Remember that variations in temperature can affect how well your harp stays in tune, the life of your strings, and the life of the harp itself. Most of these things are simple common sense. When you have heat or A/C on, it takes much of the moisture out of the air.Ĥ Do not place the harp where it will be in direct sunlight at any time of the day, or where the harp will be subjected to drafts from open doors, windows, A/C vents, heaters, etc.ĥ If you plan to be away for a weekend when the out side temperature is very hot or cold, put the cover on your harp and leave your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. In homes with central heat and A/C, it is often necessary to add humidity to the air with a room or instrument humidifier so that the wood of the harp does not get too dry. A simple inexpensive humidity gauge should be kept in the room with the harp. If you have cats in the house, be careful about putting a cover on your harp, as cats like to think they can climb a covered harp and can pull it over on top of themselves in the process! If at all possible, keep the harp in a room that can be made inaccessible to kids and pets.ģ Your harp likes to be kept at a fairly constant temperature and humidity. It is ideal to be able to back the harp up into a corner when it is not being played.Ģ The harp should be protected at All times from pets and from young children. So, here are a few basic ideas to keep in mind when choosing the location in your home where your harp will live.ġ The harp should be placed where it is very unlikely to be knocked over or bumped into and also where it is unlikely to have anything dropped or spilled on it.
If you are too warm or too cold in your living room, or if there is hot sunlight or a cold draft coming from a nearby window, your harp will not be comfortable. This is perhaps too simple an idea, but it is basically true. One “rule of thumb” that some people use in caring for their harps is the idea that, if you are comfortable, your harp will be too. This is particularly important with gut or metal strings but can also be a good maintenance habit to use with nylon strings as well. It is also a good idea to keep a clean, soft cotton cloth handy to wipe the strings with when you are finished practicing. Do not use wood cleaners or conditioners on the harp that contain lemon or orange oil as these can soften the lacquer finish on your instrument over time and can change the color of ornamental images on the harp. Your harp should be cleaned only with a very soft, 100% cotton cloth. Once you have your new harp at Home, here is how you can care for it so that you will enjoy it`s music for many years to come. Oliver can also make special arrangements of particular pieces of music if requested.E ach Harp I build is perfectly crafted to fit the needs and desires of it`s owner and player. Oliver’s repertory for receptions and parties is typically jazz based, but he is also able to offer a wide range of Classical and Popular music. For all events a meeting, either in person or over the phone, will be offered in order to craft the perfect programme for your event. Oliver prides himself on being able to cater very individually to clients needs. On the piano, Oliver has a Trinity ATCL diploma with a distinction, and has won many regional competitions just with his harp performances. Alongside his solo work, Oliver also performs with several orchestras, and has played with notable ensembles such as in the Durufle Requiem with the King’s College Choir conducted by Stephen Cleobury. Oliver has won prizes at national competitions across the U.K and has performed various recitals at many different venues. This award, which is given to the best performances observed by the Trinity examining body, was granted to Oliver after his Advanced Certificate recital where he achieved a score of 98%. On the harp, Oliver has distinguished qualifications, including most recently being awarded the Trinity Exhibition Award. Alongside these instruments, Oliver is also proficient at the violin and viola, and also directs various choirs.
Now studying Music at Clare College, Cambridge, Oliver has been performing on both the harp and piano at venues across the U.K for the last five years.