Harp Writing for Composers
Have you been told…
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…that writing for the harp is too difficult and time consuming?
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…just to write “whatever” because the harpist will have to change it anyway?
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…that your music “isn’t idiomatic,” but couldn’t offer any specific help?
Maybe you have…
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…spent days going down the YouTube rabbit hole, but ended up more confused than you started?
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…asked all your harpist friends for help, and they all tell you something different and contradictory?
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…attended a performance of your music, only to have it sound nothing like what you envisioned?
Say goodbye to the confusion and uncertainty.
Get the tools you need to write for the harp
with creativity and confidence!
Imagine that you can:
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Write in a way that fits the harpist’s hands
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Navigate chromaticism through the harp’s pedals
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Format a score and include all the understand all the unique harp notations
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Effectively include extended techniques (if you want)
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Create the music you envision without feeling limited or stuck
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Write music that harpists will want to play (even if you don’t play the harp yourself)
INTRODUCING…
Harp Writing for Composers
A 5-module course that will give you a framework to navigate writing for the harp
“[Harp Writing for Composers] is such a valuable resource for composers! After taking this course I feel like I’m now writing idiomatically for the harp with clear intention – it’s a game changer!”
–Katie LaBrie, composer
In the course, you’ll get:
- 5 Lesson Modules with tutorial videos and practice activities
- 10 PDF Reference Guides for quick reference
- Writing Lab for guided composition and exploration
- Virtual Office Hours so you can get all your questions answered
- Access to future bonus modules for continued learning
- Plus, alumni-only discounts to work with Danielle – Includes consults and remote recordings
If you’ve felt intimidated about writing for the harp, this course is FOR YOU!
We will break everything down and….
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You will walk away from this course with a fully written, playable piece for the harp
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You will know how to effectively include harp in future projects (no more wasted time!)
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You will have resources to guide you in future exploration
The Details:
5 Self-Guided Modules:
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Writing for the Harpist – Explore the mechanics of idiomatic writing
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Exploring Chromaticism – Learn how to navigate the pedals
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Making it Readable – Understand the nuances of formatting and engraving harp music
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It’s Still Playable – Master the details of playability
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Pushing the Boundaries – Delve into extended technique possibilities
Coming soon – a bonus lever harp supplement for Module 2!
Plus…
Use the weekly “Ask Danielle” form to get all your questions answered
Write a new harp solo during the ‘Writing Lab’ portions of each module
Submit your completed piece for feedback at the end of the course
Are you ready?
In case we haven’t met…
Hi, I’m Danielle!
As a harpist, I thought I understood what made “good harp music.” As an undergraduate student, I discovered my love for contemporary music and working with living composers – my friends and colleagues.
During my first few collaborations, I quickly learned that most composers knew very little about the harp. To make matters worse, I found that most of the orchestration books and harp manuals were incomplete and outdated. Plus, much of what we think of as “standard harp repertoire” isn’t actually that idiomatic.
(Yes, all the harp excerpts from well-known orchestral pieces that you’ve studied on IMSLP are heavily edited by harpists!)
Over the past 10 years, I’ve explored harp writing from all angles, collaborated with dozens of composers, and developed a framework to effectively teach harp writing.
I can’t wait to share it with you!
“[Before this course], I was very worried about the pedal motions, because that is the most advertised part in instrumentation classes, but it is just the surface of harp writing. I think this course has made me a better composer because, among the other things, it enabled me to explore the physicality of playing a complex and beautiful instrument such as the harp.”
-Marco Elia Righi, composer
FAQs
How long will this course take?
Each module is designed to be completed in under an hour. Time recommendations for each lesson are included, so you can plan how to fit it into your schedule. The course is self-guided, so you can complete it on your own time. However, you will have a deadline to submit your final project for feedback.
How long do I get access to the course?
This course is part of a monthly membership. You have access to the course for as long as you continue with the membership. (Except all PDF reference downloads are yours!)
Will you record my final piece during the course?
You will get feedback on your completed score. A recording is not included in the course, but can be arranged separately through remote recording.
Is the course live? Are there deadlines?
No, the video lessons are pre-recorded and the course is completely self-guided. You can watch it on your own time!
Will I get direct access to Danielle?
The Compose Harp Membership (which includes access to this course) includes monthly office hours where you can interact with Danielle directly, as well as a discussion forum to ask questions.