Reinventing Freedom with Electric Harp | Deborah Henson-Conant

Reinventing Freedom with Electric Harp | Deborah Henson-Conant | TEDxNatick

Рет қаралды 75,155

6 жыл бұрын

Deborah Henson-Conant (“DHC”) has been described as the “Jimi Hendrix of the harp.” A Grammy-nominated composer/performer, she’s toured with the Boston Pops, opened for Ray Charles at Tanglewood, jammed with Bobby McFerrin and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and been featured on major TV, radio and in her own full-length music special on PBS. In this engaging TEDx talk, where DHC speaks in her first language - music - she tells the story of rediscovering the freedom of childhood by combining technology, entertainment and design to create her signature ‘DHC’ harp - to “shrink it down, strap it on and plug it in.” (placeholder) This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 98

@TonyM9 6 жыл бұрын

I was one of those kids. OK, maybe not a kid. But I was probably around 20 or 21 the first time I heard you and listening to you break the stereotypes of harpists helped me figure out what I wanted to do with the harp. With that and the help of a wonderfully unconventional teacher I figured out my own path. You are and always have been an inspiration.

@hipharpist 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, TonyM9 -- and thank you to Tony's wonderfully unconventional teacher! Do tell who it is!!

@TonyM9 3 жыл бұрын

@@hipharpist hi Deborah! I just saw your reply a year later. My teacher was Ruth Berman-Harris. She was a relatively early pioneer of jazz harp, leading a big band ensemble with harp back in the 40s. She passed away some years ago at the age of 96. She was an amazing musician.

@anavaleriaschneider6819 3 ай бұрын

This woman's story would make a musical play.

@hipharpist Ай бұрын

I love that!!

@StacySalles55 3 ай бұрын

I’ve taken online classes from Deb (hipharp academy). She is so awesome. She’s funny, gracious, and is able to eek creativity out of all her students.

@nycgingercat 3 жыл бұрын

Saw her at the Somerset Harp Festival. She's just as nice and dynamic as she seems on TED talks.

@puppetsinrecoverypaulashut7509 6 жыл бұрын

Brought tears to my eyes. Inspirational, beautiful, thank you

@willmcmillan1430 6 жыл бұрын

Great story! Great talk! Thank you for sharing, Deborah!

@TannerCh 2 жыл бұрын

This is probably one of the best I've ever seen!

@melcerio 6 жыл бұрын

Deborah, This was fantastic! Thank you for being you and sharing your gifts with the world. I look forward to seeing you perform live again in the near future.

@hipharpist 6 жыл бұрын

Melcerio - I look forward to that, too!

@passiton3801 4 жыл бұрын

Never seen anyone with a portable harp. She's just brought it out into 20th century.

@Sursie_Metzger 11 ай бұрын

Ooooh yea they’ve been around for a few decades now! They come in electroacoustic, traditional acoustic and all electric like the DHC model she created with Camac. Harpsicle Harps are some of the most portable on the market and can fit into the overhead bin of most airlines! ✨

@MegaJohn144 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing on so many levels.

@nai.naisha 2 жыл бұрын

levers*

@nai.naisha 2 жыл бұрын

@janake7 Жыл бұрын

I love it. DHC, you have put the harps in the light. I enjoyed your journey and loved your harp. Wow!!!! 🙂

@CoachKarenJones 6 жыл бұрын

DHC, you are freaking fabulous, and I LOVED this!

@johnmichaelrichards Жыл бұрын

Finest TED Talk ever.

@virruffolo6647 Жыл бұрын

Love you so muchhhhh!!! Thank you 🌸🌸🌸

@chenwenhua2269 7 ай бұрын

OMG what an inspiration!!! you made me cry girl! I also play harp, guzheng and koto. you are AMAZING!

@nancytucker5813 4 жыл бұрын

Yay Deborah!! So glad I discovered your amazing music so many years ago. You inspire my guitar playing!

@hipharpist 2 жыл бұрын

How did I miss this for a whole year?? Loved taking classes with you! I will NEVER forget your story of cats and mice on the guitar (wait ... was that you???) or the irrational fear we performers have of boring an audience into a Rip Van Winkle sleep. Pleeeez tell me that was you.

@veenavaaniom9373 6 жыл бұрын

Ooh Wonderful, Fantastic, Brilliant. Huge congratulations!! DHC you're such an inspiration! Love your passion, creative genius, tenacity humour and sheer joy! You've certainly expanded my harp journey, thank you thank you.

@hipharpist 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Veena -- ha! Tenacity! Yes! I love that word and everything it gives us!!

@davem3929 4 жыл бұрын

Wow.....thank you DHC!

@ladybaseharp Жыл бұрын

Love you! I can't wait to electrify my harp and post on my channel 😍

@user-ng5hv2wg5f 3 ай бұрын

I love this.

