For those of you who were not aware, it is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Ruth Berman-Harris. Harpist, composer and teacher.

Ruth was a pioneer of Jazz harp, as well as an accomplished classical performer. She was a student of Lucille Lawrence, Carlos Salzedo, Casper Reardon and Marie Miller, as well as a composition student of Ronald Herder

While studying at Julliard she won the Madrigal Award at age 15.

Ruth spent over 40 years working as a studio musician for NBC, CBS and ABC.

Ruth served for several years on the board of New York Women Composers Inc. and was co-director of the Purchase Music Ensemble which sponsored the Aaron Copeland Competition for Young Composers.

Ruth published many arrangements of harp music as well as original compositions for both harp and piano. She taught harp at the Music Conservatory of Westchester and the Hoff-Barthelson Music School in Westchester, and also taught private lessons out of her home in White Planes NY until her retirement in the late 1990’s.

Ruth passed away April 23rd at the age of 96 in Peoria Arizona where she was living with her daughter Susan.

Ruth was one of the most beautiful human beings I ever had the privilege of knowing. She will be missed.