There’s a very mumsnet conversation happening on my train…

[UpperLowerMiddleClass]

Two mums discussing their primary school aged children. Distinct frenemy vibes. Of course it goes without saying their initial conversation covered just how well their children are doing academically.

Discussion then moved on to extra curricular activities. Mum A proudly saying what grade piano her daughter is doing, how she’s playing violin in the school orchestra etc, when Mum B pulls out a trump card - her daughter is excelling at the harp! But it’s all such a bother, wouldn’t you know? The logistics of transporting the harp, the cost of replacement strings etc.

Mum A tries to rally with a swerve towards sports and there’s mention of her son making the school hockey team. But I can tell her heart’s not really in it. Deep down she knows she can’t compete with the travails of harp logistics. Mum B has won this round.

And before anyone asks why I’m being so nosy, or why I have nothing better to do: Their conversation is LOUD and PROJECTING. I can’t ignore them. I’d love to be immersed in my book but instead I’m now learning all about the intricacies of harp upkeep and maintenance.

Years ago we asked our eldest if she would like to learn an instrument. She suggested the harp. Then when we asked the youngest he suggested the bassoon. So keyboard and guitar it was....

I do like hearing a guitar player who can do it all properly , same with the piano. It’s a bit of envy as well. I can’t read music, it’s a real talent.

Jesus Christ!!

that last paragraph about your neighbour's revelation took a dark swerve, I'm not sure which is worse, whether that happened or whether she made it up

Well, I mean, I play all three, piano, violin & the harp, and the harp is the easiest to learn and play out of all of them. Anyone that can play the piano will pick the harp up extremely easily. The violin is by far the hardest to learn and play out of those three instruments.

But for some reason, people are always very impressed when they learn you play the harp!

If it's a pedal harp she's playing, then logistics-wise it's a fucking nightmare, so on that alone, she trumps mum A.

Violins look tricky to master.

I’m going to hazard a guess that she’s pretty elderly, otherwise she’d not have even thought to share that information? Sounds nuts to me!

I’d have thought a double bass was even more of a PITA to transport than a harp. Watching a live orchestra last night, I was wondering how on earth they get them to and from home. Not to mention how much the colossal things cost to buy!

Any MN info on either?

This will sound weird but I’ve never liked the way the harp is played. It’s the finger raising and hand movements. I find them very distracting.

Just close your eyes and listen to the beautiful sound instead.

@the80sweregreat it is, if you're not a natural than it's very very hard to play well.

My best overheard-on-a-bus "My brief thinks he can get me off all the charges. Except the false imprisonment. And the weapon one."

A double bass would be the same in terms of size of transportation space required. However, it is lighter than the harp, so the actual carrying/wheeling of the harp from the vehicle to the venue would be more difficult than the DB.

How orchestras get their instruments around or even abroad must be a headache! Must have huge insurance costs as well. Or do they tend to hire them ?

The players fly with instruments up to the size of a cello and the big ones and percussion go in a lorry.

@ReadingSoManyThreads - I am truly impressed! The harp looks really difficult (so many strings plus pedals). I hated the violin, took it until grade 6 then was finally old enough to say no more! The local orchestra was very cliquey and I didn't fit with them so that made it worse (I was at boarding school) but the most fun I had was the time I stood in for the guy who played the timpani! Imagine rehearsing that at home! It sounds like thunder 😂

I've seen someone struggling to get a double bass onto a bus! (It was during August in Edinburgh though, so not that remarkable.)

”oh yes, I’ve always thought of you as a bit of a harpy”

gracious smile, tinkly laugh

I heard a harp trumper once, get this, a DS travelling to Uganda to build a hospital for his Duke of Edinburgh volunteer bit. Mine half arsed some litter picking.

Bastard. You need a warning on your post! Nearly spat/chocked on coffee. Sideways piano indeed!
🤣

I was watching ‘ Blue Peter ‘ once and they showed how to play the ‘comb and paper. ‘ My parents were not happy when I raided the cupboard with the parchment paper and one of my old combs. That was soon stopped! Dh bought a mouth organ over lockdown, but that stayed in its box.

I seem to have encountered a fair few people whose daughters played the harp. An easy way to get into an orchestra, I suspect.

In terms of sports, having a pole vaulting child must be a right pain.

Ahem!

As someone who IS currently on a rail replacement bus, @UpperLowerMiddleClass, I feel you’re rather flaunting the fact you’re on an actual train. I’m clearly Mum A in this scenario: you might not have a harp-playing DC, but you definitely win the transport round of the stealth bragging game…

You can buy a case and get them on public transport but a car is better to move them around. Remember the instrument is hollow so its more bulk is the issue. My father played one (and bass guitar)

My friend’s Mum used to come in to school to teach the harp. LONG time ago.

Bit of a drawback given that's how a harp is played. Imagine the conversation. 'I can stand a few wrong notes, but that fingering and hand thing has to go'.
Is the harp the perogative of women or are there male players?