How To Harp Podcast

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 o...

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...

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 h...

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:...

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 wh...

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...

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 m...

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...

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: • Wh...

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 th...

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...

***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 a...

***RE-UPLOAD - this is a re-upload of the original episode from 17th Oct 2025 as it was removed by Spotify (in error!! 🤦) An inspiring chat about learning the harp later in life and finding joy in progress rather than perfection. A long-time member of the How To Harp community, Kathy shares her journey from receiving her very first harp as a surprise gift to building her YouTube channel Prime Tim...

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 t...

***RE-UPLOAD - this is a re-upload of the original episode from last week (17th OCT 2025) as it was removed by Spotify (in error!! 🤦) An inspiring chat about learning the harp later in life and finding joy in progress rather than perfection. A long-time member of the How To Harp community, Kathy shares her journey from receiving her very first harp as a surprise gift to building her YouTube chann...

An inspiring chat about learning the harp later in life and finding joy in progress rather than perfection. A long-time member of the How To Harp community, Kathy shares her journey from receiving her very first harp as a surprise gift to building her YouTube channel Prime Time Harpist and connecting with harp learners all over the world. In this episode: • Kathy’s story of how a birthday surprise...

Buying a harp is a big decision, and in this episode Heather and Angela share honest, practical advice to help you find the instrument that truly fits you. From ergonomics to sound, strings to soul, this in-person chat is full of guidance, laughter, and real-life harp wisdom from two experienced tutors. In this episode: - Angela introduces her brand-new Dusty Strings harp (and what makes it specia...

The How To Harp Christmas Collaboration is now open!! You can join in the fun here: https://www.howtoharp.com/courses/christmas-harp-collaboration-2025 This week Heather chats with professional harpist Dara Dubh about her journey from a small town in Northern Ireland to becoming one of Edinburgh’s most exciting contemporary harp voices. Dara shares how she blends her traditional roots with modern...

Heather offers a friendly nudge for adult harpists who love the holidays: it’s not “too early” to prepare festive music. Drawing on her own experience (and her love of Christmas tunes), she explains how to plan ahead so you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to share seasonal pieces when the time comes. In this episode: - When to start preparing Christmas/holiday repertoire (hint: earlier than...

This episode is all about encouragement for harp learners. Vy, a learner harpist and the person who sparked our monthly series of member stories, joins Heather to share the ups and downs of her harp journey and remind us that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Expect honest reflections, relatable stories, and words of motivation that will keep you inspired on your harp journey....

Heather and Angela are back for their second Harpy Tutor Chat - a monthly feature where the two How To Harp tutors catch up, share stories from behind the scenes, and chat about the joys and challenges of teaching and playing the harp. They reflect on how collaboration works when you live hundreds of miles apart, the importance of embracing your own learning pace, and how honest conversations with...

Heather sits down with Anna Dunwoodie in New Zealand for an inspiring conversation about her harp journey, from falling in love with the instrument as a child to building a vibrant harp community today. Anna shares stories of resilience, friendship, and the power of music to connect people, as well as practical encouragement for learners at every stage. In this episode: - Anna’s early beginnings w...

Heather shares this month’s harp tip with a reassuring reminder that you’re never too old to begin your harp journey. Drawing on her own experience of starting ‘late’ as a teenager, she reflects on the challenges, the self-doubt, and the turning points that helped her grow into a professional harpist. This episode is all about encouragement for adult learners, and a reminder that determination and...

Heather chats with learner harpist Victoria Johnson in a new monthly feature spotlighting harpists on their learning journey. These episodes are all about sharing real stories from fellow learners - inspiring you, motivating you, and reminding you that progress on the harp is possible at every stage. In this episode: - Victoria’s harp journey - how she discovered the instrument and committed to le...

Heather sits down with fellow harp tutor Angela for a fun, relaxed chat celebrating her first year teaching with How to Harp. They share teaching highs, lessons learned, and why a little bit of nerves can be a good thing. Along the way, you’ll hear relatable tips for harp learners and a surprisingly on-topic story about poached eggs. In this episode: Angela’s journey to becoming a harp tutor at Ho...