Modern Etudes

Over a six-month period in 2025, I composed a collection of 22 etudes for lever or pedal harp. This project was not initially planned but evolved from a long-standing idea I had contemplated for years.

Each etude targets a specific technical challenge, designed for flexible use across skill levels. Beginners can focus on short sections as technical exercises, while advanced players may perform them in their entirety as engaging warm-up pieces.

I am deeply honored that Gabriella Dall’Olio has contributed a foreword to the collection. Additionally, four etudes have been selected for the new Trinity College London Harp Syllabus at Grades 3 and 6. The etudes increase in complexity as the book progresses, making the collection suitable for harpists of intermediate to advanced proficiency.

In response to feedback from the harp community, I plan to create a series of instructional videos offering insights into key considerations for each etude. These will be shared on this dedicated page on my website as they become available. The pedagogical approach of this collection encourages harpists to work methodically, focusing on one etude at a time. Players can deconstruct each piece, isolate technical challenges, and transform them into targeted exercises. It is perfectly acceptable to focus on just a few measures/bars initially and revisit other sections later, allowing for a tailored practice experience.

While the primary focus of each etude is technical development, I have endeavored to infuse them with musical appeal. Once the technical challenges are mastered, I encourage players to approach the etudes as expressive performance pieces, emphasizing musicality. Harpists may even consider combining two or three etudes to create a cohesive suite for performance.

https://bit.ly/modern-etudes