The nyckelharpa is a stringed instrument from Sweden that is played with a bow. It has been documented going back over 600 years.
In Swedish, “nyckel” means key, and “harpa” was a word for a generic or basic instrument — some open strings on a box.
There is a lot of good information about the nyckelharpa at the http://www.nyckelharpa.org site of the America Nyckelharpa Association (I am a proud member). Also see http://www.cadence.nyckelharpa.eu/home/nyckelharpa for more nyckelharpa background, as well as other pages at http://www.cadence.nyckelharpa.eu.
There are a number of videos on YouTube with nyckelharpa. One of my favorites is Magnus Holmström at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D93OD5IYDx4&index=30&list=FLR7qxZX4Sl9SUprTrizodiw.
Hi Sonia. I saw your entry in the alumni section of the Shady Hill Magazine, Spring 2025. I live in Rockville now and had the good fortune to be TTC ‘03 to launch my second career as a teacher; I retired from Green Acres School in North Bethesda in 2005.
I play and teach mountain dulcimer (and bowed Psaltery and autoharp) and I’ve always been fascinated by the Nychelharpa. I don’t know that I want to acquire one and study, but I know it would be great fun to try it out and get acquainted. Is that something you might be able to share with me? We could talk about Shady Hill, share our music and I’d be glad to buy you a cup of coffee or tea or offer some other thank you gift of your choice.
Please let me know if you’re interested and what works for you. I’ll put my contact info and website below.
Thanks!
Karen Buglass
I just saw your comment and sent you an email.
Awesome! I just replied. I also need to correct a typo above. I started at Green Acres in 2005; I retired in 2015. Hope we can connect soon.