Russian Intelligence
Learning Russian.
Author Alison Reese
Alison Reese
Editor of Harp Column, freelance harpist, private teacher, hot yoga lover, and grammar geek.
Venezuelan Virtuoso
Leonard Jacome has done as much as anyone to modernize and expand the possibilities of the traditional Venezuelan harp in the last 15 years. Newly relocated to the United States, Jacome has big plans to share the beloved music of his homeland with the world.
Homing in on What Matters
Common themes of motivation to play music.
A Crowded Field
Finding the funds.
Home Is Where the Harp Is
We talk about home, harp, haggis, and much more with Scottish harper Rachel Hair.
Jack of All Trades
Jack of all trades.
Being Brandee
NYC harpist Brandee Younger has had quite a year in 2020, but not the kind of year you might think. —by Alison Reese
When All Else Fails, Create
Musicians keep doing what they do best.
Breton Brilliance
Tristan Le Govic talks Celtic music, cooking, and all things Breton. —by Alison Reese
COVID Quandaries
Pandemic life has created a slew of dilemmas in our harp lives. Our experts weigh in with their advice on navigating them. —by Alison Reese
A Can-Do Attitude
The promise of a new year.
Creatively Canadian
Following in the footsteps of other great Canadian harpists, Angela Schwarzkopf could define the future of Canadian harp music for decades to come. —by Alison Reese
Good Times
Small victories.
On the Road
Harpist Mary Lattimore spends most of the year touring—just her, the harp, and the open road— and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Now in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, Lattimore is discovering her new normal. —by Alison Reese
Plenty of Time
Distracted harping.
Round Trip
Mexican harpist Emmanuel Padilla Hoguín had to leave home to discover his love for traditional Mexican music. Now he has won a top position that brings him back to his hometown.
Coping Through Crisis
Coping through crisis.
Braving Her Own Path
Nearly two decades after Harp Column first interviewed the Welsh phenom, we found Catrin Finch on a different path than tradition would have dictated.
The Practice Paradox
If you feel like you need a break from the harp, you probably do.
Special FX
Lara Somogyi is melding her classical training with her love of pop and technology to create a sound all her own.
A Listening Ear
We have a fascinating conversation with one of the most prolific harpists of her generation as we catch up with Judy Loman for our 20/20 series.
Free Advice
Traditional and modern career paths are both built on the same foundation.
Flying Solo
Xavier de Maistre has been on quite a ride for the last two decades. The French harpist tells us why he’s happier today than ever in the latest installment of our 20/20 series.
Just Do It
Stop wallowing in the sea of things undone and start focusing on just one thing…
Gone But Not Forgotten
Remembering what’s important.
On the Record
We check in with Yolanda Kondonassis 26 years after her debut album and our first interview with her in the latest installment of our 20/20 series.
Hitting the Road
Harpmobiles through the years I’m not a car person. In fact, I don’t even like…
Ahead of the Curve
We catch up with publishing powerhouse Sylvia Woods to find out what has changed in music publishing and where the industry stands on the cusp of 2020. —by Alison Reese
Practice Time
A timely lesson. —by Alison Reese
Living the Highland Life
Scottish harpist, singer, and composer Corrina Hewat shares stories of her life growing up in the magical Highlands and her modern take on her country’s traditional music.
Stamina Superstars
Having the stamina to go the distance.
Q and A with Katherine Harrison
If you are a harpist on Instagram, there’s a pretty good chance your feed has…
Q and A with Erin Hill
Our practical harpist hearts bursted with pride when we spotted harpist Erin Hill in a…
Getting Schooled
Going back to school.
World-Class Perspective
Seeing opportunities, not obstacles.
She’s Gott It
Newly appointed University of Arizona harp professor Michelle Gott has what it takes to lead one of the country’s most storied college harp
programs.
The Role of a Lifetime
Playing the role.
Embracing the Andante Life
The Vancouver (B.C.) Symphony Orchestra has big harp shoes to fill as Elizabeth Volpé Bligh steps down after more than 35 years as its principal harpist.
24 Christmas Works to Learn Now
Avoid the holiday rush by learning some new Christmas music this fall.
A Tune to Keep You on Your Toes
Find out why John Rutter’s “Dancing Day” should be on your practice list.
College Bound
Giving it the old college try.
Welsh Wonder
We talk with Osian Ellis—the harp world’s closest link to the great composer Benjamin Britten. —by Alison Reese
Masterminds
Expanding expertise beyond the harp.
Build a Great Gig Book
Find out how to create a gig book you’ll look forward to opening at every job.
What the Pros Play
Pros tell us their must-have gig book tunes, plus what they’re adding this season
Listen to This
There is room for both.
Torch Bearer
Nearly 20 years after her first trip to Bloomington as a student, Florence Sitruk is back. Except this time she’s the teacher.
Tough as Nails
Making it look easy.
Story Time
Making it look easy.
