Beginner Mariachi Harp Resource Book Written by Dr

Beginner Mariachi Harp PREVIEWResource Book

Written By Dr. Rodolfo B. Gonzalez, Ed. D. ©Summer 2019

Beginner Mariachi Harp Resource Book Written by Dr. Rodolfo Gonzalez, Ed. D., ©Summer 2019 Table of Contents Part 1. Harp History and Playing the Harp p. 1 I. Care of the Harp p. 2 II. Maintaining the Harp p. 2 III. Parts of the Harp p. 2 IV. Tuning the Harp p. 3 V. Proper Playing Posture p. 3 VI. Harp Technique: Left Hand p. 4 VII. Harp Technique: Right Hand p. 5 VIII. Pitch/Note Names of the Strings p. 6 IX. Music Notation p. 6 X. Harp Notes on the Grand Staff p. 8 XI. The Beat and Meter p. 9 XII. Parts of a Note p. 9 XIII. Notes and Rests p. 10 XIV. Speaking/Counting Notes, Rests, and Rhythm Patterns p. 11 XV. Pitch/Letter Names on the Piano Keyboard p. 12 XVI. Half Steps and Whole Steps on the Piano Keyboard p. 13 XVII. Sharp, Flat, and Natural Symbols p. 13 XVIII. Key Signatures and Major Scales p. 13 XIX. Key Signatures and Natural Minor Scales p. 15 XX. Scale Degrees and Intervals p. 16 XXI. Harmony – Triads and Chords p. 17 XXII. A Melody on the Staff p. 18 XXIII. PREVIEW Playing Chord Progressions – Blocked Chords p. 19 XXIV. Playing Chord Progressions – Arpeggio Chords p. 20 XXV. Tempo, Dynamics, and Articulations p. 21 XXVI. The Successful Mariachi Experience p. 22

Part 2. First Mariachi Studies First Mariachi Studies in the Key of G p. 23 First Mariachi Studies in the Key of C p. 26 First Mariachi Studies in the Key of D p. 29 First Mariachi Studies in the Key of A p. 32 First Mariachi Studies in the Key of F p. 35

Part 3. Repertoire 1. Los Patinadores (p. 38) 6. Corrido de Cananea (p. 43) 11. De Colores (p. 48) 2. La Barca De Oro (p. 39) 7. Por Fin (p. 44) 12. Las Mananitas (p. 49) 3. La Jesucita (p. 40) 8. Alla En El Rancho Grande (p. 45) 13. Las Golondrinas (p. 50) 4. La Llorona (p. 41) 9. Reloj (p. 46) 14. La Feria De Las Flores (p. 51) 5. Despierta (p. 42) 10. Cielito Lindo (p. 47) 15. La Valentina (p. 53) 16. La Cucaracha (p.54) Beginner Mariachi Harp Resource Book 1 Written by Dr. Rodolfo Gonzalez, Ed. D., ©Summer 2019

Part 1. Some Harp History and Playing the Harp

Bow-shaped harp Angled harp Greek lyre Triangular-framed harp Egypt 3000 BC Asia 2000 BC Greece 800-500 BC Middle Ages circa 1170 AD

*The bow shaped harp may be the oldest musical instrument in the world developed from the hunting bow. *It can been seen in paintings of ancient Egyptian tombs dating from as early as 3000 B.C. *The angled harp came to Egypt from Asia in about 1500 B.C. *It was built from a hollow sound-box joined to a straight string-arm at an angle. *The lyre was favored instrument of classical Greece and later Rome. *Lyres are played with one hand only and have a limited number of strings. *Triangular-framed harps were developed in the middle ages. *A pillar (or column) was added to support the tension of extra low strings. PREVIEW

12-String Harp 24-String Harp 36-40 String Harp Double Action Pedal Harp Ireland/Scotland 1200 AD 1400- 1500s AD 1700 -1800s 1810 – Present

*In ancient Ireland the harp was an aristocratic instrument. *Harp players were required to play evoking three different emotions: laughter, tears and sleep. *Traditional harp players became minstrels and street musicians reciting poetry and singing folk songs. *Early harps had no mechanical devices for providing the player with different keys. *The 12 and 24 string harps have no tuning levers. *Modern non-pedal harps are built with separate levers for each string. *The 36-40 string harps have tuning levers and are able to play in several keys. *In 1810, Sebastian Erard obtained a patent for the double action pedal harp or concert harp. *The strings were able to produce a flat, natural and a sharp depending on the position of the corresponding pedal. *This allows the harp player to play in every key. I. Care of the Harp 2 Your harp costs $3000 to $4000. It must be treated with much care. The following suggestions will help you care for your harp: Remove cover bag off harp. Place cover bag on the floor behind you. When finished playing take out cleaning cloth and clean the instrument and strings. Place cover bag on the instrument. Never play in the rain or allow water on the harp. Wipe water off as soon as possible. Keep your instrument looking new by cleaning it often. NEVER leave your harp in the car. Hot temperatures will melt glue and crack wood. Never let anyone borrow your harp. It may come back broken or you not get it back.

II. Maintaining the Harp You will need the following items to keep your harp well maintained: a. TUNING KEY (IF NEEDED) – Some harps use levers to sharpen or flatten strings. b. EXTRA STRINGS – in case strings break c. CLEANING CLOTH – to keep dust, grease, and oil off your instrument d. ELECTRONIC TUNER – to tune your notes before you practice and/or play e. FOLDING MUSIC STAND – Have one at home or when needed while performing.

III. Parts of the Harp

Tuning levers

Head Neck PREVIEWKnee Strings Body Column

Sound board

Foot

Part 2. First Mariachi Studies 23

PREVIEW