I love a good challenge. I get bored playing the same set list over and over again. So long ago, I stepped up to the plate and accepted music requests, playing whatever my audience wants to hear. This can invite trouble, though… My wedding couples deliver their music selections to me well in advance so […]
My adventures of taking my harp to unusual locations are fodder for a comedy routine. I take pride in living by the adage, “Have harp, will travel,” even when getting to the location involves some creative logistics. Take, for example, flying with a harp. How does a harpist get that big thing on a plane? […]
Jack called me from work at a car dealership in New Jersey. “I’m coming out to Tahoe and I’m planning my wedding for June 14th. Are you available? There’s just one thing you need to know…I haven’t proposed to my girlfriend yet.” Thus, the wheels began to turn on one of the best wedding surprises […]
The Barbie™ sales distribution data downloaded slowly onto the company computer. I stared blankly at the never-ending rows of numbers appearing on the screen. This is how I began every day in my cubicle at Mattel Toy Company, logging in to view statistics upon arrival at my desk at 9 am, Monday through Friday. My […]
So many assume that my favorite thing to do is to listen to harp music. Are you kidding? I love playing the harp, and the instrument is part of me. But I don’t crave attending harp performances, collecting harp recordings, and listening to harp music on the radio or Pandora. I’ve played the harp for over […]
“Tell me about school,” my grandmother said when I was a teenager visiting her home. She listened attentively, nodded, and responded, “Just be happy!” I often use this mantra when I’m playing the harp, injecting the music with good feelings. But sometimes these simple instructions are hard to follow. Have you ever gone through a spell when the […]
I love the word, “Play”. The musical meaning of it is “to perform”, but it means so much more. It’s a magical word that opens up doors. Doesn’t playing also mean having fun? Play involves many types of activities, from taking the ball in a sport, to frolicking with children, to a theatrical performance. Play is also […]
I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said to me, “I’ve always wanted to learn to play the harp!” I get asked this all the time when I’m performing. My response is, “You can! You can take up the harp right now.” The typical reaction is a shake of the head and a […]
Executive Chef Boomer Acuña, of Zephyr Cove Restaurant, is moving on, and I’ll miss him. He’s off to a new job, and he’s part of a legion of unique individuals who totally gets it–The harp is not boring. No one actually told me, in so many words, that the harp is a yawn fest, but […]
I get asked this question whenever I’m ready to record new tracks, and it’s tough to summarize an answer. Perhaps Grammy® nominated classical music producers Victor and Marina Ledin put it best: “It’s like entering a submarine for the day. No phone calls, no doing business. Just concentrating on playing as perfectly as possible. You […]
