As a harpist in the Rochester, New York area, I have performed as a soloist for a wide range of events. Among my favorites have been wine tastings, charity fundraisers, and family celebrations.
What I love most about performing is having the opportunity to share the harp with others. One of the most frequent comments I hear is that people did not realize the harp could sound so great playing such a variety of music.
Growing up in a musical family, I was always surrounded by music. My musical training started with piano lessons when I was four years old. Not long after that, I took up the violin, which gave me the opportunity to perform with larger ensembles - and indirectly introduced me to the harp. While I was playing with the Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra, I got to see and hear a harp for the first time. Since then, the harp has always been in the back of my mind.
I finally had the opportunity as an adult to try playing the harp. I was lucky enough to find my teacher, Roxanne Ziegler, who took the time to help me learn. With my background in music (and especially my years of training at the piano), I was able to transfer my skills relatively quickly to the harp.
For me, the harp represents a dream I have held since I was a girl. I love being able to share that dream with others, whether through formal performances or intimate gatherings where I can chat with attendees and answer any questions they may have about the instrument or my music.
I perform mainly with my Lyon & Healy Prelude lever harp. The harp is large enough to provide a rich, robust sound, yet still small enough for relatively easy transportation.
My Lyon & Healy Prelude harp is deep mahogany in color, with intricate gold designs along the solid spruce soundboard. Sitting atop the harp's column is a bronze, scalloped crown that matches the claw feet. The harp stands approximately 5.5 feet tall, and has a musical range of over five octaves (two octaves below Middle C, up to the E just over three octaves above Middle C).