Harpist

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Why choose a harpist for your event, party, or wedding?

The harp is a perfect solo instrument, producing rich, full music. You don't need to hire two musicians or 20 to have great music. Yes, you can pair the harp up with other instruments if you wish, but you don't have to. The vast majority of the weddings and events for which I have played in the last 18 years were as a solo artist.

The harp is beautiful, elegant, and classy.
The harp evokes images of richness and elegance. It is not commonplace, it looks unusual and expensive. Only you will know that hiring a harpist actually saved you money over hiring multiple musicians or a DJ.

Harp music is capable of filling a room without overpowering your guests' conversations.
The sound of the harp carries throughout rooms as if floating, yet it doesn't make it hard for guests to converse. I also bring a small amplifier or can plug into venue sound systems for large events to make sure the coverage of the music is full but not overwhelming.

Harp music is not just one type of music or mood.
The sound of the harp will always be elegant and beautiful, but the music you choose will set the tone and mood of your event. Do you want traditional? Do you want to infuse a subtle sense of humor? I've played everything from "Here Comes the Bride" to Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" as a wedding processional. Even with the most interesting music choices, your guests will hear beautiful music. And you and your friends will recognize the song and smile.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. What kind of music can be played on the harp?

Practically any type of music can be played on the harp, but not every piece/song of each type is possible. For example, some jazz songs can be played on the harp. But not every piece which is jazz is suitable to for the harp. So all these types of music and more can be played on the harp: classical, folk, rock, jazz, showtunes, music from movies, new age. But if you have a specific song in mind that you want to have played, it is best to check with the harpist first to make sure that song is playable on the harp. And if you would like a specific type of music, check to make sure the harpist you're hiring has that type of music in his/her repertoire.

Does a harp require amplification?
The short answer is no, the harp does not need amplification. The concert harp is intended to produce a large sound capable of being heard with an orchestra in a concert hall. The sound of the harp carries well even from one room into the next, and it is often commented to me that it's nice to have an instrument which can be heard, carries well throughout the space, but is not overpoweringly loud.
Some events, however, may be held in spaces and in circumstances which are not friendly to the harp. For example, very large rooms with heavy carpets and/or drapes or events with a guestlist of 400 people all conversing (or often a combination of both). Or perhaps simply an outdoor wedding in which the wind is carrying the sound away from the guests.
For this reason I take with me to every gig--just in case--a small battery-powered amp which does not need to be plugged into either electricity or a sound system. It adds that extra volume to carry above the room noise.
If you're looking into hiring a harpist but worrying about whether the sound of the harp by itself will be enough, ask the harpist if they have their own amplification system and whether or not they need to be situated near an outlet to plug it in. And/or ask your venue if they have a house system that can be used to amplify a harp.

Will harpists play for outdoor events?
That depends on the harpist. Playing outside is hard on both the harp and the harpist, and some harpists choose to not accept outdoor gigs. Other harpists will add a fee for playing outdoors and/or specify conditions under which it can be done. For example, I ask for a flat, level place to play preferably out of direct sunlight.
Under no circumstances can a harpist be expected to play outdoors if it's raining or continue playing if it starts raining. If water starts falling on the harp, you can quite reasonably expect the harpist to start covering up his/her expensive instrument and taking it to shelter no matter what else is going on. Most outdoor events will have an alternate rain location or other provisions for rain, make sure your harpist knows what those provisions are. A tent may or may not be enough, wind might drive the rain through the sides of the tent. I remember at least one occasion in which I moved my harp through the guests to the center of the tent where it wouldn't get splattered with water in order to continue playing.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. What is your musical training?
I am a highly trained musician.
I hold both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in music, specifically harp performance, from Northwestern University in Evanston. I started music lessons at the age of 2 1/2 and have devoted my life training as a musical artist.

Are you experienced playing for parties, weddings, and special events?
I am a very experienced at providing music for weddings and events.
I have been playing for weddings and special events professionally for about 18 years. I've played for everything from the most esoteric ceremonies to the most traditional masses; from the smallest, most intimate (I was the only witness) to the biggest, most splendid affairs.

What types of music do you play?
I am a very versatile harpist.
I play everything from Classical to Rock music, Celtic to Asian, Christian and Jewish, and so many other choices. See my Audio Sample and Repertoire List pages on my website for ideas.

What kind of equipment do you bring?
I arrive elegantly attired with a beautiful harp and matching equipment.
How elegant and expensive-looking is a wire music stand and a folding chair? Not at all!
I bring with me a matching black wood and brass music stand and a black carved wood harp stool on which to sit while playing my elegant harp. I do my best to fulfill not only the music of the harp but the image of elegance. I have a small battery powered amplifier for locations where no outlet is nearby, and a larger system for banquet rooms.

Do you like playing for events, parties, and weddings?
I love playing for weddings and events.
I don't just work as a freelance musician as a sideline, I don't just play for weddings when I'm not otherwise booked. Playing for special events in people's lives fulfills me. I truly want to be there for you in order to make my aspect of your day the best possible. This is my way of enriching lives, by sharing my talent and making a living doing it. Yes, sometimes I'm just an employee, and that's ok. But for some clients, some guests, and some events, I can be an integral part of making it even more special and memorable.