Harp Knowledge and Techniques

Beth Colton, a harpist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, introduces the harp, highlighting its unique features like 47 strings and seven pedals. She shares her personal journey with the instrument, starting from childhood. Beth demonstrates various harp techniques, including plucking, harmonics, and using the harp as a percussion instrument. She explains the range of sounds the harp can produce, from heavenly glissandos to eerie effects. The video concludes with a performance of Mozart's 'Glissando Waltz', showcasing the harp's iconic sound.

How many strings does the harp have?

• 36

• 47

• 52

• 60

What do the pedals on the harp correspond to on a piano?

• White keys

• Black keys

• Both white and black keys

• None of the above

Why did Beth Colton choose to play the harp?

• It was the only instrument available

• She liked its sound

• She found it easy to learn

• Her mother played the harp

At what age did Beth Colton start playing the harp seriously?

• 20

• 5

• 10

• 16

How many fingers are used to pluck the strings on the harp?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

What is the soundboard on a harp?

• The part that supports the harp

• The part that holds the pedals

• The part that amplifies the sound

• The part where strings are attached

What technique involves using the fingernail to play close to the soundboard?

• Plucking

• Harmonics

• Glissando

• Percussion

What is the range of the harp compared to?

• A guitar

• A piano

• A flute

• A violin

Which composer wrote the piece 'Glissando Waltz'?

• Johann Sebastian Bach

• Ludwig van Beethoven

• Franz Schubert

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

What is one of the most iconic techniques of the harp?

• Plucking

• Arpeggio

• Harmonics

• Glissando