Have you ever had someone tell you that they would "love to hear you play" after learning that you are a harpist? Silly question... I think it's safe to say that this is one of the most common comments we, as harpists, hear (a close second to the the favorite line of...
We have all run into that one client who requests 5 specific songs, none of which are in your rep book. I personally offer free arranging services for all of my clients; with the thought in mind that either way I am adding to what I can offer for future events. With...
Another new piece where I was able to work closely with the composer: Onur Dülger: Bai-Ulgan for solo harp, ensemble and live-electronics This piece, compared to the "Sonatine für Harfe" by Andreas Wykydal, uses lots of effects (hairclips, bow hair, super balls,...)....
Happy Monday! Happy June! I wanted to share one of my favorite TED talks that has influenced my life as a harpist, performer, teacher and even in the every day encounters away from the harp. You can ask anyone that has played a concert with me in the past year and...
I wish it had come like a flash of lightning. Or maybe an earth tremor or even a giant light bulb. But really, there was no one moment when I realized what was wrong with the way I was practicing. Just all of a sudden, I knew the real point of practice, and it changed...
Between day jobs, freelance gigs, teaching, babies and Chicago rush hour traffic, finding the time for all 4 members of the Chicago Harp Quartet is difficult to say the least. But, we were able to find 7 hours this past week for a marathon CHQ rehearsal and dinner...
Lets face it ladies (and gentlemen), playing the harp is a full body activity. Beyond the hand-eye-foot coordination required for getting through music like Renie's "Danse de Lutins", a harpist must also have a strong and healthy body to move and play their...
Because of the inevitable drop-off of students in the summer (uughghg), I pick up a seasonal life guard job. Yesterday was my first day back at the pool where I love to catch up on one of my favorite podcasts, Freakonomics. The episode was titled "When Willpower Isn't...
There was a time while I was living in Rochester completing my doctoral studies that I would take my Salvi Juno out and play for tips. Some days were lucrative, others not so much; there was one day that I literally made $4 after playing for 3 hours. I learned a...
Yes ladies and gentlemen... It's all part of the show!! Watch in awe (and horror) as an average-sized female in a gown attempts to unload and then transport an 88-pound instrument, a bench, and a music stand! Watch her open doors with only the fling of an arm and an...
