Writing for Harp

The course will incorporate a thorough
investigation of the physical and notational
aspects of harp techniques, with opportunities to
apply what the student has learned in several
composition projects. Throughout the course,
students will compose short works for solo harp
and harp with ensemble, culminating in one or
more recording sessions. Topics will include the
instrument itself and its mechanism, including
playing position and pedals; techniques such as
arpeggio, muffling, glissando, and bisbigliando;
and special and extended techniques, such as
preparations, bowing, pitch bending, and tuning
key slides. Students will study different
compositional approaches to the harp by
investigating significant compositions for the
harp. Students will also be given basic
instruction on the harp so that they might
directly experience playing the instrument.