Learning an instrument is about so much more than notes and technique. In this episode, Heather sits down with renowned teaching artist, writer and educator Eric Booth to explore how understanding learning, teaching and creativity can transform your harping and your life.

In this episode:

• Eric shares his journey from Broadway actor to pioneering teaching artist

• What a “teaching artist” is and why this mindset matters for every musician

• How teaching or explaining something deepens your own learning and musicianship

• Why the learning environment and community around you are as important as the content

• Self determined learning, intrinsic motivation and staying connected to joy in your practice

• Practical ideas for giving yourself meaningful feedback as an adult learner

• The “law of 80 percent” and what it means for how you show up as a musician and sharer of music

Host: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Eric Booth – Teaching artist, author of Making Change: Teaching Artists and Their Role in Shaping a Better World, and international leader in arts education

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

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Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #TeachingArtist #ArtsEducation

Keeping a regular harp practice routine can feel challenging, especially when life gets full and unpredictable. In this solo episode Heather shares honest, practical advice to help you stay connected to your harp in simple and sustainable ways.

In this episode:

• Why short, focused sessions can be more effective than long ones

• How to use time blocking to make practice actually happen

• Ways to make your harp practice space easier, faster and more inviting

• The power of keeping things visual so your harp stays front of mind

• How an accountability partner can transform your consistency

These tools can help you build momentum, reduce guilt, and enjoy your harp practice even during busy seasons.

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow, subscribe, and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpPractice #PracticeMotivation

A warm and inspiring conversation with harp learner Katherine, whose journey has been filled with perseverance, rediscovery, and the joy of finally returning to the harp after decades away. She shares how she found her way back to music, what the harp means to her, and the breakthroughs that have shaped her recent playing.

Many listeners will also recognise her as the Customer Relations Manager at How To Harp, a role she grew into after joining the membership as a learner and connecting deeply with the community.

In this episode:

• How childhood inspiration led Katherine to the harp

• Why she returned to harp learning after many decades away

• How music helped her through anxiety, ADHD and loss

• Her first public performances, including café sessions and choir concerts

• What she has learned about practice, confidence and setting meaningful goals

• The highs and lows of her harp journey so far

This episode offers a beautiful reminder that harp learning is personal, emotional and full of unexpected milestones.

Host: Heather Downie — Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Katherine Rigby-Jones — Harp Learner and Customer Relations Manager at How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow and subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpJourney #HarpLearner

Finding a tuner you trust can transform both your sound and your sanity in the practice room. In this in-person tutor chat, Heather and Angela compare two Peterson strobe models and share what actually made a difference to tuning accuracy and workflow on lever and pedal harp. Expect plain-spoken pros/cons, real-world setup tips, and a few “wish I’d known this sooner” moments.

In this episode:

• What makes Peterson’s “harp sweeteners” different (and when to use them)

• Freestanding HDC vs clip-on: accuracy, usability, and portability

• The steep learning curve (and how to cut tuning time back down)

• Dealing with overtones, noise, and where to clip/place your tuner

• Price points and value: when the investment is worth it

• Bonus on the HDC: built-in metronome, visual cues, and stage visibility

• Why your ear still matters (and how to pair ear checks with a tuner)

Watch to the end to leave with a clearer, calmer tuning routine that helps your harp ring true, and frees up more time for actual playing!

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpTuning #PetersonTuners

An inspiring look into the world of jazz harp with professional harpist Amanda Whiting. Amanda shares her journey from growing up in Wales, discovering the harp at the age of five, and blending her classical roots with her lifelong love of pop and jazz. Her reflections on practice, creativity, and balance offer both encouragement and insight for harpists at every stage of their musical path.

In this episode:

• Discover how Amanda first fell in love with the harp

• The challenge of bridging classical training with jazz freedom

• Lessons from studying and performing at Ronnie Scott’s

• Finding time for creativity while balancing life and family

• What Amanda learned about rhythm, confidence, and self-expression

• Advice for harpists on staying consistent and practicing with intention

Host: Heather Downie — Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Amanda Whiting — Jazz Harpist, Composer & Recording Artist

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow / subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: 👉 https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HarpTips #HeatherDownieHarpist #JazzHarp #PracticeWithIntention

A thoughtful and inspiring episode for harp learners at every stage. Discover practical advice on how to make progress, structure your practice, and find motivation when things feel slow. Heather also answers listener questions on technique, sound, and keeping your playing creative and enjoyable.

In this episode:

• The three questions harp learners ask most

• How to know what to work on to improve

• Building a balanced and enjoyable practice routine

• Fixing buzzes, tension, and technical issues

• Breaking through learning plateaus

• Adding emotion and polish to your pieces

• Easy ways to make your tunes sound spooky for Halloween

• Motivation and perspective for adult harp learners

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HarpTips #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpQandA #AdultLearners

***RE-UPLOAD - this is a re-upload of the original episode from 24th Oct 2025 as it was removed by Spotify (in error!! 🤦)

Heather offers a short, honest reflection on the mindset that can make harp progress feel simpler and more satisfying: there isn’t only one “right” way. She shares how listening to your body, staying true to yourself, and letting go of perfection can unlock confidence at any age.

In this episode:

• The single mindset shift Heather wishes she’d had on day one

• Why there’s more than one right way to play

• How to listen to your body and adapt your setup

• Finding teachers who help you think from different angles

• Encouragement for adult beginners and returners

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HarpTips #HeatherDownieHarpist #BeginnerHarp #AdultLearners

***RE-UPLOAD - this is a re-upload of the original episode from 17th Oct 2025 as it was removed by Spotify (in error!! 🤦)

An inspiring chat about learning the harp later in life and finding joy in progress rather than perfection. A long-time member of the How To Harp community, Kathy shares her journey from receiving her very first harp as a surprise gift to building her YouTube channel Prime Time Harpist and connecting with harp learners all over the world.

In this episode:

• Kathy’s story of how a birthday surprise started her harp journey

• Building community and confidence through sharing music online

• Finding calm and focus when performing

• Learning to let go of perfectionism and enjoy the process

• Encouragement and advice for harpists at every stage

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Kathy Lowe - learner harpist and creator of the Prime Time Harpist YouTube channel

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

Heather offers a short, honest reflection on the mindset that can make harp progress feel simpler and more satisfying: there isn’t only one “right” way. She shares how listening to your body, staying true to yourself, and letting go of perfection can unlock confidence at any age.

In this episode:

• The single mindset shift Heather wishes she’d had on day one

• Why there’s more than one right way to play

• How to listen to your body and adapt your setup

• Finding teachers who help you think from different angles

• Encouragement for adult beginners and returners

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

#HowToHarp #HarpTips #HeatherDownieHarpist #BeginnerHarp #AdultLearners

***RE-UPLOAD - this is a re-upload of the original episode from last week (17th OCT 2025) as it was removed by Spotify (in error!! 🤦)

An inspiring chat about learning the harp later in life and finding joy in progress rather than perfection. A long-time member of the How To Harp community, Kathy shares her journey from receiving her very first harp as a surprise gift to building her YouTube channel Prime Time Harpist and connecting with harp learners all over the world.

In this episode:

• Kathy’s story of how a birthday surprise started her harp journey

• Building community and confidence through sharing music online

• Finding calm and focus when performing

• Learning to let go of perfectionism and enjoy the process

• Encouragement and advice for harpists at every stage

Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp

Guest: Kathy Lowe - learner harpist and creator of the Prime Time Harpist YouTube channel

Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly.

Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.

Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)