@timtambornino5297 6 жыл бұрын

wow , just an other day dreamer forging a new way of hearing the future

@KickButtsTakeNames 6 жыл бұрын

I just L O V E this! Thank you.

@teresairiartebalsategui9676 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 🙏✨💞

@jamesparlane9289 4 жыл бұрын

That was fantastic. A wonderful story of hope and perhaps a part cure for depression.

@hipharpist 3 жыл бұрын

Oh James - tell me more about what you mean as a part cure for depression? I'd love to think this talk might do that.

@carmenfreeman693 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful!!

@choosepodcasts8752 4 жыл бұрын

I have seen this so many times and I laugh every time!! So wonderful, Deborah,

@hipharpist 3 жыл бұрын

You just made my day!!

@garyacahn 6 жыл бұрын

Wow, Wow, WOW!!!! What a fantastic talk. I loved it.

@hipharpist 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Gary!!! I love that you loved it!

@bigbob1699 8 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@fitzmagic Жыл бұрын

That was great! You are AMAZING!! 💥BOOM!!!💥™

@ronaldthomas74 6 ай бұрын

Met her , in Orlando back in 2003 .. very nice woman !!! ❤

@hipharpist Ай бұрын

I remember that! I LOVE the Orlando Philharmonic - look forward to playing with them again. Great spirit, great players!

@mtglen 4 жыл бұрын

wonderful!!!! I am honored to consider D H C as a friend! :-)

@maryhopkins923 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. :)

@alfredcalleja450 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing.

@VeronicaWhite27 3 жыл бұрын

You are Amazing!

@Joseph_harpist 2 жыл бұрын

Just saw this today and Deborah I’m you and you are me I’m just learning The harp because I heard in the news that harp music can influence the sick to get up and dance and my father has been paralyzed and I thought I could use my knowledge of music to heal him make him feel better make him forget the pain he is having and just play the harp. I was so lucky to have found a Chinese made 19 string harp with full levers. And this is what I used to play for him every night. I always dream of playing a concert harp just like you have mention on a stage but can’t afford to buy concert harp yet. Now I know they are options for the electric and my current harp only weighed less than 3 kg I can just slap on electric Piazzo and voilà it became electric harp. Although 19 string is quite limited for music to be played but since I have knowledge of music I can rearrange many many tunes to fit into 19 strings harp. And till this day my little harp have never stop to amaze me of how many song I can play on just 19 strings.

@RadenWA 3 жыл бұрын

And now they have harps made out of *cardboard* ! Really light and cheap option if anyone wants to try it out.

@hipharpist 3 жыл бұрын

Let's hear it for harps made of everything!

@bobroberts7433 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much... at the tender age of 76.. I have discovered the harp... your harp..and a woman who was .. at the time going through a middle age .. crisis...who had purchased a small harp Like yours.. But... Never had the courage to take it out of the box... So she did open the box to photograph it to put it on craigslist and I bought it...rather cheaply.. I think... So it's never been turned and I'm ready to get on my little.... Bicycle...harp.. And.... Musically.... Fly........... PS Google.... Old guy playing Vermont singing drum..... Me...... Isalormada... Mid Florida Keys Sunset... One beach.... Bob 76 years young

@serenabeeks1536 6 жыл бұрын

Love it, Deb!

@arstar3 6 жыл бұрын

Deb, you are a master entertainer and musician. This Ted X talk was just wonderful. Thank you for sharing this with us. Wishing you all the best...ALWAYS! :)

@hipharpist 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Serena! Great to 'see' you here!

@andreasolinasharp7168 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@equitecengineeringtechnolo7762 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, Deborah, You are among the persons who are the gift of God to humankind.... Love you for your work. I would like to add that the instrument is the creation of music and mechanical engineering.

@hipharpist 3 жыл бұрын

Indeed! Created of music and mechanical engineering - a true collaboration!

@mikeporro3311 5 жыл бұрын

Saw her with Special EFX at the Plaza at the WTC many years ago. Awesome.

@hipharpist 4 жыл бұрын

I remember that show, Mike! Special EFX - Chieli and George - were so powerful to work with. What amazing musicians!

@nimrodfernando4729 4 жыл бұрын

I want one of those

@pinkywinkyponybony632 7 ай бұрын

yea

@rosenfieldclare 3 жыл бұрын

That was fabulous! How can I share this video with my grand=daughter who is 11 and plays the ukelele, the guitar, and the piano, and with her sister who is 16 who plays these as well. I'll check out KZfaq separately and see if it can be shared. Wow, Deborah, you are the BEST!!!

@ladybaseharp Жыл бұрын

That's incredible! If they are interested in Harp lessons, I can help ☺️

@jmjpowerjoule 2 ай бұрын

She invented the electric harp!

@FabioRizza25 3 жыл бұрын

SUPER AWESOME DEBORAH

@davidalanjonesridge9874 Жыл бұрын

You all failed to note her duet with Mason Williams performing "Classical Gas". It is here on KZfaq.

