Search - Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp by Sylvia Woods on DVD

Teaching Yourself to Play the Harp

Deva K. Kolb | 02/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this book years ago but only recently was I able to buy a harp. I don't read music and lessons aren't available in my town, so I bought the DVD to go with my book. Bingo! The perfect combination! The DVD is so professionally choreographed that each lesson is clear and easy to understand! You learn one lesson at a time, then go to the next. I can practice anytime I want (even at 3 AM). I repeat the lesson as often as I need. This is BETTER than a teacher! I am absoultely thrilled with this book and DVD. Anyone who wants to learn the harp, even if you have a teacher, will definitely benefit from Sylvia Woods books, CDs and DVD.

When I watched the DVD for the first time, I had tears of joy when I realized that I can finally learn to play the harp--after 30 years of waiting to be able to buy a harp! This is my dream come true. I received an email from Sylvia offering further help if I needed it. How cool is that! This is the best book and DVD on the market for learning to play the harp! I can only give this book and DVD 5 stars, I wish they allowed me to give her more, I would give them 10 stars! Deva"

Excellent, but make sure you get the book too.

Chris Hawkins | Richmond, CA USA | 06/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sylvia Woods is a well-known, highly respected performer and teacher of the folk harp. This DVD maintains the high standards she has set in her publications. With that in mind, it's a good idea to get her book of the same name as you work through the DVD (check the reviews of the book). Sylvia's playing is beautiful, and her knowledge immense. Her delivery can be somewhat intense, and sometimes I found myself wishing she'd lighten up, but this doesn't detract from the quality of the content. Her web site is www.harpcenter.com/ and gives lots of useful information on the harp. Happy harping!"

First Steps at the Folk Harp

Lucy Johnson | Montpelier, VT USA | 03/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD begins with the basic Yankee-Doodle and Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star. Sylvia Woods does not insult your intelligence by lingering on children's nursery rhyme tunes for more than the first lesson (although I am big fan of Lavenders Blue). These are used as more of 'an introduction to your harp' sort of thing. Soon enough you are learning how to pre-place your fingers, cross-over, climbing, and rolled chords.
At about lesson 5 you learn "Scarborough Fair", lesson 6; "Greensleeves", lesson 11; "Wild Mountain Thyme" and several other traditional Celtic tunes within each lesson.
I have had lessons on the harp before, but for some reason this DVD was easier to follow and just the right speed. Worth every penny. After using the DVD and following it religiously I have already played at a couple of weddings!
You should plan to buy the book after the second lesson however."