The Simple Life
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to finding your groove
Copely appointed to Vanderbilt faculty
The Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music has appointed Kirsten Agresta Copely to teach harp…
Florence Sitruk named professor at Indiana
German harpist Florence Sitruk is the new harp professor at the Indiana University Jacobs School…
13th World Harp Congress Kicks Off in Hong Kong
As harpists from around the globe gather in Hong Kong for the 13th World Harp…
Unforgettable
Find out what makes for a memorable performance for harpists who have spent their lives on stage.
A Gig to Remember
Memory bank.
Hairston awarded From the Top grant
Harpist Angelica Hairston is one of four recipients of From the Top’s Arts Leadership Grant,…
The Practice Bond
Practice time. —by Alison Reese
Going Camping
Summertime, and the camping’s easy.
Harpsicle Explosion
When the father-son team of William and Garen Rees came up with their idea for the tiny, colorful Harpsicle harp, they said they had no idea how successful it would be.
Gut Reaction
Wondering what to do about your gut strings? We take a look at current state of affairs in gut and help you sort out your options.
Autumnal Anticipation
Rethinking study habits.
Healthy Competition
The culture of competition.
Magazine Makeover
As you might have noticed by now, this issue of Harp Column looks a little…
Celtic Reels for St. Patrick’s Day
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with these Celtic reels, recorded by…
Alone Together
Something for everyone.
Joanna Newsom Soaring on Latest Album
Joanna Newsom talks harps, touring, and her new album Divers.
Exhale and Enjoy
Enjoy something new.
Deep and Wide
Preparing for success.
Bridget Kibbey releases new video
You’ve never heard Bach like this—harpist Bridget Kibbey and mandolinist Avi Avital join creative forces…
The Sky is the Limit
“…one day I said, ‘Well, if I really want to do music, I have to do it now.’ So I quit my job and I went for it,” says harpist Katryna Tan. She left a successful career in architecture to pursue the harp. Though she had her doubters and the road wasn’t easy, she has built a wildly successful performing and teaching career.
Puzzle Pieces
In the quest for balance, one size does not fit all. “If I really want…
Q and A with Janet Harrell
With Marco Salvi as its new President, Lyon & Healy has just appointed Janet Harrell as its…
Q & A with Somerset Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Sylvia Woods
Nearly every harpist knows the name “Sylvia Woods,” either from playing her arrangements or ordering…
Q & A with Royal Harpist Anne Denholm
Fresh out of grad school, Welsh harpist Anne Denholm landed a dream job—official harpist to…
Prince Charles Appoints New Royal Harpist
Anne Denholm is the new Royal Harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales. Denholm recently…
Harpist Without Borders
Madonna. Prince. Cher. Beyoncé. The pop music world has a handful of stars that…
Close Connections
Knowing your roots means understanding their context. Small world. I laugh when I hear that…
Removing Road Blocks
How the plague of perfection slows us down. If you haven’t read any of Deborah Henson-Conant’s…
Be Practical
Practical harpist. It can seem like a contradiction in terms. Some days nothing seems practical…
11 Website Essentials
Having a great website is like owning a fabulous pair of shoes—they will help you…
The Big Show
The Grammy Awards show provides moments every musician can get behind. “Music’s biggest night.” That’s…
lesson time
I know I’m late to the party, but I’ve finally hopped on the Skype lesson…
The Mooers the Merrier
Like many successful business owners, Ray and Sue Mooers started Dusty Strings in the basement of…
Behind the Strings
Tucked up in the Pacific Northwest, Dusty Strings has quietly become an iconic instrument builder…
The upside of snow
It’s snowing again. This isn’t exactly breaking news here in West Michigan. Thanks to our…
Sink or Swim
Great teachers prepare you to swim, even if you don’t think you’re ready. I loved my…
On the Road Again
Plenty of great harpmobile options are hiding in plain sight. Have you ever experienced that…
Ready to Roll
Next to “How much does your harp cost?” one of the most common questions harpists…
3-D Viewing
Close up, none of us really fit the stereotype of a harpist. Raise your hand…
Here come the harpmobiles!
Have you heard? Harp Column’s most requested article—our harpmobile review—is coming up. This popular feature…
Second to None
Antonio Forero and Lyon & Healy Harps As Lyon & Healy celebrates its sesquicentennial, president…
A Look Inside Lyon & Healy
Lyon & Healy found a recipe for success early on, and 150 years later, they…
On the Clock
Musicians spend a lot of time thinking about time. We’re not just beholden to the…
The Show Must Go On
Being ready for the unexpected is part of the gig. One Wednesday evening several months…
Five Easy Fixes
With thousands of moving parts, lots can go wrong on a pedal harp. But here…
Pot Luck
Getting your fill is a piece of cake. I love a good potluck dinner. Who…
Musical Comfort Food
What music do you crave when you need something warm and nourishing? The cold, blustery…
In Pursuit of Perfection
The quest to find the perfect harp gets a little easier. The harp buying process…
Debussy Trio Turns 25
The California-based chamber group reflect on their staying power after a quarter-century together. When it…
On My Mind—Behind the Numbers
Improving on the economic picture for freelancers. Early in my career, shortly after graduating from…