@ChristianTreber 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@mirinwamoods 3 жыл бұрын

Sooo is Deborah the reason I'm now considering buying a sharpsicle? Thank you!!

@bjornskristensen 2 жыл бұрын

Great story! I want a vibraphone as light as a bicycle!

@zaneedwards7011 2 жыл бұрын

what key is she playing in?

@juliekozzy9132 5 жыл бұрын

Where can I buy DHC electric harp?

@TonyM9 4 жыл бұрын

Julie Kozzy it’s made by Camac harps in France. Check them out on the web. They are one of the big three harp makers in the world (along side Lyon & Healy and Salvi). Harp retailers around the world sell their harps. Their web site should be able to help you find the nearest distributor to you.

@hunterthesicilianratpack8716 3 жыл бұрын

Going to get me one of those look out King David

@harmoniabalanza 5 жыл бұрын

this is very interesting, but I wish TED talks would have some variety in the affect of their speakers. EVERYONE is like a gladiator, they all seem very aggressive and kind of like pit bulls. They stand at attention, as if they are in ballet class or on military parade and they speak like drill sergeants. They seem to be making themselves very BIG, and even the women are very yang. It's as if they have all been coached to present in exactly the same way--even when they're not yelling they seem to be yelling. It's so American.

@velvetpaws999 4 жыл бұрын

I totally and respectfully disagree. How could anybody ever come to such a conclusion? I have watched countless TED talks, and while I had many thoughts, that one would have never, ever crossed my mind... and a fine mind it is!

@TheRingDragon52 4 жыл бұрын

I love this beautiful woman.

@christopherstube9473 4 жыл бұрын

DHC is definitely a dangerous woman, but a harper never the less. O'Carolan would have loved her

@hipharpist 4 жыл бұрын

Haha! I LOVE THAT -- a dangerous woman! I'll write that out on my bathroom mirror!

@christopherstube9473 4 жыл бұрын

@@hipharpist Creative people are always dangerous because they step out of the ruts of everyday life and disrupt them and explore parts of the landscape of modern life that no one thought possible. Your skill as a musician and vision has allowed you to put together a presentation that stops people in their tracks and causes them to be teachable. Maybe i should have said magnificent, but you probably get that from everyone.

@jmaz1100 5 жыл бұрын

What about Alice Coltrane?

@hipharpist 5 жыл бұрын

Alice Coltrane rocked! She saw the harp in a new way that really opened up the sonics of the instrument. Dorothy Ashby was amazing, too. And Corky Hale, and Rüdiger Opperman and -- there are soooo many amazing harp players in the world. That's one of the things I love about playing this instrument: discovering those people - those who came before, those all over the world and those to come! What do you love about Alice Coltrane, jmaz1100?

@danielcoleman8290 4 жыл бұрын

Can anyone pls, for The Love of God, direct me toward a person or place where I can purchase such an excellent instrument!? Peace and Blessings to you!

@swiftverdict 4 жыл бұрын

Camac Harps makes the DHC. Salvi also makes a good version called the Delta Harp.

@RadenWA 3 жыл бұрын

Harpsicles are also a more affordable option if you can't spend 4000$++

@sanab1850 5 жыл бұрын

oKAY but its over 8 grand how am I suppose to get it in my broke teen hands :'(

@hipharpist 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Susana - remember - I started on a UKULELE -- it doesn't matter where you start. You can buy a harp for much less money and work up to a DHC.There are SO many amazing harp builders now - including a guy who creates cardboard harps you can construct yourself - and they sound great.

@velvetpaws999 4 жыл бұрын

6,200 US$ .... that is very reasonable! Go check out other pro level instruments: flutes, saxophones, e-guitars.... anything. They cost that much, or more. But frankly, once you get past the beginner level and if you are serious (or your kids, that is), a pro level instrument is essential for good studying and ear and hand skill development. If you just want a toy, win the lottery first and buy it then. Just kidding, of course!

@RadenWA 3 жыл бұрын

Now they have smaller, lighter stuff called Harpsicles that goes under $1000, you can also find DIY cardboard harp for _literally 200$_ that are actually decent!

@hipharpist 3 жыл бұрын

Susana - you got some great suggestions here of ways to start. The first harp I bought was made of plywood - and it worked - now they have great, playable harps made of cardboard and if you busk long enough with that, you'll have the chops and the money for the pro-quality instrument.

@bobsaturday4273 4 жыл бұрын

funny and talented too ! kinda woman you'd liketo marry !

@velvetpaws999 4 жыл бұрын

Oh Deborah, a woman after my heart! Do you want to marry me?

@leonarddeberry7104 4 жыл бұрын

My friend builds guitars and he's never seen a harp like this.

@hipharpist 3 жыл бұрын

That will surely change, Leonard - more and more people play these harps today and it's a little bizarre for me since at first it existed in my imagination and then for years I was the only one out there thinking "Hey, where's everyone else?? This is the greatest instrument to play!"