Introduction to Harp Olympics - Notes to the Teacher
This Preliminary Round of Harp Olympics is designed for the beginning harpist who does not read music. A child who has played the piano for one to two years, for example, should proceed directly to Stage I. The emphasis is on rote learning and imitation, with the child imitating what the teacher demonstrates in simple finger exercises. However, note-reading and musicianship skills will be developed simultaneously through the use of drills, games and solo rounds.
Harp Olympics is designed to be used by teachers of all methods and schools. Only very general suggestions for position (form) are given. In each of the different sections the pace may be altered according to the varying needs and gifts of the student.
In the beginning stages of Harp Olympics the intent is to have the student, first of all, enjoy playing the harp while developing good form and suppleness. Speed is not encouraged until the teacher is satisfied with the student's form - as is true in any athletic endeavor. It is important for the student to understand the long tern value of good position. To encourage this, special boxes have been placed periodically for the teacher and student to check position before continuing. Space is provided for the teacher to add any special points to be emphasized.
Since the development of memorization is very important for the harpist, it is urged that the student do some memory work each week, certainly all of the solo rounds and any supplementary repertoire the teacher wishes to assign. Children memorize very easily and are able to absorb greater and greater quantities, as long as it is done progressively.
It is hoped that each weekly lesson will naturally include some Work-Outs (technique), Games and Drills (note-reading and musicianship) and Solo Rounds (easy progressive pieces) — giving the student a balanced and enjoyable program of study. Harp Olympics is intended to prepare the student to move smoothly into standard etudes and solo repertoire.
The use of improvisation is encouraged throughout Harp Olympics. Children love to make up their own pieces. The teacher may wish to elaborate on the suggested ideas for improvisations. The teacher may also wish to vary the exercises by the use of transposition to other keys.
The qualifying Marathons at the end of each book will serve as a review of all the material covered and be an incentive for the student to progress to the following stage. One or more solos should be performed by memory at the same time and be noted on the certificate.
It would be desirable for the teacher to make the Marathon a special occasion for the student, signifying a certain level of accomplishment.
As each stage of Harp Olympics is completed it is recommended that the student continue to perform for the teacher the Marathons from the previous stages as a matter of review.
Contents
Introduction to Harp Olympics
Equipment Check/General Information
Non - pedal harp
Pedal harp
Pedals and Levers
More Parts of the Harp
Range of the Harp
Tuning
Replacing Strings
The Harp Doctor
Workouts
Rules of the Game & Personal Fouls
Form Check
I. Work Outs
A. Four - Finger Warm Ups, Mixed Relays, Say and Play
B. Double Warm Ups
C. Three - Finger Warm Ups
D. One and Two Finger Warm Ups
E. Sliding (The Glissando)
F. Balance Beams, Thirds, Fifths
G. Muffle
II. More Work Outs
Games and Drills
Basic Note Reading Skills
1. The Staff
2. The Treble Clef
3. Notes
4. Lines of the Treble Staff
5. Spaces of the Treble Staff
6. Note Review
7. Review of Lines and Spaces of the Treble Staff
8. The Bass Clef
9. Lines of the Bass Staff
10. Spaces of the Bass Staff
11. Note Review with Bass Clef
12. The Great Staff
13. The Time Signature
14. Bar Lines and Measures
15. The Dotted Half-Note
16. Count and Tap
17. Rests
18. Review of Notes and Rests
19. Count and Tap
20. Sharps, Flats and Naturals
21. Pedals and Levers
22. Dynamics Drills
23. Brain Drills
24. Signs and Symbols
25. Improvisations
Preliminary Solos
The Harp Drum
Your Song (solo and duet)
Bunny Hop
Glissando Round - Up
Song of the Harp (solo and duet)
Fa, Sol, La, Do
Lullaby
Frere Jacques
The Clock Tower - "Three - O - clock"
Glissando Waltz
Patterns Suite
Falling Leaves - Harp I and II
Snowflakes - Harp I and II
Good-Bye to Winter - Harp I and II
Animal Suite
1. Donkey, Donkey
2. Lady Bug
3. The Great Big Camel
4. Blue Bird
5. Monkey Swinging
6. Gentle Lamb
7. Dreamy Little Cow
Preliminary Marathon
1. Work Outs
2. Brain Drills
3. Rhythm
4. Note Skills
5. Signs and Symbols
6. Pedals and Levers
Harp Olympics Certificate - Preliminary Round