Japanese Folksongs for the Small Harp contains 23 Japanese folk songs and lullabies taken from folksongs and Koto literature including the popular ?Sakura? transcribed from Kototablature and adapted for the large Lever Harp. The arrangements are appropriate for a smalllever harp with 1 octave below middle C and tuned to Eb or C. Songsin two keys are noted with an * in Contents. Thesongs are very accessible and appropriate for mid-beginner to intermediateplayers with limited or easy lever changes and endeavor to remain true to thesound of the Koto zither. Some of thesongs in the book include both an easy and intermediate arrangement.

ISBN 9781619118331.

Folk Harp for the Young Beginner is designed for beginning harpists with no prior musical experience. The book presents two new methods for reading notation built around recognizing common musical patterns over traditional single note reading. Each group of songs has fun, engaging exercises that will build the studentas coordination and confidence. The material draws from timeless melodies from classical, Renaissance, Celtic, English, old-time and traditional folk repertoire.Topics covered in this method include: aC/ How to tune the harp aC/ Reading music notation and counting rhythm, including two methods for reading ledger lines aC/ Recognizing basic fingering and bass patterns aC/ Changing keys with sharping levers aC/ Using brackets to help see note patterns aC/ Chord inversions Additional resources include rhythm practice and workout pages to test your musical knowledge. Helpful reference photos can also be found inside. Includes access to online audio.

This book is filled with short exercises and excellent descriptions and drawings. Even though this book assumes the reader is a beginner, it does not cover note-reading. However, it covers the basics of playing the double strung harp (two parallel rows of strings.) Exercises explain the unique sounds this instrument can produce. Focuses on placing, echoing, rolled chords, crossing over and under, scales, wandering thumb, and more.

Tunes are: All Through the Night, Rose Rose, Reflecting Moon, For Ruth, Nonesuch, Chanter?s Tune, Einini, Mairi?s Wedding, Si Beag Si Mor. All of these tunes have variations using methods unique to the double strung harp

Level: Mid beginner harpand#8203;

Type of harp: lever harps, including lap harps.

and#8203;Key: C Major (no sharps or flats). No pedal or lever changes are included.

and#8203;Skills needed: You should be comfortable with using fingers 1, 2 and 3, and to use basic bracketing with hands together before trying this piece.