Essays

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Essays

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In depth...

Sometimes, a topic that I've touched on in one of my log entries may need a little elaboration, or I may want to respond in more formal fashion to feedback I get from readers. Whenever I feel it appropriate, I'll post those types of essays here.

For example, I might include an essay on a controversial subject, perhaps talking more about personalities or the autoharp community rather than technical ideas. Or, I might write a personal essay from the perspective of a merchant or a luthier.

Writing essays requires a little more work than writing blog posts, but it also gives me a chance to really shape and express my thoughts.

Recreational music making in groups (having fun, socializing) does not define the scope of using the autoharp. Some like to play alone, perhaps with special tunings, and some want to excel and be credible solo or band performers. Using the autoharp at whatever level just to sooth your soul is fine too, call it "fun" if you will, but advancement of the autoharp is not in having autoharps owned in greater numbers, more folks "just like me". It is in making an impressive public presentation and in providing instruments of a quality that inspires people to spend time with the autoharp and to be better players.