Want to know more about the people behind Harp Column? Get ready to meet a new team member each month in a series of Q and A posts here and on social media. (Follow @harpcolumn on Instagram to stay in the loop!) Do you have questions for the team? Get in touch with us at info@harpcolumn.com.
Heather Cornelius
What do you do at Harp Column?
I’m the news editor for Harp Column. I keep our website up to date with the latest harp news. I also help create weekly emails that feature some of Harp Column’s best content, from sheet music downloads to Harp Column Academy video tutorials to past magazine articles.
Where are you currently based?
I live on the northeast side of the Twin Cities metro area (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota).
How long have you been playing the harp?
About 17 years.
Tell us about your harp career outside of Harp Column:
I’m studying at the University of Minnesota in the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program. This past year I finished up my last music theory and music history requirements, so this fall I’ll be working on my thesis. I also have my last two recitals to prepare for, and I play with the university orchestra and wind ensemble at school. I also play with local orchestras and play background music for events. My favorite places to play background music are cultural centers, like art museums and the French cultural center downtown. I’m also the membership chair of the World Harp Congress, and I’m involved with the Minnesota Chapter of the American Harp Society.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I practice for three to four hours in the morning and early afternoon. I usually do some projects in the afternoon, whether that’s writing news and emails for Harp Column or researching for my doctoral thesis.
Print music or digital?
Print.
If you weren’t a harpist, what would you do for a living?
I’d probably do something in the medical field, either as a nurse or a physical therapist.
What is something about HC and/or your work at HC that you want people to know?
We want to know what’s happening in the harp community! If you’ve got news (like a new CD, a new appointment to a faculty or orchestra position, or a new book, or if you’ve received an award or gotten an interview with a major news outlet), share it with us so that we can share it on our website for everyone to read. Send your news to info@harpcolumn.com, and don’t forget to attach a high-resolution photo!
Kimberly Rowe
How long have you been with Harp Column?
This month marks Harp Column’s 30th anniversary, and as the founder, I’ve been here since we started way back in 1993! (Check out our first issue!)
What do you do at Harp Column?
I have done literally every job at Harp Column, from writing and editing, to design and layout, to labeling and sorting issues for mailing on my dining room table (the early years!). My current role is web editor, which I love. I design and maintain our three websites and work with our team to get both our free and paid content online. I work on setting up and troubleshooting our Harp Column membership system and directories, along with getting our Harp Column Music and Harp Column Academy products and courses online.
What is the highlight of your job with Harp Column?
I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but definitely it’s all the amazing harpists I’ve gotten to meet and places I’ve gotten to visit while representing Harp Column. It’s opened my eyes and ears to possibilities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Where are you currently based?
I live in the small town of Camden, Maine. Fun fact: Carlos Salzedo ran his famous Summer Harp Colony here, just a few streets over from where I live. I first came here in the 1980s to study with his successor, Alice Chalifoux, but I never imagined that one day I’d live here.
How long have you been playing the harp?
Over 40 years!
Tell us about your harp career outside of Harp Column:
The highlight of my harp career has been performing as a substitute musician with The Philadelphia Orchestra for many years before moving to Maine. I got to play in some of the world’s finest concert halls, with the world’s finest musicians and conductors. I’m incredibly thankful for that experience. A few years ago I had the opportunity to perform with several orchestras in the Czech Republic. Playing Mahler where Mahler lived is something I will never forget. I have done countless other freelance gigs with orchestras, along with playing background music in fancy restaurants around the world. I also taught some wonderful students—now with harp careers of their own—and co-founded the Young Artist’s Harp Seminar. These days I’m more focused on Harp Column business and less on performing and teaching.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It always starts with coffee! My husband (Harp Column co-founder Hugh Brock) makes a mean cappuccino. If he’s not around, I head to our local coffee shop to catch up on email. After that I’ll either return to my home office, or catch a pilates class in town. My daily agenda will depend on where we are in the Harp Column production cycle. If it’s near an issue release date, I’ll be working on designing article posts and getting our issue online. When that’s not happening I might be thinking about what seasonal music to promote on Harp Column Music or what new content we need to add to Harp Column Academy. There are always website and membership problems that come up, so often I’m troubleshooting those issues.
Favorite Harp Column Music pick
You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m the Pedal Sliders’ biggest fan. Their jazzy arrangements just fall right into my hands. I also love Carol Robbins’ two original compositions “Still Light” and “Emilia,” which we published for her.
Print music or digital?
Digital for sure. I started using my iPad to read music when we moved overseas and I could take all my print music with me. I never looked back.
If you weren’t a harpist, what would you do for a living?
I never thought I’d love designing websites as much as I do and I could definitely see myself doing that full time. In fact, I’m now designing sites for other harpists and musicians along with the work I do at Harp Column. If I wasn’t doing that, I’d love to open a wine bar, but I think the late hours would kill me.
What is something about HC and/or your work at HC that you want people to know?
