Liehsja
Healthy Harp Technique
Technique that works with your body
If playing the harp has started to hurt — whether that's a nagging ache in your wrists, tension in your shoulders, pain in your hands or arms, or something more serious — you're not alone. And there is a way forward.
Whether you are experiencing discomfort, struggling with tension, concerned about posture, or looking to prevent injury before it arises, I offer support to help you find a way forward.
Playing the harp requires a great deal of physical strength. While harpists are often seen as graceful or even "angelic," the reality of daily practice is one of endurance, coordination, and sustained effort.
Over time, this can lead to tension, discomfort, or pain — particularly in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, and back. Poor posture, inefficient technique, or simply doing too much without the right support can all contribute. If left unaddressed, these patterns may develop into repetitive strain injury (RSI) — or conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tendinopathy, focal hand dystonia, or chronic shoulder and neck pain.
Self-care is essential — not only for the body, but for the whole musician. Many players find themselves navigating aches, fatigue, or a sense that something isn't quite working, without knowing how to resolve it.
Developing habits and awareness before pain begins — building a sustainable, healthy relationship with the harp from the very first lesson or as a refresher at any stage.
Addressing the early signs: tension in hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, or back. Small, thoughtful changes can make a profound difference — releasing tension and restoring ease.
For those already experiencing pain, a gentle, non-judgemental approach to guide you out of pain and back into a place of ease and enjoyment.
My Approach
My approach looks beyond "fixing" a single problem. Instead, we explore how you play as a whole — your technique, hand position, movement, and relationship with the instrument. Small, thoughtful changes can make a profound difference, helping to release tension, restore ease, and rebuild confidence in your playing.
Our bodies are innately intelligent. Learning to listen to what they are communicating is a key part of the process. Together, we develop a way of playing that feels more natural, efficient, and sustainable — one that supports both technical freedom and musical expression.
Over the past 20 years, I have developed and refined approaches within my teaching that help to prevent injury, as well as guide players out of pain and back into a place of ease and enjoyment. Every harpist's journey is unique, and the path forward will be shaped around your individual needs.
If something in your playing doesn't feel quite right, or you'd simply like to explore a more natural and comfortable way of playing, you're very welcome to get in touch.
Sessions are available in person in Sussex, or online via Zoom — wherever you are in the world.
Not sure where to start? Just say hello — there's no obligation, and all enquiries are warmly welcomed. I aim to respond within two working days.
Testimonial
Liehsja is a wonderful teacher and harpist. I came to her after years of pain from being taught a technique that didn't work for my body. I was desperate, but she patiently and expertly guided me through learning her method of playing the harp, and the results have been incredible. Everything immediately felt so much more stable and supported, it almost feels like the notes play themselves. I get such a stronger sound with so much less effort and pain. I'm so grateful to Liehsja, having the opportunity to be taught by her is a true privilege.
— Amy PFrequently Asked Questions
What kinds of physical problems can you help with?
Harpists can be affected by a wide range of physical issues — from general hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck, or back pain, to more specific conditions such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or repetitive strain injury (RSI). If something here resonates with what you're experiencing, you're very welcome to get in touch.
I'm not sure what's wrong — I just know something doesn't feel right. Can you still help?
Absolutely. Many players come to me without a formal diagnosis — just a sense that playing has become uncomfortable, effortful, or painful. Whether you're playing through pain, experiencing hand fatigue, or simply feeling tension that won't go away, that's enough reason to reach out.
Can poor technique cause physical problems?
Yes. Inefficient technique, unhelpful wrist or arm position, poor posture, or harp ergonomics that don't suit your body can all contribute to discomfort and injury over time. Addressing these is central to my approach.
Do I need to have a serious injury to work with you?
Not at all. Many players come to me for prevention — before problems develop. If you're concerned about your posture, technique, or simply want to play in a more natural and sustainable way, you're very welcome.
Do I need to be a professional harpist?
Not at all. I work with harpists of all levels — from beginners to professionals — and with players of all ages.
Can sessions be done online?
Yes. Sessions are available both in person in Sussex and online via Zoom, so wherever you are in the world, support is accessible.
How long does it take to see results?
Every harpist's journey is unique. Some players notice a meaningful difference after just one or two sessions; others benefit from ongoing work over a longer period.
Will I need to change my whole technique?
Not necessarily. My approach is gentle and exploratory — we look at how you play as a whole, and changes are always thoughtful and gradual, shaped around your individual needs.