“The word ‘obsession’ might fill some hearts with fear. However, my obsession has not been a curse, but a blessing,” say Jessica Siegel, owner of Harps Etc. in Walnut Creek, Calif.
Being completely consumed by the harp is a good thing.
“You must be completely obsessed with music to succeed.”
A teacher whom I adored and respected told me this when I was young. In order to thrive, I needed to eat, sleep, and breathe my work. Could I imagine a life without my harp playing being the centerpiece of each day? Would I be able to sacrifice nights, weekends and holidays with family? Was I willing to let my passion become my obsession and my raison d’être?
The word “obsession” might fill some hearts with fear. However, my obsession has not been a curse, but a blessing. My obsession has enriched my life and hopefully the lives of others with whom I have been fortunate enough to share it. My obsession propels me out of bed each morning. It has been my life for decades.
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My obsession is the harp. Since the age of 16, this amazing instrument has ruled my world. In high school, you would find me in the “harp room” before school, during study hall, and after school. The school harp came home with me in the summer in a rented station wagon. It would soon dictate how many stairs were in my home (none!), what kind of shoes I wore (heels to help move the pedals), the flair and length of my skirts (one must cover the knees), the people I would hang out with (musicians), how I spent my “vacations” (at harp conferences and festivals), what I did on nights, weekends, and holidays (entertain others), how I would spend my money (on harps and music), what size car I would drive (a big one) and how I would make a living (playing the harp!). When it came time for college, there was no question where to study. For me, that was the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).
College majors tend to be breeding grounds for obsessive types like me, and I found many kindred spirits at CIM. There were over 35 harp majors studying under the grande dame of the harp, Miss Alice Chalifoux. Miss Chalifoux commanded respect while being earthy and humorous. She believed that you could solve any problem with chocolate, laughter, and, of course, the harp. She was legendary. Miss Chalifoux carried on the great harp traditions she had learned as a student of the inimitable harpist, teacher and composer, Carlos Salzedo. Her career with the world famous Cleveland Orchestra spanned decades. She trained thousands of harpists who traveled from around the world to study with her. At her 100th birthday tribute concert, hundreds of harpists gathered to reminisce about their time under her tutelage and to hear music performed by her many, now world-famous, former students. This woman influenced my life in profound ways. It is safe to say that she was also obsessed with the harp and passed this obsession on to her eager flocks of students.
Everyone should have a mentor. Miss Chalifoux not only taught me how to play the harp, but she showed me how to be an effective teacher. She knew how to diagnose a technical or musical problem and cure it in a few, concise words. Her influence is at the heart of my obsession. A terrible teacher can kill your interest, and a great teacher will nurture your passion. I love the harp, and I live to teach this awesome instrument and to pass on her legacy to the next generation.
Teachers have so much power over the lives of their students. I did not appreciate this until I had taught a full generation of young harpists. When one of my first students decided to pursue a career as a professional harpist, her mother said, “You’ve had a stronger influence on my daughter than I’ve had.” That was a very generous statement and truly an exaggeration, but the thought behind it struck me. I was transforming lives in the same way in which Miss Chalifoux had molded mine, and in the same way Mr. Salzedo influenced his students. Apparently obsessions are contagious.
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I played the harp full time for over 20 years, entertaining thousands of people. About 15 years ago, an injury forced me to stop playing full time. Although I was devastated by this turn of events, it allowed me to create new ways of sharing my obsession. I became a private harp instructor and opened one of the few harp stores in the United States, Harps Etc. in Walnut Creek, Calif. My mission is to introduce the harp to the curious and to teach them the joy of making music and building friendships through the harp. My obsession helped guide me to a new life. Pleasure was restored to my world.
As the sun rises and sets on each day, my first and last thoughts are about my work and the wonderful obsession that it is. What would it feel like to work in a job that I detested, or found boring, or lived in fear of losing? I thank the universe that I have not known these experiences. Life is joyful and meaningful when your obsession fills your world with music and people who share your passion. Sometimes an obsession is a good thing. •
