The Lighter Touch

Maeve Gilchrist

Behind every physical movement is artistic intent. Such is the philosophy of Maeve Gilchrist new book The lighter touch (a musically motivated guide to more effortless harp technique). Drawing on technical ideas from both traditional and non-traditional harping styles, Maeve delves into a world of practice and thought designed to help evolve one's harp technique regardless of skill level or genre. Particularly focused on a supported method of playing, Maeve encourages a constant awareness of weight, balance, breath and groundedness to help the student push themselves artistically while avoiding injury and physical or mental stress. Divided into four main sections; Linear (scale-based), Shape-work (arpeggios), Speed work and independent fingers, Maeve guides the student through a series of exercises, etudes and ideas for further exploration while reinforcing the idea of working WITH the instrument opposed to mastery OF the instrument. By working patiently and consistently on the material in this book, you will be taking steps towards a more effortless harp technique and with any luck, a lighter touch!

Thanks to the generosity of Silkroad Seeds commission, Maeve will be creating a four part video series to cover the four main themes of The lighter touch: Linear (scale-based), Shape-work (arpeggios), Speed work and independent fingers. These videos will be made to help support the student's experience of working on this material and will be available for download from Maeve's website as well as being utilized as part of a month-long technique course that will be run a couple of times a year.

About Maeve Gilchrist
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