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The "Hume Harp"
Because of her mastery of the Autoharp, VJ was paid a tribute by the maker of the autoharp with a line of harp named for her. What an honor! Now it is possible for anyone to learn to play this delightful instrument with a step-by-step video, created by VJ Hume. What better teacher than the lady herself, one of only a few professionals on this unusual instrument. You'll be entertained and excited by the possibility of your learning to play an instrument, even if you have absolutely no music training and can't read music! In just a short time you will be playing the Autoharp, because there is no tricky fingering involved, as on most instruments. And VJ teaches you to understand chorded music in a way you never saw before.
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The History of the Autoharp
Harps have been around for thousands of years! King David serenaded Bathsheba with one. Historically associated with peace, serenity, and the angels, there are many variations of this lovely instrument. The newest incarnation is the Autoharp. Invented in 1883 and patented in 1885, it was considered a charming pastime for ladies to strum in their drawing rooms around the turn of the century. A relative of the Zither, the Hume Harp has 36 strings and a control board of 21 buttons. It is the only instrument in the world which is played by eliminating, not creating, sound.
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VJ's Autoharp Teaching Video
In her teaching video, VJ explains her techniques of holding and playing the instrument, her special arrangement of the chord controls for more logical and easy access, how to tune the instrument, how to change a string, and how to understand the sheetmusic which will instruct you. The Hume Harp is a chord instrument, so if you've ever wanted to serenade someone, or lead a singalong, this is your chance to learn how!
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Miss VJ and the Autoharp
VJ was introduced to the Autoharp by one of her music teachers in college. She immediately fell in love with its rich 4 1/2 octave sound. Although she had studied music since Royal Conservatory lessons begun at age five, there were no Autoharp teachers anywhere. VJ spent many hours discovering the instrument's secrets and developing her repertoire into a 750-song list--in ten languages. She joined the Musician's Union and went on the road with a variety of popular songs, old standards, movie themes, folk music, country-westerns, love ballads, singalongs, comedy, nostalgia, and original compositions. The mellow deep sound blended perfectly with VJ's voice, and they travelled from night clubs, lounges, and resorts all over North America to the Cruise ships of the Caribbean.
Have You Ever Dreamed of Playing an Instrument like the Autoharp?
It's easier than you think. For those who never learned music, it seems too daunting now to learn to read notes and memorize tricky fingering. But neither is required for a Hume Harp! All you need is your singing voice and some enthusiasm. You can make a beautiful sound on the very first try! No cotton in the ears for family and neighbours while you struggle. No hours of scales to practice, no tiring or painful fingering, no sweating over music theory. Accompany yourself on your favorite songs....and you can learn at your own speed, at home! VJ's Autoharp Teaching Video is available---go to the "CONTACT VJ" page for information on how to get one!
Folk-music Resources
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VJ's SHOWS with the Autoharp
"MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD" This show takes the audience to such countries as France, Russia, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Austria/Germany, Turkey, Britain, Japan, Israel, Australia, Mexico, Italy, China, Rumania, Scotland, Canada, the Caribbean, or the USA. VJ sings in ten languages and involves the audience in the songs and stories. The versatile Autoharp leads everyone on a fast 50-minute tour through the music, comedy, and beauty of other countries on our planet. "MUSIC ACROSS AMERICA" This show features music from the many regions of the United States, from the Deep South to the Wild West, from Boston to San Fransisco, from the mining camps of the Northeast to the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of New Orleans to Hollywood. With stories and songs, VJ and the Autoharp again involve the audience in their whirlwind 50-minute tour through this great country. 'HOLIDAY SHOWS' "Christmas Around the World" salutes different cultures in a multilingual 45-minute trip. The music treasures the history, the fun of the season, and the lessons we learn from this special time of year. "Ring in the New Year" is a New Year's Eve show that celebrates the music of years gone by and the bright beginnings ahead. All use different languages and stories and audience participation with the songs. "Love Around the World" is a tribute to the traditions and attitudes about love in different countries and with different languages. Perfect for the time surrounding Valentine's Day! |
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