Christina’s compositions and arrangements are superbly transcribed into clear notation for harpists of all levels to enjoy.
Many of her books offer three arrangements of each song so that harpists of all levels can have a successful experience re-creating the tunes they hear on the CDs.
Rainbow of Sound and Color My World are specifically designed for the beginning harp player to learn how to play the harp and then have a collection of about 100 tunes in their repertoire.
Music books come with teaching DVDs.
We can offer the DVDs separately for those who have previously purchased the books only, please inquire through our CONTACT form.
NEW! We now have the Rainbow of Sound Books 1 & 2 translated in Dutch!
These books can be obtained from De Troubadour Harpen in the Netherlands! Enjoy!
Rainbow of Sound Series
Welcome to the Rainbow of Sound® LEARN TO PLAY HARP Series on DVD with the accompanying Rainbow of Sound® Books. You will learn how to play the harp and the basics of technique, posture, tuning, note-reading, improvisation and gain repertoire while enjoying beautiful stories and images. The use of color and alliteration help to reinforce concepts. This program is suitable for all ages beginning with very young children. We would, however, encourage the young child to explore the instrument until around the age of six before expecting serious note-reading skills.
For the older student who has never studied music, you will find this approach will give you a clear understanding of hand position and basic note-reading. We recommend that you seek a Facilitator of the Rainbow of Sound® method. They will further help you with fingerings and theory study. You will find these Facilitators on this website: Facilitators under Beginners. Some of our Facilitators can help you learn to play the harp through SKYPE lessons in the comfort of your own home.
Harp Instructor, Carol McLaughlin, Harp Professor at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ and director of the famed Harp Fusion ensemble commends the method as “exceptional” and suggests that this unique approach be applied to college level harp study.
Beginning Harp DVD/Books Series Vol. 1–6
For all ages…multiple camera angles on DVDs for easy learning!!!
Click on images below to view the Introduction Video for each book/DVD.
The Purple Book 1
The Purple Book 1 is designed for the new beginner coming to the harp for the first time. It focuses on playing notes that become part of the story line for very young children. Then the melody line of the tune is taught along with learning the notes of the treble clef. The use of color and alliteration help the student to retain the information making this an integrated method of learning. We recommend that young children starting at 3 years of age be allowed to explore sounds on the harp through the stories until they begin reading at school, then to go into the note-reading. It also shows the basics of technique; how to tune the harp and change a string.
The Blue Book 2
The Blue Book 2 takes the student further into the study of reading music by introducing the bass clef. Songs learned in the Purple book are then expanded to include harmonies in the Blue book. You can play the songs while the story unfolds.
In The Green Book 3
In The Green Book 3 we have a charming story, written by Barbara Yule, taking place in Scotland. Through this story we are reminded of the subtle energies that surround us daily and that we truly live in a magical kingdom. Songs from Christina’s recording – The Emerald Harp – are adapted for beginners. All songs are in the key of C. This story makes for a wonderful production for a group of harpists!
The Yellow Book 4
The Yellow Book 4 takes the student into the study of learning about accidentals – sharps and flats and the use of levers on the harp. The story by Joanna Huckvale takes place in Wales with beautiful Welsh melodies that bring home the importance of being kind to one another, to animals and taking care of the Earth.
In The Orange Book 5
In The Orange Book 5, we have a variety of techniques and games to trigger our imagination for composing music and creating fresh lovely improvisations. There is such joy to express our individuality through song and sound!
The Red Book 6
The Red Book 6 fills us with music for Light Festivals. Music for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza arranged in easy but interesting harmonies that enable us to play for the Holidays.