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.

I used to know a “Harp Lady” type Mummy.

I recall her telling me about visiting a cathedral with her 3 year old daughter & how the child had been excited and delighted to see the intricate carvings on the misericords.

The exaggerated finger and hand movements is a drawback!

I’ve only seen women play, but I imagine there are some male harp players.

Must be a male harp player somewhere.
A parent saying their son ‘ loves playing the harp ‘ is a slam dunk. Although I fear that it would cause people to smirk a bit where I live, but other areas it’s probably fairly normal.

Maybe at Eton or Winchester young Giles would be on track for RCM/Oxbridge with his harp playing but at Tough Love Academy it's going to end in tears.

I would find it a little weird if either sex took up the harp. But then I do seem to have a problem with harp playing so I’m obviously not a good judge!

People who close their eyes during a recital is a weird thing so I couldn’t do it. I’m the same with people who close their eyes when they sing. I realise that I’m the weird one!!

I don’t think she would make it up?! Also to op who asked about her age- yes the daughter in question is a bit older than me, her parenting is very much from a different (pre sex offenders register?) time!!

Bizarrely I think she sees it a compliment to her daughter, she’s always bringing up that ppl think she’s in her late 20’s etc.

A euphonium??

🤣 reminds me of our local swimming pool. During kids lessons one Mum brought her slightly older, presumably already capable of swimming child along to sit in the cafe area to practice her harp while the younger child was in the pool probably training for the Olympics.

Flipping infernal racket it was too, imagine dragging that massive lump of a musical instrument in the car every week, carrying it in and setting up to play in a public area when all the other parents just want to sit quietly and read their book watch their kids in the pool 🤣😂.

They sound equal parts insufferable and entertaining!

Well I’ve never played the harp but did play the double bass for years. I think they are quite a bit cheaper than a big harp and they fit in the back of a normal hatchback if you put the back seat down. Also have been on the bus many times with a bass and have even run for the bus with one - not sure you can do that with a harp!

Excelling at the organ and being en route to an organ scholarship at Oxbridge might just trump the harp.

My mate used to fit a tuba in her Metro!

How about this - a harp teacher colleague had an email from the mum of a new student asking if her daughter could be entered for Grade 3 before Christmas. The child has had two lessons, and she doesn't even have her own harp yet.
Not Wales.

Ooh peak Mumsnet.

I wouldn’t find that impressive. Not a fan of organ playing!

You are not weird. Singers who close their eyes are shutting out the audience. Very self indulgent.

I don’t mind an organ. It conquers up Halloween and some atmosphere and horror films and if well played in a church , it can be spine tingling ( not that I’ve heard an organ played in a church in many many years though to be fair) Also the Blackpool tower.

The Led Zeppelin boys were playing on a chat show once and one of them played the Theremin. It looks so cool and a bit mystical. Not a fan of theirs, but it’s a strange looking instrument.

I've just googled "Famous male harpists". Some lovely names and interesting descriptions of their talents.

Theramin?

Thank you for making me feel less weird! 😀

On your back and via public transport can be a little challenging at times (but I was short enough that I wasn't walloping it on the ceiling and door frames - you only do that once before you learn to judge air space due to the way it sends a thundering vibration through your entire body).

But most of us are sensible enough to switch to bass guitar for 99% of the time.

Reminds me of Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory!

My favourite moment of all time was when a 6 year old on the recorder utterly smashed the competition at a (fairly prestigious) local music festival Grade 4 wind category. Parents were FURIOUS.

To be fair to the 6 year old, he is utterly superb and this was his second win, after smashing another class on a sodding oboe, of all things.