This article extra is part of the feature article One Big Happy Family in this issue.

Where does your branch sit on the harp family tree? Start by looking at the main trunk of the harp family tree with the harp’s founding fathers. From there, check out the other major historical branches. To figure out which branch yours grows from, start by asking your teacher about his or her teachers, which would be your harp “grandparents.” To figure out who taught your harp grandparents, start by asking your teacher if they know. Consult references such as Rench’s Harps and Harpists and Govea’s Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Harpists:

As you trace your line back through the generations, you will likely be able to connect yourself to one or more branches of the historical trees. Once you know your history you can play “six degrees of separation” with famous harpists, like the five young professional harpists below.

(See One Big Happy Family for historical harp family trees.)

Annabelle Taubl’s Tree

Nicole Brubaker Brady’s Tree

Remy van Kesteren’s Tree

Megan Conley’s Tree

Julie Smith Phillips’ Tree

(Note: This article is a companion to the feature article One Big Happy Family.)