The Jew’s Harp

January 17, 2011 Leave a Comment

by Zachary Loavenbruck

I have played in various bands since my college days, employing numerous musical styles. I enjoy the limitless possibilities music offers for creating something original and explore a full range of instruments, playing the piano, melodica, congas, guitar, and Jew’s harp.

Also known in America as a mouth harp or jaw harp, the Jew’s harp is thought to be one of the world’s oldest instruments. It has many names in various cultures over the centuries, such as the gewgaw in England, koukin in Japan, guimbarde in France, and genggong in Bali. A Dutch musicologist once identified over a thousand names for the Jew’s harp.

The Jew’s harp comprises a simple metal or bamboo reed connected to a rounded frame that looks like an elongated horseshoe. With the frame held firmly to the front teeth, the jaw acts as a resonator, amplifying the sound of the instrument. Although the basic tone of the harp is confined to a single pitch, various overtones and melodies can be added by varying the shape of the mouth and the amount of air stored in the mouth. Players can achieve volume modulations by breathing in and out. The Jew’s harp produces a droning sound, making it a popular part of some religious rituals.

The harp is also associated with traditional folk music, particularly in the Turkic regions of Central Asia. Many modern world music recordings utilize the instrument, because of its lively and highly syncopated nature. I personally enjoy the Jew’s harp for the warm tonality it brings to live performances.

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About zacharyloavenbruck
Mr. Zachary F. Loavenbruck is a gifted educator with the ability to connect with and motivate his students. Specializing in secondary school education, Mr. Zach Loavenbruck successfully prepared curricula goals and ensured students were prepared for success after high school. Mr. Loavenbruck excelled as a teacher in various Connecticut high schools for over six years. Zach Loavenbruck taught U.S. History, Language Arts, Health, Current Issues, English, and Algebra, among other courses. His speaking and written skills were an asset in the classroom and students responded to his informative lectures and challenging assignments. A personable, knowledgeable, and affable man, Zach Loavenbruck strove to make his lectures and curriculum appealing and thought provoking. Less concerned with having his students memorize lists of facts, Zach Loavenbruck instilled in his students the ability to think critically and taught them how to pose meaningful questions when presented with information. Zack Loavenbruck served on various Accreditation Committees and also worked with faculty, students, and staff to develop Leadership and Mission Statement programs. Zach Loavenbruck made himself available outside of the classroom and was actively involved in both sports and high school theater. Zach Loavenbruck directed several high school musicals and talent shows. He organized the casting, rehearsals, and performances for the school and enjoyed watching creative talents shine on the stage. A lifelong baseball fan, Zach Loavenbruck also coached the Freshman and Varsity Softball teams. In his free time, Zach Loavenbruck enjoys staying active. He is involved in the Boston Men’s Baseball League and plays in the men’s 30+ division. He also enjoys hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and golfing. Zach Loavenbruck takes pleasure in reading his favorite authors, who include David Sedaris and Gore Vidal. A cinephile, Zach Loavenbruck enjoys watching and discussing movies in his off time. Zach Loavenbruck lives in the Boston, Massachusetts area.

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