We are a very small, very devoted team of people—all harpists—at Harp Column. If you get in touch with us to ask a question about your subscription, or an article, or anything else, it’s going to be a harpist who answers your question. We are all performing, teaching, practicing, and pursuing our own musical goals in addition to bringing you Harp Column magazine and our other projects. So we know right where you’re coming from, and whether you’re a subscriber, or a social media follower, or you’re catching up on our harp news posts, that’s why we’re so passionate about helping you achieve your own harp goals and dreams.
Alison Reese
What do you do at Harp Column?
I am the print editor of Harp Column and co-owner, along with Harp Column founder Kimberly Rowe (you’ll hear from her next month!). As the print editor, I am responsible for the entire production cycle of Harp Column magazine. I plan the content for each issue, assign articles to writers, do some writing myself, edit all of the copy for the magazine, do the layout design of each issue, and work with our printer and mailing house to get the print issue delivered to our subscribers across the United States and around the world. In addition to my duties as print editor, I’m also involved with editing our news content on harpcolumn.com, curating content for Harp Column Academy, our online learning website, and planning some of the special projects that come up throughout the year at Harp Column.
How long have you been with Harp Column?
I was a summer intern back in 2000 when I was a young collegiate whipper snapper. I began working for Harp Column as managing editor in 2003, and I’ve been here ever since. This September will mark 20 years!
What is the highlight of your job with Harp Column?
The highlight of my job is all of the amazing harpists I get to know through interviews and articles I am working on for the magazine. I love being able to share their stories with the harp world.
Where are you currently based?
I live in Zeeland, Michigan, which is a small town between Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan.
How long have you been playing the harp?
I started playing the harp when I was 8 years old. I’ll let you do the math.
Tell us about your harp career outside of Harp Column:
I perform as a freelance harpist throughout West Michigan. I do a lot of orchestral playing and the typical hodgepodge of freelance gigs. I also teach privately out of my home.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are exactly alike, which I love. I’m up before dawn to workout before my kids get up. I try to take a quick peek at my email before the morning chaos. Once my kids are off to school, I take my coffee on my long commute from kitchen to office (about 14 steps). Most days consist of some combination of practicing/teaching/gigs mixed in with my Harp Column work—project planning, writing/editing, communicating with writers, print design work, and staying on top of Harp Column’s physical mail and back issues of the magazine.
How many harps do you own?
I have an old Lyon & Healy Style 15—the pedal harp I started on! I also have a little Dusty Strings Allegro and a Lyon & Healy Style 23, which is my work horse.
Favorite issue of Harp Column?
That’s like picking a favorite child—I have one, but I’m not telling. Kidding…I really do fall in love with the stories in each issue. Usually the most recent issue is my favorite, which would have to be my answer right now. We interviewed Ukrainian harpist Veronika Lemishenko for the cover of our May/June 2023 issue. Her story is compelling—both heart-wrenching and hopeful. I’m grateful harpists trust Harp Column to share their stories.
Print music or digital?
I’m going to get a lot of shade from the Harp Column Music team for saying this, but I’m a print girl. I do have a lot of digital music, especially for background music gigs, but my default is still print.
If you weren’t a harpist, what would you do for a living?
I would probably be a librarian. My mom is a children’s librarian, and I am on the board of my local library. Whenever I travel to a new place, I love checking out the library—there is something so exciting to me about a public space where all are welcome to come peruse the shelves.
What is something about Harp Column and/or your work at Harp Column that you want people to know?
Sorry, I can’t pick one thing. I have three things I want people to know:
- OUR TEAM—We have a great team at Harp Column—the best, in my opinion. We might be small in numbers, but everyone on the Harp Column team is excellent at what they do and works hard behind the scenes to produce the highest-quality content and services possible.
- OUR CONTENT—We have a staggering amount of really good content in Harp Column, Harp Column Music, and Harp Column Academy. If you are a Harp Column subscriber, check out our (30 years!) of back issues; if you need sheet music, check out our thousands of titles on Harp Column Music; if you want to learn more about different perspectives on how to play the harp, check out our library of more than 500 instructional videos at Harp Column Academy. There is so much harp content to geek out on!
- OUR AUDIENCE—We want to hear from you! You know that old Bryan Adams song from the ’90s, “Everything I Do, I Do It for You?” Well, that’s kind of how we approach what we do at Harp Column—everything we do, we do it for you—our fellow harpists. So tell us what you want to see, what you like, what we could do better, what you think we should write about. And tell us your news so we can tell the harp world!
Liana Alpino
How long have you been with Harp Column?
I first started working as a Harp Column Music assistant in 2018.
What do you do at Harp Column?
I work on a few different things for Harp Column. Most of my time is spent uploading products to Harp Column Music. If you are an approved HCM artist and want to sell your original compositions or arrangements, I’m likely the one who creates your product page! I also write blogs featuring Harp Column Music products. One of my most recent blogs was “Celebrating Earth Month” featuring my favorite sheet music inspired by nature. Aside from HCM work, I also run our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram—if you’re not following us, please do! Occasionally, I contribute to Harp Column magazine and work on special projects like the January 30 Day Practice Challenge.
Where are you currently based?
I live in Music City (a.k.a. Nashville, Tennessee).
How long have you been playing the harp?
