Student Supplies

The supplies linked below are required for harp students. Please read to the descriptions to see if they apply to you at this point in your harp studies.

I only recommend resources and products that my students and I actually use, and all opinions expressed on this site are my own. This site uses affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you make purchases using affiliate links.

Tuning Supplies & Metronomes

Tuning Key

All students must have their own personal tuning key. Consult the manufacturer to be sure you purchase the correct key for your harp.

These ergonomic tuning keys that come in a variety of colors a great for Lyon & Healy and Salvi Harps.

Electronic Chromatic Tuner

All students (or parents of students under 12) must tune their harp a minimum of every other day. Tuning every day is best for the harp!

I recommend the following electronic tuners and tuning apps:
Peterson StroboClip HD - tuner & built-in pick-up mic clips onto the harp (or get this bundle for the StroboClip + a protective case)
iStroboSoft - most accurate tuning app I use, and works really well for harps!

Metronome

All students must a metronome with a loud ticking sound!

I recommend the following electronic tuners and tuning apps:
Seiko Quartz Metronome - features include: tempo range from 40-208 BPM with tempo markings, can be easily set tempo using the rotating dial, adjustable volume, and uses a replaceable 9v battery.
Tempo (paid) & Tempo Lite (free) - Easy to use tuner app

Tuner & Metronome Combos

Devices or apps that combine tuner and metronome functions, are helpful if don't mind learning how to use a few more buttons and features.

Boss TU-80 - tuner and metronome combined
Korg TM 60 - tuner and metronome combined
Korg TM 60 + pick-up microphone - for tuning in noisy situations
TonalEnergy - tuner & metronome app, and I especially like the metronome features!

Tuning Pick-up Microphone

This optional but very helpful device plugs into your stand-alone electronic tuner and clips onto the harp so you can tune in noisy situations such as ensemble rehearsals.

Note the size of the jack on your device before purchasing a pick-up mic, and avoid pick-ups that stick onto the harp with adhesive or suction cups.
Korg pick-up microphone - for tuning in noisy situations
Peterson StroboClip HD - tuner & built-in pick-up mic clips onto the harp (or get this bundle for the StroboClip + a protective case)

You can find more info about tuning, tuners, metronomes, and apps in these articles I wrote for the Harp Column Magazine:
Fine Tuning (May/June 2020) & Top Apps for Tuning (May/June 2020)
Keeping the Beat (July/August 2020) & Metronome Apps You Can Count On (July/August 2020)

Practice Supplies

All students must have a Practice Journal or Practice Planner. This can be a simple spiral notebook, notebook paper in a three ring binder, the printable Suzuki practice sheets (found in our studio Dropbox), or one of these upgraded practice planners below.

Musicians Practice Planner - by Molto Music

Upgrade your practice journal to this planner which includes 2 pages per week, one "weekly lesson plan" for your notes from the lesson and one page with your "Daily Practice Log" to track your practice priorities.

Purpose in Practice Journal - by Rachel Lee Hall

All students must have a Practice Journal.

Upgrade your practice journal with this much more creative planner where you can take notes, see your week at a glance, and color in your daily goals! Check out the video for the product to look inside and learn more.

Three Ring Binder

All students must have a system for storing and organizing handouts, lesson notes, etc.

For those that prefer physical music and handouts rather than digital PDFs, this classic black binder lays flat on your music stand and is inconspicuous at concerts.

Additional recommended (though not required) books, resources, and products to create practice routines and a positive practice environment can be found on my Resources page.

Benches & Music Stands

It is best to invest in a sturdy adjustable bench or chair, this way as the student grows or switches to a different sized harp they can always sit at the proper height.

Adjustrite Folding Musician's Chair Tall &
Adjustrite Folding Musician's Chair Standard

This adjustable chair folds flat and is easy to carry. I use the Tall model, and the seat height adjusts in 1 inch increments between 21" and 26" tall. For the Standard model the seat adjusts between 15" and 20" in height. Both models weigh about 18 lbs.

Piano Bench Adjustable Stool by Liquid Stands - MS 1083 (PU Leather)

This sturdy adjustable bench weighs about 8 lbs, making it easy to carry, but it does not fold flat. The bench height adjusts in 1 inch increments between 17.5" and 22.5" in height. This model with an additional backrest is also available, or you can purchase the backrest separately. Made in the USA.

Students must have a music stand with a sturdy desk (where the music sits) that swivels and the height should adjust. Folding wire/metal stands are NOT acceptable because they easily collapse and often damage the harp.

Classic 50 Music Stand by Wenger

This is the stand I use in my harp studio. It Weighs less than 5 lbs, is durable (I've had mine for over 15 years), and the music desk and base are made of polycarbonate so it doesn't scratch or dent the harp!

Links to more accessories and portable equipment I use for gigs can be found on my Resources page.

Method and Music Books

Students are responsible for promptly purchasing and owning original (physical or digital) music and recordings of all pieces they perform as well as other music as assigned. We will discuss which method and music books are best for you at each stage of learning, and you only need to purchase books that have been assigned to you. Scroll down to find some of the most used books in my studio!

On Playing the Harp - by Yolanda Kondonassis

This 150 page method book is full of helpful information about harp technique with pictures. It will last any harpist for a lifetime. I require this book for pedal harp students of any age.

First Harp Book - by Betty Paret

A helpful book for beginning students who would like to work on their music reading skills through folk tunes and exercises.

Suzuki Music Books & Recordings

We will discuss which method and music books are best for you at each stage of learning, and you only need to purchase books that have been assigned to you.