Booking Information
Prices of hiring a harpist may seem expensive, but you are not only hiring the harpist for 1 or 2 hours, but countless hours of practice, instrument repair and the research and purchase of music, insurance and other costs behind the scenes.
1.) Moving the Harp: Not only is the harp a large, heavy, and awkward instrument to transport (which is hard on the harpist), but the harp itself is effected by the move with the temperature changes, wear and tear from moving, and impacts and jars will shorten the lifespan of the instrument. The harp lifespan is shortened by the intense amount of tension of all the strings on the frame of the harp cause it to warp and eventually break, and moving it a lot speeds up the process. Let’s also consider that the harpist needs to invest in a vehicle and possibly a trailer to move the harp and sound equipment (if needed).2.) Set-Up Time: A harpist must allow more time for set-up. A harpist loads the harp and sound equipment, then must find suitable parking to unload not only the harp and sound equipment, a stool, stand, music and bag for replacement strings and tools in a safe place. Then parking the vehicle and trailer. Now several trips wheeling the harp and necessary equipment to the location may require stairs, or waiting for elevators, and uneven pavement. Removing the harp from the cart and case and stowing these items someplace out of the way. Depending on how cold the temperature is outside, the harp needs to warm to room temperature which may take 10-30 minutes before tuning begins. Each of the harp strings need to be tuned, which may take up to 20 minutes before if stays in tune. Outside playing has its own challenges too!3.) Break-Down Time: Packing up the harp and equipment can be as involved as unloading and unpacking.