How Do You Write Music For A Harp?
The harp has long been thought to be the most underutilized and misunderstood instrument in a symphony orchestra. Writing music for one requires myriad knowledge of not only what the harp is capable of doing, but also the capabilities of the harpist. You’ll need these generalized tips on how to compose effectively so a harpist can be challenged musically without being driven mad with impossible technical demands. Learn that writing music for a harp isn’t the same as writing for a piano. Know that even though a harp staff is identical to a staff for piano, how it’s executed is much different. Remember that harps have strings that are plucked, which is different from how a piano is played, unless you add the plucking of piano strings to a score. Take this into consideration when writing passages of music for a harp. Watch a harpist play and you’ll find that the position of the harp prevents him or her from plucking strings easily in the bass clef with a right hand. Write music that enabl
