Current music

  

I don't know why but I've always found it interesting to know what music other harpists are practicing.  So I think it would be fun to do a monthly "link-up" to know what people are playing.

The recent USA International Competition Inspired me to start looking for a competition to do to motivate myself to practice more regularly.  (Does anyone else find it hard to practice solos after you graduate?)  Eventually I found this international competition in Russia next year where I already know most of the music!  Woo hoo!  So I figured "What the heck" it doesn't hurt to practice and then if the time comes and I actually am prepared I may fly out and compete.  Plus who would argue with a random trip to Russia!

I decided to start with bringing up the Fauré Impromptu.  I recently learned it my Master's recital, but put away as soon as I found out my little sis (who was 17 at the time) was working on the same piece.  Talk about feeling inadequate for a Master's degree!  None the less I have always loved the piece and even though I wanted to learn it earlier in my education,  I was always working on something else and never really had the time to give it the devotion it needed.  I don't think I can ever tire of it!  For a practicing exercise I pulled out my recording device and tried to "teach myself" but I kept getting distracted by the beautiful harmonies and had to listen to it like 10 times before I could pay attention enough to listen for mistakes.  (Don't get me wrong, there were plenty!!)  Despite being a fun practice day, it unfortunately wasn't the most time efficient one!

What music are you working on?  Got any good pointers for the Fauré Impromptu?

About me

My Name is Brittany Hart DeYoung and I love playing the harp.  I currently teach at the Flint Institute of Music in Flint Michigan and freelance with several orchestras in the area.  I received my Bachelor's  degree from the University of Arizona under the direction of Dr. Carrol McLaughlin and my Master's from the University of Michigan with Mrs. Joan Holland.  I thoroughly enjoy practicing and would do it much, much more if I didn't have a day job that took up all my time. (Working on that goal) I also love teaching and being able to be a part of helping someone make their life better through music.  Nothing does better at making my day than when a student turns to me and says "thanks, that was a fun lesson!"

I have a wonderful husband and "Harp Mover" who is always willing to help me move my harp up and down the stairs of our current 2nd floor condo.  Someday he plans on buying me a house with ramps instead of stairs. 

I love being crafty and decorating on a budget.  Being a musician takes up a lot of time and doesn't pay very well, but I have learned that leftover cardboard and packing tape can do a lot to make a house a home. (Well, technically you have to add other things as well, but cardboard seems to be a running theme in my home)

I hope you enjoy reading my new blog!

Welcome!!

I know at some point we all feel like this, but none the less I have been searching for harp blogs for fun reading and I haven't been able to find much, so I decided to start one myself!  I love reading about harps, harpists, and all things musical!  Please let your harpist friends know about this blog and always feel free to comment on any post at any time! I want to know what you think!