Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the harp weigh?
Each harp weighs differently because they are hand carved and come in many
different sizes. My concert grand harp (the harp I perform on most often) weighs
approximately 80 lbs.
How do you move the harp around?
First, I protect the harp by putting a heavily padded, waterproof cover on it. I move it
by using a wheeled dolly and transport it in a large SUV. Although this process may
sound cumbersome, after years of practice I have it down to a science.
What kinds of music can you play on the harp?
If properly arranged, almost all music is playable on the harp. Most often, harpist will
arrange piano music by adjusting any chromatic notes and rearranging the music for 8
fingers insterad of 10 (since harpist only use 8 fingers). I perform a wide variety of
musi randing from Baroque, to Jazz, Broadway and even popular tunes of today!
What do the pedals do?
Unlike the piano, the 7 pedals on a harp do not adjust its volume. The pedals actually
lengthen or shorten each string to change its pitch by a half step.
Why are some of the strings colored?
The harp strings are colored so that the harpist can tell what note it is. All the C's on a
harp are red strings, while the F's are either black or blue (depending on the harp).
What is the difference between background music and wedding music?
When hiring a harpist to play background music you are askiung for music to be
played while another activity is happening (such as a party, dinner, reception etc).
The music remains in the background and the harpist has the liberty to select each
song within a specific genre. The music is not the main focus of the event. Wedding
music is different because the bride has the opportunity to select exactly what is to be
performed. Also, the music is more exposed and extremely important. It sets the
mood for the occasion and serves an important role during a wedding ceremony.
Because wedding music is so important, and demands an extreme attention to detail,
the price of hiring a harpist to play for a wedding is different than for background
music.
How long does it take to tune a harp?
The concert grand harp has 47 strings. Each string needs to be tuned every time the
harp is moved or experiences a change in climate. It takes me approximately 15
minutes to fully tune the harp.
What does a harp cost?
A professional model concert grand harp cost between $20,000 and $75,000.
Can the harp be taken up stairs?
I regularly move my harp up a few steps. With help, I can move the harp up and
down approximately 10-15 steps. Of course, the preferred method of moving a harp
to an alternate floor is elevators. It is always encouraged to find a handicapped
accesible entrance for the harp and equipment.
Will the harp be loud enough to be heard during my reception?
Although the harp is loud enough to be heard without any amplification, I also offer to
bring my own personal amplifier to any event. The volume of music is not only due to
the harp but also is affected by the architecture of the room, carpeting, and number of
people present.
How do I select what music is going to be played at my wedding?
I always hold a private consultation with every bride that I perform for about 2 months
before their wedding to talk about all of the music to be played. During the private
consultation we will discuss many possibilities for all of the music including
processional, recessional, and interludes. I will play selections for you to choose from
if you are not familiar with the music. I feel this consultation allows the bride to truly
tailor their wedding music to fit their style and personality.
What kind of harp do you play?
I play a Lyon and Healy style 30 concert grand harp most often. I also perform on a
Celtic lap harp with 22 strings and a troubadour harp with 36 strings.
Where was your harp made?
My harp was made by the Lyon and Healy Harp Company in Chicago, IL.
How old is your instrument?
My concert grand harp was built in the summer of 1998 and is approximately 10
years old. I also own a Celtic lap harp that was built in 2004 and a troubadour harp
that is approximately 20 years old.
Where can I see you perform?
I perform every week in public and invite any of my clients and potential clients to
come hear me perform and meet me in person. Please visit my Upcoming
Performances page for a list of performances.
Each harp weighs differently because they are hand carved and come in many
different sizes. My concert grand harp (the harp I perform on most often) weighs
approximately 80 lbs.
How do you move the harp around?
First, I protect the harp by putting a heavily padded, waterproof cover on it. I move it
by using a wheeled dolly and transport it in a large SUV. Although this process may
sound cumbersome, after years of practice I have it down to a science.
What kinds of music can you play on the harp?
If properly arranged, almost all music is playable on the harp. Most often, harpist will
arrange piano music by adjusting any chromatic notes and rearranging the music for 8
fingers insterad of 10 (since harpist only use 8 fingers). I perform a wide variety of
musi randing from Baroque, to Jazz, Broadway and even popular tunes of today!
What do the pedals do?
Unlike the piano, the 7 pedals on a harp do not adjust its volume. The pedals actually
lengthen or shorten each string to change its pitch by a half step.
Why are some of the strings colored?
The harp strings are colored so that the harpist can tell what note it is. All the C's on a
harp are red strings, while the F's are either black or blue (depending on the harp).
What is the difference between background music and wedding music?
When hiring a harpist to play background music you are askiung for music to be
played while another activity is happening (such as a party, dinner, reception etc).
The music remains in the background and the harpist has the liberty to select each
song within a specific genre. The music is not the main focus of the event. Wedding
music is different because the bride has the opportunity to select exactly what is to be
performed. Also, the music is more exposed and extremely important. It sets the
mood for the occasion and serves an important role during a wedding ceremony.
Because wedding music is so important, and demands an extreme attention to detail,
the price of hiring a harpist to play for a wedding is different than for background
music.
How long does it take to tune a harp?
The concert grand harp has 47 strings. Each string needs to be tuned every time the
harp is moved or experiences a change in climate. It takes me approximately 15
minutes to fully tune the harp.
What does a harp cost?
A professional model concert grand harp cost between $20,000 and $75,000.
Can the harp be taken up stairs?
I regularly move my harp up a few steps. With help, I can move the harp up and
down approximately 10-15 steps. Of course, the preferred method of moving a harp
to an alternate floor is elevators. It is always encouraged to find a handicapped
accesible entrance for the harp and equipment.
Will the harp be loud enough to be heard during my reception?
Although the harp is loud enough to be heard without any amplification, I also offer to
bring my own personal amplifier to any event. The volume of music is not only due to
the harp but also is affected by the architecture of the room, carpeting, and number of
people present.
How do I select what music is going to be played at my wedding?
I always hold a private consultation with every bride that I perform for about 2 months
before their wedding to talk about all of the music to be played. During the private
consultation we will discuss many possibilities for all of the music including
processional, recessional, and interludes. I will play selections for you to choose from
if you are not familiar with the music. I feel this consultation allows the bride to truly
tailor their wedding music to fit their style and personality.
What kind of harp do you play?
I play a Lyon and Healy style 30 concert grand harp most often. I also perform on a
Celtic lap harp with 22 strings and a troubadour harp with 36 strings.
Where was your harp made?
My harp was made by the Lyon and Healy Harp Company in Chicago, IL.
How old is your instrument?
My concert grand harp was built in the summer of 1998 and is approximately 10
years old. I also own a Celtic lap harp that was built in 2004 and a troubadour harp
that is approximately 20 years old.
Where can I see you perform?
I perform every week in public and invite any of my clients and potential clients to
come hear me perform and meet me in person. Please visit my Upcoming
Performances page for a list of performances.
 |
| Marguerite Lynn Williams marguerite@mlwharp.com 773-791-7520 Chicago Harpist ~ Marguerite Lynn Williams ~ Professional musician in Chicago, IL~ Providing elegant harp music for wedding ceremonies and special events. Harp Lessons, party entertainment, classical, jazz, Celtic and chamber music. |
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