple way to stay connected to your goals when your energy is low• How to measure progress in tiny, realistic steps• The one small action Heather is using to move closer to harping againThis episode will help you stay motivated and compassionate with yourself when life knocks you off track, and remind you that small steps still count as progress.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpLearn 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. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpMotivation #HarpPractice

Heather chats with June about her harp learning journey, from picking up music again after retiring to falling in love with the harp and diving in wholeheartedly as a learner. June shares what helped her most in the early stages, including moving to a full size floor harp, finding teachers and online resources, and building confidence through community and performance.In this episode:• How June found her way to the harp after exploring other instruments• The realities of learning on a very small harp, and why upgrading to a full size harp made a difference• How online learning, retreats, and coaching supported her progress• Joining an in person ensemble and adapting string music for harp• Why memorisation and taking opportunities to play can be so empoweringThis episode will help you feel encouraged in your own harp journey, and remind you that progress comes from staying curious, getting support, and finding ways to play that keep the joy alive.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest:June Epp - Learner HarpistLearn 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. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #EnsemblePlaying #HarpCommunity

In this Harpy Tutor Chat, Heather and Angela explore what really helps learners stay engaged with their harp practice over the long term, and how the language we use with ourselves can either support or sabotage progress. Drawing on ideas shared by Dr. Eric Booth, the conversation reflects on the real challenges adult learners face when staying motivated, especially when goals begin to feel like obligations rather than genuine choices.In this episode:• What intrinsic motivation really means for harp learners• Why willpower alone often is not enough to sustain long term progress• How words like “should” and “have to” can quietly drain motivation• The role of curiosity, autonomy, and mindset in staying engaged• Why success can look different for every harpistThis episode will help you reflect on what truly motivates you as a learner, and how small shifts in mindset and language can lead to more joy, consistency, and confidence in your harp practice.Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To HarpGuest: Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To Harp, Creator of Talking HarpsLearn 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. See you next week!#HowToHarpPodcast #HarpLearning #HeatherDownieHarpist #IntrinsicMotivation #HarpPractice

This week’s episode is all about how a life shaped by travel, curiosity, and community can transform the way you learn, play, and share harp music. Sunita Staneslow joins me to talk about her journey from classical foundations into folk, arranging, therapeutic harp work, and creating music that connects deeply with people and place.In This Episode:• Sunita’s early musical life in Minnesota, and how the harp found its way into her world• Studying music alongside a broader academic path, and how travel shaped her career choices• The shift from classical training into folk music, arranging, and playing more by ear• Moving to Shetland, community music making, and how quiet spaces can fuel creativity• Using the harp in therapeutic settings, and why sharing beauty really mattersIf you’re an adult learner looking for inspiration to find your own musical voice, this conversation will help you reconnect with what you love, and give you fresh perspective on what progress can look like.Host:Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Founder of How To HarpGuest:Sunita Staneslow - Harpist, arranger and therapeutic musicianLearn With Us:https://www.howtoharp.com (Courses, Membership and Retreats)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow. See you next week!#HowToHarp #HarpPractice #HeatherDownieHarpist #ShetlandHarp #HarpArranging

As the year draws to a close, this solo harp tip episode invites you to pause, reflect, and think more intentionally about how you want to move forward with your harping. Rather than rushing into new resolutions, Heather encourages a calmer, more thoughtful approach to goal setting that supports real progress and enjoyment.In this episode:• Tip 1: Look back before you look forward, and reflect honestly on what worked and what didn’t• Tip 2: Set intentions alongside goals to shape how you play, not just what you play• Tip 3: Create a realistic, sustainable plan that fits your life and energyThis episode is perfect for anyone who wants to feel more motivated, less guilty, and more confident about their harp practice in the year ahead.Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpGoals #HarpPractice

Karina is a highly experienced top-tier musician, and in this episode she shares what it has been like to become a learner harpist. From those very first steps, to playing with others and setting new creative goals. We chat about starting out, choosing (and falling in love with) different harps, and how online community and in-person events can completely transform your learning.In this episode:• How Karina first got into the harp, and why it kept calling her back• Starting online with Little Harp Social (and why technique foundations matter)• Buying harps in the UK and learning what you actually love in an instrument• Using projects, recording, and looping to stay motivated and make progress• Playing with others, including orchestral experiences, and why it can level up your harping fastIf you want inspiration to stay curious, keep learning, and stay connected to other harpists as you grow, this chat will leave you feeling energised and full of ideas.Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Karina - Learner HarpistEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #LearnerHarpist #HarpJourney

As we reach the end of the year, Heather and Angela sit down for an unscripted, in-person Harpy Chat and reflect honestly on what this year has looked like. Together, they explore what it takes to stay connected to your own harping when work, teaching, and life feel full.In this episode:• A real-life round-up of the highs (and challenges) of the past year• Why personal harping can get harder when you are teaching and creating all day• How morning harp time, motivation, and guilt show up differently for different people• Setting realistic hopes and goals for the year ahead, and saying them out loud• Accountability ideas, including lessons, ensembles, and personal creative projectsIf you have been feeling pulled in a hundred directions, this chat will help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with what you want from your harping going into the new year.Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To HarpEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpPractice #HarpGoals

