Apr 07 2025 33 mins
My harp background is in the Salzedo method. This is the technique method devised and taught by legendary harpist Carlos Salzedo. It was at the time, the early part of the twentieth century, a startlingly different concept of harp playing and harp technique and the aim was to bring the harp into the modern world. The aesthetic of the method varied in almost every way possible from the French tradition in which Salzedo was trained.
But we aren’t discussing physical technique today. We are discussing practice technique, one practice technique in particular: slow practice. Please understand that slow practice has always been a part of harp studies and for very good reasons, which we will discuss shortly. Salzedo, however, was known for teaching his students to practice slowly and loudly.
I need to quickly add a couple of disclaimers. First, the loud and slow practice attributed to the Salzedo method is a broad statement, and as such, is not completely accurate. Second, and more importantly, it wasn’t the only kind of practice he advocated. Third, please remember that slow practice isn’t only for Salzedo method harpists; it’s important for us all. That’s the point of today’s podcast: why slow practice is vital for being able to play your pieces accurately and expressively at the goal tempo.
I want to explore with you what slow practice is all about and how you can start your own habit of slow practice. We’ll talk about the practice strategies themselves, but I also want to focus on how to use slow practice to eliminate mistakes, strengthen your technique, eliminate hesitations and pauses in your music and to be able to play with more expression and musicality.
While I think slow practice can work miracles, there are also times when slow practice is not helpful, and I’ll go over those with you, too.
Links to things I think you might be interested in that were mentioned in the podcast episode:
- Join our April Seminar series, “Rhythm Makeover.”
- Study with a Harp Mastery® Certified Coach.
- Harpmastery.com
Get involved in the show! Send your questions and suggestions for future podcast episodes to me at [email protected]
LINKS NOT WORKING FOR YOU? FInd all the show resources here: https://www.harpmastery.com/blog/Episode-203
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