How to write for harp

Welcome to How to write for the harp – a harp method for composers.

In the following ten videos, we explain how harp playing works.

You will discover what our instrument and our bodies can do, across different sounds and techniques.

 

Each video is accompanied by a downloadable PDF. This documents relevant notation, particularly the most common, universally accepted symbols.

We hope to clear up misunderstandings, imagined or written down, and inspire you with new sounds and ideas. We look forward to receiving many clear, playful and playable scores!


Instrument
Playing
Resonance & Muffling techniques
Pedals
Arpeggio
Glissando
Harmonics
Bisbigliando
Special Techniques 1
Special Techniques 2
Our philosophy