Learning an instrument is about so much more than notes and technique. In this episode, Heather sits down with renowned teaching artist, writer and educator Eric Booth to explore how understanding learning, teaching and creativity can transform your harping and your life.In this episode: • Eric shares his journey from Broadway actor to pioneering teaching artist • What a “teaching artist” is and why this mindset matters for every musician • How teaching or explaining something deepens your own learning and musicianship • Why the learning environment and community around you are as important as the content • Self determined learning, intrinsic motivation and staying connected to joy in your practice • Practical ideas for giving yourself meaningful feedback as an adult learner • The “law of 80 percent” and what it means for how you show up as a musician and sharer of musicHost: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Eric Booth – Teaching artist, author of Making Change: Teaching Artists and Their Role in Shaping a Better World, and international leader in arts educationEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow or subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #TeachingArtist #ArtsEducation

Keeping a regular harp practice routine can feel challenging, especially when life gets full and unpredictable. In this solo episode Heather shares honest, practical advice to help you stay connected to your harp in simple and sustainable ways.In this episode: • Why short, focused sessions can be more effective than long ones • How to use time blocking to make practice actually happen • Ways to make your harp practice space easier, faster and more inviting • The power of keeping things visual so your harp stays front of mind • How an accountability partner can transform your consistencyThese tools can help you build momentum, reduce guilt, and enjoy your harp practice even during busy seasons.Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow, subscribe, and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpPractice #PracticeMotivation

A warm and inspiring conversation with harp learner Katherine, whose journey has been filled with perseverance, rediscovery, and the joy of finally returning to the harp after decades away. She shares how she found her way back to music, what the harp means to her, and the breakthroughs that have shaped her recent playing.Many listeners will also recognise her as the Customer Relations Manager at How To Harp, a role she grew into after joining the membership as a learner and connecting deeply with the community.In this episode:• How childhood inspiration led Katherine to the harp• Why she returned to harp learning after many decades away• How music helped her through anxiety, ADHD and loss• Her first public performances, including café sessions and choir concerts• What she has learned about practice, confidence and setting meaningful goals• The highs and lows of her harp journey so farThis episode offers a beautiful reminder that harp learning is personal, emotional and full of unexpected milestones.Host: Heather Downie — Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Katherine Rigby-Jones — Harp Learner and Customer Relations Manager at How To HarpEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow and subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpJourney #HarpLearner

Finding a tuner you trust can transform both your sound and your sanity in the practice room. In this in-person tutor chat, Heather and Angela compare two Peterson strobe models and share what actually made a difference to tuning accuracy and workflow on lever and pedal harp. Expect plain-spoken pros/cons, real-world setup tips, and a few “wish I’d known this sooner” moments.In this episode: • What makes Peterson’s “harp sweeteners” different (and when to use them) • Freestanding HDC vs clip-on: accuracy, usability, and portability • The steep learning curve (and how to cut tuning time back down) • Dealing with overtones, noise, and where to clip/place your tuner • Price points and value: when the investment is worth it • Bonus on the HDC: built-in metronome, visual cues, and stage visibility • Why your ear still matters (and how to pair ear checks with a tuner)Watch to the end to leave with a clearer, calmer tuning routine that helps your harp ring true, and frees up more time for actual playing!Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To HarpEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpTuning #PetersonTuners

An inspiring look into the world of jazz harp with professional harpist Amanda Whiting. Amanda shares her journey from growing up in Wales, discovering the harp at the age of five, and blending her classical roots with her lifelong love of pop and jazz. Her reflections on practice, creativity, and balance offer both encouragement and insight for harpists at every stage of their musical path.In this episode: • Discover how Amanda first fell in love with the harp • The challenge of bridging classical training with jazz freedom • Lessons from studying and performing at Ronnie Scott’s • Finding time for creativity while balancing life and family • What Amanda learned about rhythm, confidence, and self-expression • Advice for harpists on staying consistent and practicing with intentionHost: Heather Downie — Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpGuest: Amanda Whiting — Jazz Harpist, Composer & Recording ArtistEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow / subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: 👉 https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HarpTips #HeatherDownieHarpist #JazzHarp #PracticeWithIntention

A thoughtful and inspiring episode for harp learners at every stage. Discover practical advice on how to make progress, structure your practice, and find motivation when things feel slow. Heather also answers listener questions on technique, sound, and keeping your playing creative and enjoyable.In this episode: • The three questions harp learners ask most • How to know what to work on to improve • Building a balanced and enjoyable practice routine • Fixing buzzes, tension, and technical issues • Breaking through learning plateaus • Adding emotion and polish to your pieces • Easy ways to make your tunes sound spooky for Halloween • Motivation and perspective for adult harp learnersHost: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us:https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HarpTips #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpQandA #AdultLearners

***RE-UPLOAD - this is a re-upload of the original episode from 24th Oct 2025 as it was removed by Spotify (in error!! 🤦)Heather offers a short, honest reflection on the mindset that can make harp progress feel simpler and more satisfying: there isn’t only one “right” way. She shares how listening to your body, staying true to yourself, and letting go of perfection can unlock confidence at any age.In this episode:• The single mindset shift Heather wishes she’d had on day one• Why there’s more than one right way to play• How to listen to your body and adapt your setup• Finding teachers who help you think from different angles• Encouragement for adult beginners and returnersHost: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To HarpEnjoying the show? New episodes weekly.Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)#HowToHarp #HarpTips #HeatherDownieHarpist #BeginnerHarp #AdultLearners