My level

Levels

 Curious about your level of harp playing

Think of yourself on a continuum of learning. 

Novice++++++++++++++++++++Upper Adv.

You may be advanced in some areas and less so in other areas.  It is true that beginners can contribute to more advanced ensembles if appropriate steps are taken by ensemble leaders to write out parts suitable for them and offer helpful tips such as playing only the treble or bass clef
or playing only the first note(s) of each measure.

Teachers and performers have varied ideas about what skills to expect at various levels.  Following are some ideas regarding levels. They are taken from several sources on the internet, teachers  and common sense. 

    

Be realistic about your level of playing. There are different levels of playing for everyone. 

Novice:

Is learning to read music,

 key and time signatures and note values

Is learning proper hand position and seating position

Beginner

Can read music

Holds proper hand positions

Understands key and time signatures

Understands note values and how to count rhythms

Can play intervals and scales

Understands dynamic markings

Is beginning to understand musicality

Can play one or both hands in both clefs

Can identify and play I, IV and V chords

Experienced Beginner

Familiarity with two octaves on the harp, 

Ability to play short phrases

Ability to read basic notes

Advanced beginner:

Can play arpeggios
Can change a lever in a piece

Understands chords
Understands inversions

Can play one or both hands in Ensembles

Can play melody lines with attention to quality of sound

Can perform a piece or two before a friendly audience

Can follow a lead sheet and create a simple improvisation for the left hand
Can play a melody line by ear

Understand the value of tuning in E flat

Understands harmonics

Familiarity with three octaves Ability to play through pieces with melody and chords  Some four-finger patterns.
 

Intermediate:

Can sight read music

Can work out sensible fingerings

Can play comfortably at tempo with practice

Can play fairly comfortably for a friendly audience

Is comfortable using dynamics
Can focus on the quality of the sound

Can change levers several times while playing
Can play comfortably from a fake book improvising a left hand accompaniment

Can do some ornamentation (grace note, Scotch snap, turn, etc.)

Can comfortably play at least a four-page composition

Is comfortable with improvising

Can incorporate  most technical elements
(i.e. rolled chords, glissandos, crossovers, slides & harmonics)

Minimum buzzing

Advanced:

Plays more complex music

 Sight reads at suggested tempo

Plays ornaments with each hand

Plays melodies in left hand while accompanying with right

Plays advanced rhythms, four note chords, trills, ornaments, multiple lever changes

  Is attentive to performance skills

Plays with no buzzing

Upper advanced:

Can play as if it is no challenge at all; no limits.