Editor of Harp Column, freelance harpist, private teacher, hot yoga lover, and grammar geek.
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
Distracted harping.
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.
Nearly two decades after Harp Column first interviewed the Welsh phenom, we found Catrin Finch on a different path than tradition would have dictated.
If you feel like you need a break from the harp, you probably do.
Lara Somogyi is melding her classical training with her love of pop and technology to create a sound all her own.
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.
Traditional and modern career paths are both built on the same foundation.
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.
Stop wallowing in the sea of things undone and start focusing on just one thing…
Remembering what’s important.
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.
Harpmobiles through the years I’m not a car person. In fact, I don’t even like…
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
A timely lesson. —by Alison Reese
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.
Having the stamina to go the distance.
If you are a harpist on Instagram, there’s a pretty good chance your feed has…
Our practical harpist hearts bursted with pride when we spotted harpist Erin Hill in a…
Going back to school.
Seeing opportunities, not obstacles.
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.
Playing the role.
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.
Avoid the holiday rush by learning some new Christmas music this fall.
Find out why John Rutter’s “Dancing Day” should be on your practice list.
Giving it the old college try.
We talk with Osian Ellis—the harp world’s closest link to the great composer Benjamin Britten. —by Alison Reese
Expanding expertise beyond the harp.
Find out how to create a gig book you’ll look forward to opening at every job.
Pros tell us their must-have gig book tunes, plus what they’re adding this season
There is room for both.
Nearly 20 years after her first trip to Bloomington as a student, Florence Sitruk is back. Except this time she’s the teacher.
Making it look easy.
Making it look easy.
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to finding your groove
The Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music has appointed Kirsten Agresta Copely to teach harp…
German harpist Florence Sitruk is the new harp professor at the Indiana University Jacobs School…
As harpists from around the globe gather in Hong Kong for the 13th World Harp…
Find out what makes for a memorable performance for harpists who have spent their lives on stage.
Memory bank.
Harpist Angelica Hairston is one of four recipients of From the Top’s Arts Leadership Grant,…
Practice time. —by Alison Reese
Summertime, and the camping’s easy.
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.
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.
Rethinking study habits.
The culture of competition.
As you might have noticed by now, this issue of Harp Column looks a little…
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with these Celtic reels, recorded by…
Something for everyone.
Joanna Newsom talks harps, touring, and her new album Divers.
Enjoy something new.
Preparing for success.
You’ve never heard Bach like this—harpist Bridget Kibbey and mandolinist Avi Avital join creative forces…
“…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.
In the quest for balance, one size does not fit all. “If I really want…
With Marco Salvi as its new President, Lyon & Healy has just appointed Janet Harrell as its…
Nearly every harpist knows the name “Sylvia Woods,” either from playing her arrangements or ordering…
Fresh out of grad school, Welsh harpist Anne Denholm landed a dream job—official harpist to…
Anne Denholm is the new Royal Harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales. Denholm recently…
Madonna. Prince. Cher. Beyoncé. The pop music world has a handful of stars that…
Knowing your roots means understanding their context. Small world. I laugh when I hear that…
How the plague of perfection slows us down. If you haven’t read any of Deborah Henson-Conant’s…
Practical harpist. It can seem like a contradiction in terms. Some days nothing seems practical…
Having a great website is like owning a fabulous pair of shoes—they will help you…
The Grammy Awards show provides moments every musician can get behind. “Music’s biggest night.” That’s…
I know I’m late to the party, but I’ve finally hopped on the Skype lesson…
Like many successful business owners, Ray and Sue Mooers started Dusty Strings in the basement of…
Tucked up in the Pacific Northwest, Dusty Strings has quietly become an iconic instrument builder…
It’s snowing again. This isn’t exactly breaking news here in West Michigan. Thanks to our…
Great teachers prepare you to swim, even if you don’t think you’re ready. I loved my…
Plenty of great harpmobile options are hiding in plain sight. Have you ever experienced that…
Next to “How much does your harp cost?” one of the most common questions harpists…
Close up, none of us really fit the stereotype of a harpist. Raise your hand…
Have you heard? Harp Column’s most requested article—our harpmobile review—is coming up. This popular feature…
Antonio Forero and Lyon & Healy Harps As Lyon & Healy celebrates its sesquicentennial, president…
Lyon & Healy found a recipe for success early on, and 150 years later, they…
Musicians spend a lot of time thinking about time. We’re not just beholden to the…
Being ready for the unexpected is part of the gig. One Wednesday evening several months…
With thousands of moving parts, lots can go wrong on a pedal harp. But here…
Getting your fill is a piece of cake. I love a good potluck dinner. Who…
What music do you crave when you need something warm and nourishing? The cold, blustery…
The quest to find the perfect harp gets a little easier. The harp buying process…
The California-based chamber group reflect on their staying power after a quarter-century together. When it…
Improving on the economic picture for freelancers. Early in my career, shortly after graduating from…
Looking at where past USA International Harp Competition winners are today. There have only been eight…
Remy van Kesteren sought redemption at the USA International Harp Competition, and he got it.…
This year’s USA Competition takes on special meaning. As this issue of Harp Column hits the streets,…