Autoharp Music Tips
and
Autoharp Folk Radio
Listen
to Autoharp and Chromaharp music by Autoharpists Online
The Autoharp and Chromaharp
(aka chorded zither) are exceptional instruments. They have a unique sound that
when played slowly has an almost harp-like sound, but when played with full fervent
strums, their sound is all their own. Most commonly used for Old-Timey music,
you'll also hear the autoharp used in bluegrass, country, Celtic, folk, pop, rock,
jazz and really just about every style under the sun, with the only limit being
your imagination. It's the perfect instrument for the beginner who is new to music
to the experienced professional.
Who
is Marc Gunn?Marc
Gunn is a Celtic folk songwriter and autoharpist who performs with the Brobdingnagian
Bards. He began playing the autoharp in 1997 and has since then introduced the
instrument to thousands of people worldwide through chart-topping MP3s through
which his group has attained international success. He hopes to use his music
to renew the public passion for the autoharp as it was in the days of the Carter
Family. To successfully
play the autoharp and chromaharp, you need: - An
autoharp or chromaharp
- A
tuning wrench
- A
chromatic tuner
- And
no other prior musical knowledge
That's
one of the great things about the autoharp. It's been hailed as a wonderful instrument
for children and elderly, because it is simple and easy to play. The most difficult
thing about playing the autoharp is tuning it! Is
the autoharp only for beginners?Not
a chance! There are some absolutely amazing autoharpists out there. That's one
of the reasons I started this site. I wanted to "hear" all the great
autoharpists that are out there around the world. Master
autoharpists like Bryan Bowers, Karen Mueller, Lindsay Haisley, Les Gustafson-Zook,
Mary Umbarger, Carol Stober, Bob Woodcock, Meg Peterson, Roz Brown, Ivan Stiles,
Cathy Britell, Nathan Sarvis, Patsy Stoneman, Mike Fenton, Carey Dubert, Tina
Louise Barr, The Carter Family, Alan Mager, Evo Bluestein, Harvey Reid, and John
McCutcheon, to name a few, can be found worldwide. With
patience and a lot of practice, anyone can turn this simple instruments into a
musical gem that'll be the envy of all your friends. What's
the difference between the Autoharp and Chromaharp?
The
main difference between the Autoharp and Chromaharp is the brand name. The autoharp
is the generic name that is most commonly associated with Oscar Schmidt the chief
manufacturers. The Chromaharp is a trademarked name from Rhythm Band. You'll also
find custom luthiers who make customized autoharps. The prices are usually much
higher, but the quality is worth it!
Listen
to Marc Gunn's Autoharp Radio
I've compiled
a wonderful list of autoharp music that you can listen to on a streaming internet
radio station. Listen and enjoy!
Getting started with Autoharp Music
Find out more info about how to get started listening to autoharp music online and finding free folk music downloads available online.
The
Beginner's Guide to Purchasing an Autoharp
With a little luck and
persistence, you can find a great deal on an autoharp to get started playing today!
How
to play the Autoharp - Books, Videos & other Education Material
I first learned to play music using books by Meg Peterson. Since then I found
a few other fantastic books for building up your autoharp chops. Includes my Top
5 pick of autoharp books to learn from.
My Pick of the best newbie Autoharps
Everyone has their own preference
of autoharps. Mine are the economical and nice sounding autoharps by Oscar Scmidt.
Here's a few cool picks as well as some Luthiers you can contact for custom autoharps. Save
with a Chromaharp
Chromaharps cost less in general and make great
starter instruments.
Finding
Autoharp CDs
There are a growing number of autoharpists recording
music. The tough part though is that most of them don't sell online. I've compiled
a list of those that do have CDs you can put online. Autoharps
Accessories
Need a tuner? Tuning wrench? Picks? Strings? I found
some great deals on all. How
do I get added to the Autoharp Radio station?
It's easy and free to
do. If you have recorded autoharp music and want to get heard, click here! Marc
Gunn's Favorite Autoharp Links
Links to other useful autoharp and
chromaharp websites. Contact
Bard Marc Gunn
Personal information about me, my poetry, photography,
free autoharp music, and contact information.
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