Shortly before I planned to retire, my sister, who knew I liked the idea of playing the harp, gave me the contact of a harp teacher. I intended to occupy some of my retirement hours learning to play the harp.
Why choose the harp?
Not many people choose the harp as the musical instrument of choice. However, I love the beautiful, ethereal and soothing sounds of the harp. So, being totally ignorant of what difficulties would beset me, I decided to learn the instrument.
When friends ask me “why the harp?”, I facetiously reply that instead of putting me in the toilet brigade when I die and go to heaven, maybe God would put me in the harp ensemble.
My harp teacher told me that to play the harp is not difficult. Like many other musical instruments, it is the mastery of the instrument that is difficult. At that time, I forgot about my lack of perseverance (which won’t lead to mastering an instrument) when I learned to play the piano when I was much younger.
Nevertheless, having learnt music theory and being able to read music scores is an advantage when I began my harp learning journey.
Where do I buy a harp from? Most music stores in Singapore sell guitars, ukuleles, keyboards and pianos. I couldn’t find a single store selling harps. My harp teacher told me that I could order a harp from Japan, get it shipped to Singapore, collect it from the harbour, and get it transported to my home. What a hassle!
My own Harp
My harp teacher then gave me the contact of a girl who had gone overseas for her University education and left her harp at home. Her mother was selling the unutilised harp.
So I had my own harp to practice on. The constant practice of a string instrument took a toll on the skin and soft tissues of my fingers —- they peeled off and caused much pain. But I persevered.
I even agreed to perform at a dinner & dance of the then National Health Care Group Polyclinics. Having performed publicly many times before, but as a singer, helped my level of confidence in public performance. I had only played the harp for 4 years then.
I did buy a new harp some years later when a harp store opened in Singapore. But this store has since closed due to lack of business.
Another problem of owning a harp is that there are no harp tuners/ technicians in Singapore to service the harp. I have to figure out how to solve technical issues that arise.
My lack of perseverance in playing musical instruments took its toll. I still play the harp, but of course I backslid after I stopped taking lessons. I just play for myself, playing mainly the same few favorite pieces. It is a good thing that harp music is soft, my neighbors don’t complain about hearing the same few pieces. I should strive harder in practicing, otherwise I won’t be picked to join the heavenly harp ensemble.
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
