Alright, so in the posts to follow I'll be talking about what you can do if you're looking to play the harp and get paid for it, and doing it solo. There is a lot to consider, but of course, as the title suggests, I'll start off with the basics. First thing to playing for other people: having a repertoire of songs. And that's a list of songs that you've memorized that you can play without sheet music on the harp. For example, I myself have memorized 21 songs. Now they're not all long and complicated songs, you don't need to memorize all hard songs. Some of my songs are short and simple, and that's fine. Listeners like simplicity as well as complexity. If you like Celtic music, then you'll want to find Celtic songs to play. Trust me, if you do you'll find A LOT of that. I do too. But if you like some diversity, find songs from different genres. In my repertoire I have a couple Celtic songs, a couple jazz songs, songs from movies and tv shows, even a song from a video game! It's pretty sweet when you can play Silent Hill's Promise on the harp. I don't recommend memorizing 21 songs straight off, though. Start with five. If you can memorize five, then you've got a good repertoire going already. Maybe there's a song you want to play but you really, absolutely, for the sake of your life need sheet music when performing in public, then go for it. But in society it just looks more professional when you don't need the sheet music. Alright, so you got your repertoire, and you've memorized it. Now what? First off, play in front of relatives or friends. If you get stage fright, this'll help ease you in to performing in front of people before you actually get out there. Also, word of advice. When you're playing in front of someone, and you mess up on a song, don't react to it. Just do a glissando or something and keep going~ or just do a jig on the strings with your fingers. Most of the time no one notices if you mess up or not, so it's totally fine. Except if you're in the wrong key and you pluck a string that was supposed to be sharp or flat and wasn't because somehow you missed it. (from someone who admittedly knows ^__^) Even then they'll forgive you, as long as you just keep playing. Mistakes will be made less the more you play, I promise. Also, when first performing: smile! Okay, maybe you're not a very sociable person at all and you'd rather not talk to people, but if you can play without having to look at your strings for a second or two you can look up and smile at your audience. People like to see musicians have fun playing music, and it helps them consider wanting you to play for them in the future. If you don't look like you like them or the music you're playing, then they're less likely to want to hire you. Also, dress nice. Dressing well is also part of that impacting first impression you want to make. Yeah, I know, maybe some of you are like 'ew, gross, I have to dress formal.' Well, sorry, but if you want people to consider hiring you, that's a big part of it. Girls, if you're wearing a dress make sure that it's not too fitting, or else you can't steady the harp on yourself very well. Not even a dress, just a blouse and dress pants will do! When I busked at the Fringe I had very colourful attire on, as you can see if you check out my website www.thevenetianharper.com. Maybe you want a certain theme to go with your playing, like I did mine. Be creative whenever you can, with your selection of music and your look.
Alright, that's enough words on this post. More to come!
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