Show Notes
Finding a tuner you trust can transform both your sound and your sanity in the practice room. In this in-person tutor chat, Heather and Angela compare two Peterson strobe models and share what actually made a difference to tuning accuracy and workflow on lever and pedal harp. Expect plain-spoken pros/cons, real-world setup tips, and a few “wish I’d known this sooner” moments.
In this episode: • What makes Peterson’s “harp sweeteners” different (and when to use them) • Freestanding HDC vs clip-on: accuracy, usability, and portability • The steep learning curve (and how to cut tuning time back down) • Dealing with overtones, noise, and where to clip/place your tuner • Price points and value: when the investment is worth it • Bonus on the HDC: built-in metronome, visual cues, and stage visibility • Why your ear still matters (and how to pair ear checks with a tuner)
Watch to the end to leave with a clearer, calmer tuning routine that helps your harp ring true, and frees up more time for actual playing!
Host: Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp Guest: Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To Harp
Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly. Follow/subscribe and share with a harp friend.
Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)
#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #HarpTuning #PetersonTuners
More from How To Harp Podcast
Vikky had never played an instrument and had been told not to sing, so when someone suggested she try one, her answer was no way. Heather asks how that turned into a growing family of harps and a place among other harpists.
Christmas Collab 2026 Info HERE - https://www.howtoharp.com/courses/christmas-harp-collaboration-2026
A long break, a frustrating run of practice or a difficult stretch of life can leave a harp sitting untouched and the way back unclear. Heather gives this one listener question her full attention, because it keeps coming up in different forms. Thank you to everyone who writes in!
Heather welcomes Scottish harpist Rachel into the studio for an in-person conversation. It's clear how much fun it was having her there in the flesh, and that warmth carries through the whole chat.
The quick fix doesn't exist, and Heather thinks that's good news. If you've ever come out of a practice session feeling like you should be further on by now, this episode is for you.