Harps in St. Augustine!

The famous Harpsicles and Sharpsicles from William Rees Harps are now available in the Nation’s Oldest City. These 26-string harps are perfect for beginners, travelers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the “small harp experience.” Both models are distinguished by careful craftsmanship and affordability with prices beginning at $349.00 for the basic Harpsicle.

Just getting started?

Mary Jane Ballou will help you find the best beginner materials.
Additionally, HarpWays Studio is a local representative for Rick Rubarth’s Merlin Harp. This fully-levered 35-string harp is a marvel of engineering and sound with a warm, strong voice. For more information call 1-800-863-3613 or write to maryjane@harpways.com

Private Harp Lessons

In addition to performing, Mary Jane shares her love of the harp and its music by offering private harp lessons to adults. She will develop a course of study to help individuals achieve their musical dreams, whatever their prior musical experience may be.

No one is ever too old to enjoy making music.  And the harp rewards its students with melodious sounds from the start.  Studying music sharpens the mind and soothes the spirit. It's also fun! Your first lesson is a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.  Your musical goals, interests, and prior musical background will be the focus, so that Mary Jane can better tailor a program for you - and a hands-on introduction to the harp will be included.

Here are answers to some questions you might have:

What is the lever harp?

The lever harp is the descendant of the harps of Ireland and Scotland. It is also known as a “folk harp” and “Celtic harp.” These harps vary in size from ones small enough to hold on your lap to floor harps with a range of five octaves. They use a system of levers at the top of the strings to raise the pitch in half-step increments.  Lighter in weight and less expensive than the large orchestral pedal harps, they are ideal for beginners. Their versatility is recognized by an increasing number of harpists who play only the lever harp, finding it offers opportunities in jazz and sacred music beyond its historic role in Celtic and folk music. Is it a "real" harp? You bet it is!

Where is the studio?

Mary Jane's studio is located in the historic district of St. Augustine, Florida, the Nation's Oldest City.

Where do I get a harp?

Mary Jane will work with you to locate the right harp, taking into consideration your goals and finances. Many students rent a harp for the first several months while they explore their aptitude and interest and many dealers allow the rental to apply to purchase. Rental rates range from $50 to $65 a month. Students do need a harp at home for practice. However, they will not need to bring their harps to lessons because harps are available for use in the studio.

Don't harps cost lots of money?

Harps are individually produced instruments. And yes, the sky’s the limit. However, new technology has lowered the price for good beginner instruments, so that cost is less of an obstacle. HarpWays Studios sells a line of affordable lap harps. Floor harps with full sets of levers begin around $2,000. Again, Mary Jane recommends that you rent a harp initially before investing in an instrument.

Is the harp very difficult to learn?

All new skills require some work - think of sports.  At the same time, the harp has survived thousands of years because people love to play it. While the harp takes effort and patience, its beauty is accessible from the start. Simple pieces sound lovely. The key to musical success is careful instruction in the beginning and a commitment by the student to daily practice, even if only for 20 or 30 minutes. Weekly lessons will ensure that you learn proper hand positions and the basic techniques that enable your music to grow.

What will lessons cost?

The fee for private lessons is $35 for a 45-minute lesson, with each month’s lessons payable at the beginning of the month. Weekly lessons are recommended for those just starting out.

When can I start?

To find out more about harps and harp lessons, call
1-800-863-3613 or write to maryjane@harpways.com