Getting Started with IHTP

Getting started with IHTP

Greetings,

Here is a detailed outline of how to get started on your preparation for the new Int'l Harp Therapy Program beginning in September 2010. There are two tracks outlined here. Please choose the track that best suits you.

TRACK 1 - FOR HARP PLAYERS and BEGINNERS who understand basic theory and can read music:

Please follow the following steps for your preparation:

1. Order Creative Harping DVDs (to begin, you can order just #1 and #2.) Eventually you will want to have submitted recordings for #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8 and #10. We expect that you will have studied the first six DVDs before you enter into the program in September 2010. It takes about 1 month of study for each of the DVD lessons.

a. Carefully study the Introduction, #1. You should be able to go through your music books and determine the mode of each piece of music and write at least the first two chords recommended to improvise on. This applies to any key that the music is written in. The whole basis of the program - progressing through Resonant Tone to the Celtic Circle of music depends on you understanding this first DVD lesson - How to find the Mode of a piece and the chords that go with that mode. If you are unable to do this, then please obtain a basic theory book to understand the circle of fifths. You may also want to review with one of our SKYPE teachers. Click here to order CREATIVE HARP DVDs

2. Apply to the IHTP with this application form. You will be assigned a mentor who will begin reviewing your recorded lessons and send you back your evaluation for your future portfolio. Your mentor will guide you through the IHTP program. Be sure to let us know your language and if you have a command of the English language. Be sure to read our BROCHURE on-line so you are familiar with requirements. Here is the link for the APPLICATION only.

3. Recording your Creative Harping DVD submissions. You can send in a cassette, CD or best, is an electronic recording - none to go more than 4 minutes.

a. If you have a MAC, you can record through Garage Band and send the submission to your mentor. If you have an iPod touch, you can do a voice memo recording and send it via email. If you have a PC, follow the guidelines (Method 2 is best) with these instructions: RECORDING

b. You will record just one of the pieces (sometimes there is only one song to learn sometimes up to 3-4 pieces. Select just one piece and follow it with an improvisation that is based on the same key, same mode and same rhythm as the song. Play this song as if someone is transtitioning. We are looking for sensitivity in the music. In our work, LESS IS MORE so please do not overplay. Remember, if you bass hand is busy, keep the melody sparse and the converse, if the melody line is busy, keep the bass simple. In addition, incorporate at least two of the left hand patterns in your improvisation so that the bass does not sound repetitious. Submit this to your mentor and you will receive an evaluation back to put in your future portfolio.

4. READING LIST (Go to the Reading List page on this site) - Please begin reading the required and books of choice from the Reading list. We are in the midst of revising this list so you may find that some of the books will now be out of print since you first looked. It is fine that you have read the previous required books. As you read the book, reflect on how the information in the book will help you as a Therapeutic Harp Practitioner. If you speak another language, please contact Harprealm through our online contact form and we will put you in touch with some of our SKYPE teachers from other countries. You will be allowed to read books in your own language and complete the forms in your native language. Book reports are to be at least 1 type written page. Please list the title of the book and author and don't forget your name. You may submit these via e-mail.

5. Begin learning the six required pieces.

Four of these songs fit into the Chinese Five Elemental Modes. Please choose from the following so that you will have music to play to balance energies. (You will learn about this in DVD Lesson #9.

Begin working on the following selections - any level presented in the book and you can do your own arrangement or embellishment of the song:

Click here for ILLUMINATIONS HEALING HARP BOOK and CD

1) Little Dove or Unite (Earth Element) - This is Ionian Mode played in moderate tempo and light.
2) Harbor Cove or Tranquility (Water Element) - This is a deep Aeolian Mode played slowly.
3) Shadow Spirit or Annwyn (Wood Element) - This is a light Aeolian Mode played flowingly.
4) Diamonds from Heaven or Cherubim (Fire Element) - This is a Major Mode - Ionian or sometimes Mixolydian that is played up tempo. These should be played rather quickly.
5) Clair de Lune (page 132 in the Illuminations Healing Harp Book) - A detailed fingering guide is found HERE.
6) Somewhere Over The Rainbow - (Contact your mentor for the arrangement)
These pieces have structure yet are unfamiliar (except Clair de Lune) and serve the various human elements. For the Metal Element, the Chanter or Scarborough Faire in the Dorian mode is appropriate.

6. Begin reading the Cradle of Sound 600 page class textbook. You will want to have this covered by the time you enter the on-line courses. CRADLE OF SOUND - HARP THERAPY MANUAL

TRACK 2 - FOR BEGINNERS WHO DO NOT READ MUSIC - Please contact us for a SKYPE teacher who will begin preparing you to enter into the program. Depending on how quickly you want to enter the program, you will have a choice of teachers who will either take you through the first 6 Creative Harping DVDs so you can join in September 2010 or you may want to progress more slowly. For you SKYPE Teacher recommendation contact us: online contact form

For, very basic beginners not reading music, you will also want to begin with the Rainbow of Sound books #1 (Purple) and #2 (Blue). These will show basic technique, how to tune your harp, how to change a string and how to read and play the treble and bass clefs. Book #4 (Yellow) teaches you about levers (and accidentals) and Book #5 (Orange) begins you on basic improvisation. Rainbow of Sound Books and DVDs

HARPS

The International Harp Therapy Program uses all sizes of harps, however, since many people are excited to work 'interactively' with their clients and patients, the small therapeutic harp becomes the choice of our practitioners. We have researched and helped builders design harps that are the top of the line. To see our collection of recommended harps and a list of used harps, please go to:
Therapy Harps