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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

French harp, American harp, pedagogical techniques

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Music

Abstract

I will never forget hearing the first few notes of Symphonie Fantastique played by the Orchestre de Paris during my music study abroad stay in Paris. However, it isn’t just the first few notes of the Symphonie that I will always remember, it is the all-encompassing feeling of musical expression that will never leave me, and which consequently had me crying for the duration of the piece; 55 minutes long. As I listened, not once, but twice, to the Orchestre de Paris perform, it became evident that the musical expression I was hearing was what I had searched and listened for my entire life as a musician. I had initially planned to study and analyze the music of the French composer Bernard Andres, and use it as a springboard into an investigation of the pedagogical differences between European and American harp pedagogy programs in Europe and the United States of America. However, I was so moved by the Orchestre de Paris’ performances that I craved to understand the underline passion that all composers and musicians had in Paris and how this related to my search for pedagogical differences. My mentor Dr. Ricks, a current composer in residence at BYU, was exceptionally helpful in directing my education and experiences while in France to help me complete my project. Dr. Ricks also allowed me to present a demonstration lecture/recital in Paris at the completion of my research. I presented this lecture/recital in a public recital in France in April and again in the United States in December of 2010. Through observation, understanding and direct application, I was able to understand the different musical and pedagogical harp techniques between France and the United States of America.

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