Strings and Things 

I demonstrate a number of different stringed instruments for schools and private parties.  The instruments include Greek Bouzouki, Irish Harp, Chinese Peipe, Bowed Dulcimer, guitar, banjo, Hammered Dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin, bowed psaltery, ukalaye, and mountain dulcimer.

 The harp is the oldest known stringed instrument. The word "harpa" or "harp" comes from Anglo-Saxon, Old German, and Old Norse words meaning "to pluck".  

A harp-like instrument was discovered on rock paintings dating back to 15,000 BC in France. Many believe that the earliest harps came from the sound of the hunter's bow.  Some of the earliest images of bow harps are from Egyptian Pharaoh's tombs dating back 5,000 years.

The Irish are generally credited with bringing the harp to Europe.  Scolars believe that the harp was actually brought to Europe from Egypt by the Phoenicians in pre-Christian times.  The harp was an integral part of Irish life for centuries.  Traveling harpists in Ireland, were known to be at the focal point of rebellions.  In the 1700's the harp was banned and Irish harpists executed.