The Veeh Harp is a plucked string instrument that can be played without any knowledge of music. An elementary notation was developed specifically for the instrument — reduced to the essentials of pitch and duration. The harp is tuned in equal temperament in semitones, like a piano.
History
The history of the Veeh Harp began on a farm in Gülchsheim, Germany with the son of Inge and Hermann Veeh, Andreas, who was born with Down syndrome. Music had always been a part of their lives — violin, cello and harmonium had an ever-present place in the family home. Hermann soon discovered the musical interests of Andreas.
Andreas was born with a love of music, but developing the skills needed to play an instrument seemed unattainable. Hermann began his search for an instrument that Andreas could play, but could not find anything suitable. He decided to develop his own instrument - one that was tailored to the needs of his son.
Hermann Veeh
It took Hermann several years of experimentation, working tirelessly on many prototypes since 1987. Andreas tested the instruments again and again until a major breakthrough came in 1992. A balance between shape, sound and playability was perfected and the Veeh Harp was born. A wonderful world opened up for Andreas and many others, and the dream of playing music became a reality.
Since then, the Veeh Harp has been reaching further and further around the globe with distributorships in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan and now Australia.
Hermann Veeh passed away on July 1st, 2020. His creativity, determination, passion, and vision will continue in the hearts and minds of many. His legacy will live on, and the world has undoubtedly changed for the better because of him.
Hermann Veeh cutting the trademark ‘rosette’ into an early Veeh Harp.
Arpeggio Ensemble
Inclusion in the most beautiful way
In Germany, Veeh Harp enthusiasts have been making music with the Arpeggio Ensemble for over 25 years. Young people with disabilities started the music group with friends and parents under the direction of Hermann Veeh in 1992.
Hermann Veeh's goal was for Andreas and his friends to play music with other people — including professional musicians. The Arpeggio Ensemble is just one of many Veeh Harp ensembles around the world.
