Renew with Music and Verse!
By Dr. Marie Miczak
When you think of a harp, what thoughts come to mind? Angels? Heaven? Genesis 4:21 says Jubal was the father of all who play the harp and flute but the best known harpist was King David. The harp has come a long way from the 6 string version played back in his day but the beauty and peace associated with harp music hasn’t diminished at all.
The Autoharp- an American Innovation
The Autoharp is uniquely American in origin. Invented in Philadelphia in 1881, and patented in 1882, the Autoharp has had a remarkable hundred and twenty three-year history. “The Autoharp comes from the German Zither which played in the Key of C “, says Oscar Schmidt’s sales manager Tom Ferrone. Oscar Schmidt who owns the tradename Autoharp, was originally owned by Meg Peterson of New Jersey then sold to Washburn Guitars.
The delicate voice of the Autoharp has been featured in recent movies such as Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events and Walk the Line with Reiss Witherspoon portraying June Carter Cash. After being proclaimed “the nation’s favorite musical instrument”, the phonograph became popular. It then retreated to the mountains where it underwent a metamorphosis from parlor to folk instrument. A classroom feature in the 1950‘s, the Autoharp finally emerged as a popular instrument for the serious musician. The Centurion is Oscar Schmidt’s best acoustic Autoharp as it has enough volume to be played without amplification. It is music’s best kept secret and Oscar Schmidt is the proud supporter of Harp Hymns Ministry which brings the Autoharp to nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and churches. Clinical data now supports that harp music diminishes pulse rate, blood pressure and overall anxiety to speed healing or recovery.
For the OS Centurion Autoharp pictured, visit Oscar-Schmidt at: www.oscarschmidt.com
Oscar-Schmidt Autoharps, accessories, repairs and custom harps visit d’Aigle Harp: http://www.daigleharp.com/
For all your musician needs visit Sam Ash Music: http://www.samash.com
Music Books for Autoharp play and instruction: www.melbay.com. Guitar pick holder necklace by www.bolopick.com.
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