My Biggest Regret: The Foundation I Skipped

In this video, I’m looking back on my eight-year journey as an adult harp learner to share the one thing I regret most: skipping a firm musical foundation. Like many older adults starting the harp, I was in a hurry to play songs, but I’ve learned the hard way how rushing past proper hand position, posture, and tone production can create long-term hurdles. In this update, I share my experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and shift your focus from quantity to true musicality. Whether you are looking for tips for beginners or are an experienced musician picking up the instrument in your later years, join me as I discuss intentional practice, my transition to the double-strung harp, and why you are never too old to master a new skill. MUSIC PLAYED IN THIS VIDEO: Both Sides Now, arranged for double-strung harp by Anne Crosby Gaudet The pieces I play here are not intended to be perfect examples of how to play the harp, but rather my desire to share beautiful harp arrangements for you to hear and maybe even to play! PLAYLIST: Harp Covers of Populat Songs    • Popular & Romantic Songs for the Harp   MY QUESTIONS FOR YOU: Do you have any regrets as a beginning harpists? What would you do differently if you were just starting now? Thank you for all you share with us! WHAT THIS CHANNEL IS ABOUT: I'm Kathy Lowe. I started to learn to play the harp at age 68. Join me and other adults, especially those 60 and over, for encouragement, ideas and resources for anyone learning, or thinking about learning, to play the harp. My main harp is a 34-string Triplett Catalina, built for me in 2023. My newest harp is a 29-string Stoney End Loralea double strung, purchsed in 2025. For ease of transporting, I have a 26-string Rees Harpsicle (Flatsicle model). CONNECT & WATCH: Whether you are watching this on YouTube or listening via my Prime Time Harpist Podcast, you can join the conversation, find the full video versions, and access our community resources on our main channel @PrimeTimeHarpist PRIME TIME HARPIST PODCAST: Listen to all my Prime Time Harpist topic discussions on Google Podcasts. CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction: Looking Back After 8 Years 1:12 - My Musical Background and the "No Plan" Trap 2:45 - The Speed Trap: Rushing to Record New Songs 4:12 - The Foundation I Skipped: Hand Position and Posture 5:30 - Shifting Focus: Musicality Over Quantity 6:48 - Revisiting "Fingertip Pieces" and Popular Favorites 8:15 - Preview: "Both Sides Now" on Double-Strung Harp 9:30 - Community Reflection: What Are Your Regrets? 10:45 - Podcast Info and Closing Encouragement #HarpForBeginners #AdultMusicLearner #HarpJourney #MusicalFoundation #celticharp #leverharp #adultharplearners #learningtheharp #harpmusic #Harpist #LateBloomer #PrimeTimeHarpist #HarpLearning #RetirementHobbies #MusicOver60