I started in the first grade and have been playing for almost 25 years.
Tell us about your harp career outside of Harp Column.
I am fortunate to have an active harp schedule here in Nashville. I perform for weddings, recording sessions, with local orchestras, and for all kinds of events. In my free time, I enjoy writing original music for harp and creating pop harp arrangements. My arrangements can be found on Harp Column Music, as well as other sites. I also currently serve as the president for the Nashville Harp Society and teach five amazing students ranging from ages 10 to 82!
What does a typical day look like for you?
I stay busy! I work full-time as the brand and merchandise manager for the world-renowned songwriter venue, The Bluebird Cafe. I manage everything from their ticketing platform, newsletter and website maintenance to sponsorships, booking, special events, social media, and designing t-shirts. I often create Harp Column social media posts on my lunch break. After working, I come home to upload HCM products, teach students, perform, practice, or try to get the occasional load of laundry done!
How many harps do you own?
Too many! I have my main Lyon & Healy 85 CG, an 85 petite, and five lever harps that my students use. I also own a beautiful cardboard harp that a friend hand painted, as well as a table top one-octave harp. It’s so tiny and cute!
Favorite Harp Column Music pick
This is really hard. As the person who uploads many of our products, I fall in love with so many pieces. If you read my blogs on Harp Column Music, all my favorites are included for different playlists (i.e. weddings, meditation, Halloween, etc). Lately, though, I’ve been enjoying Tamsin Dearnley’s original composition Ondulations à la Surface de l’eau and Michelle Whitson Stone’s arrangement of the Motown hit “I’ll Be There.”
Print music or digital?
If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have said “print music, I could never go digital.” But now that I have an iPad and have converted my gig book, I really could never go back to print! It’s just so much easier for me. The biggest plus is not having to worry about the wind turning your pages outside. After three years, (knock on wood!) I still haven’t had any technical issues.
What is something about Harp Column that you want people to know?
We want to feature you! Especially the works you enjoy from Harp Column Music. Simply tag #harpcolumnmusic in your Instagram posts performing music you downloaded from HCM for the chance to be featured. Additionally, our sheet music catalog is literally growing every day. Be sure to drop by occasionally and see what new offerings we have. There’s just about everything you could need for any type of event—and the best thing is you can download the music instantly!
Danielle Kuntz
What do you do at Harp Column?
I am the “Customer Service Specialist.” In other words, I directly interact with you (the customers) to provide assistance with placing orders, renewals, account issues, etc. If you email Harp Column, you are usually talking to me! I also create the classified ad list for each magazine issue, as well as compile the annual College Harp Program and Summer Harp Camp directories. We also have a few specific types of orders, like gifts, that need to be processed manually.
How long have you been with Harp Column?
I started working for Harp Column in January 2020.
What is the highlight of your job with Harp Column?
Interacting with harpists around the world. I enjoy meeting you all individually through email and also seeing the “birds-eye” view of the harp community through the other tasks. This job also helps me stay in the loop with harp news and keep up with the industry.
Where are you currently based?
I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
How long have you been playing the harp?
18 years!
Tell us about your harp career outside of Harp Column:
I primarily perform contemporary classical music, both as a soloist and with my ensemble, The _____ Experiment. I also consult and guest lecture on writing for the harp and work with universities around the U.S. (both in-person and virtually). I also have a small harp studio of both adult students and young professionals.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I have a toddler at home, so a typical day can be quite chaotic! After breakfast, I start by checking in with Harp Column: answer emails, take care of any specific tasks for that day. I always try to practice a little bit in the morning to warm up, just in case I don’t have time later in the day. The afternoon can be variable, depending on whether I am teaching, have consults, score reviews, or am prepping for an evening performance. But the afternoons when I’m at home, I try to keep an eye on Harp Column emails and handle those as they come in. Practice is also an afternoon priority! In a perfect world, I wouldn’t work in the evening after my kid is in bed. But alas, I often use that time to wrap up projects and plan my schedule for the following day.
How many harps do you own?
So far, three. A concert grand pedal harp, a large lever harp, and a lap harp. I also have my eyes on an electric lever harp…fingers crossed!
Favorite Harp Column Music pick
Flow, by Brittney Benton. Brittney actually wrote during a residency I did at her school. It’s beautiful, comfortable for the hands, and so fun to play. It’s perfect for both background music and solo performances and it’s in my regular music rotation!
Print music or digital?
Digital! I made the transition to digital music in 2021 and wish I had done it sooner. I opted for the Samsung Galaxy rather than the Apple iPad and have no complaints.
If you weren’t a harpist, what would you do for a living?
I love numbers, data, and trends, so probably either accounting or marketing. Or, I might have gone on for a PhD in music theory like I had originally planned. As it is, I’m trying to talk myself out of an MBA!
What is something about Harp Column and/or your work at Harp Column that you want people to know?
We have so many incredible resources on our websites, far beyond what you get in the magazine. A subscription is absolutely worthwhile! We are also constantly improving and updating our websites. You are welcome to reach out if you encounter issues or have suggestions—but know that any issues are likely on our radar and something that we are already working on in the backend!
